At the practice of Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer, we take your eye health seriously. We understand that your vision is important to you and we offer a wide selection of treatments to help you in maintaining the clear and dependable vision you deserve. In doing so, we provide routine, comprehensive eye examinations for new and current patients at our Skokie, Illinois area practice.
How often should I have an eye examination?
A comprehensive eye examination should be done every 3-5 years with a doctor for individuals under the age of 45, as directed by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. After that, patients should be seen every 2-3 years from ages 45-65, and every year after the age of 65. Patients who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, should be seen more often as their condition can impact their vision health. Some patients receive a diagnosis of a condition before they notice any symptoms, which is why this comprehensive examination is so important.
What conditions can be diagnosed during a comprehensive eye examination?
Some of the more common conditions seen at the practice of Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer include:
- Retinal tears
- Retinal holes
- Macular degeneration
- Inflammation
- Myopia
- Presbyopia
- Astigmatism
- Keratoconus
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Dry eyes
- Blepharitis
While some conditions are noticeable, others do not present symptoms in their earlier stages. The only way to catch these issues when they are treatable is to visit the eye doctor regularly for a comprehensive evaluation.
When should I schedule more regular evaluations?
Certain medical conditions can impact one’s vision, so coexisting conditions such as these below may warrant the need for more regular examinations:
- Diabetes
- Recent stroke
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Hypertension
- Giant cell arteritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriasis
- Sarcoidosis
- Eczema
What about current medications?
There are a variety of medications that may be prescribed to a patient that may impact their vision as well. Ocular side effects are commonly seen in medications that are directed at the central and peripheral nervous system, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anticholinergics. Antihistamines can also be responsible for dry eye, and may be taken regularly for allergies. Let Dr. Stuart P. Sondheimer know about any medications you are using before your examination so he can evaluate you properly.