Regular eye check-ups are the most important preventative measure that can be taken to protect your eye sight. According to the American Optometric Association, a comprehensive adult eye examination should include the following:

• Evaluation of the functioning ability of the eye and visual system
• Overall assessment of eye health
• Decisions pertinent to method(s) of treatment
• Patient education on eye conditions

An eye examination checks for near- and far-sightedness, pupil size, pupil response, color vision, ocular mobility, binocular vision and accommodation.

The AOA recommends the following frequency for eye examinations.

• Birth to 24-months: Check-up at birth and before the age of 6 months.
• 2-5 years old: At age three and also before starting school.
• 6-60 years old: Every two years
• 61 and over: Annually