Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining clear vision and overall eye health. At Michael L. Smookler, O.D. in West Roxbury, MA, we help patients of all ages protect and preserve their eyesight through personalized, comprehensive care—whether you’re seeing an eye doctor in West Roxbury for the first time or returning for routine care.
Whether you’re due for your next visit or wondering when your child should start receiving professional vision care, here’s what optometrists recommend for each age group.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Many vision problems and eye diseases develop without early symptoms. Routine eye exams allow Dr. Smookler, a licensed optometrist, to detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye, and macular degeneration before they cause lasting damage.
A comprehensive eye exam can also reveal signs of systemic health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure—making vision care an important part of your overall wellness plan.
Eye Exam Recommendations by Age
- Infants and Toddlers (Birth–2 Years): The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age to identify early developmental concerns. Parents can schedule a child’s first pediatric eye exam to support healthy visual development from the start.
- Preschoolers (Ages 3–5): Before starting school, children should receive at least one full eye exam. Early detection of amblyopia or eye turns improves treatment outcomes. If learning or focus issues arise, vision therapy may help strengthen essential visual skills.
- School-Aged Children (6–18 Years): Annual eye exams help track changes as children grow. If a child struggles with reading or tracking text, eye tracking and teaming therapy can provide meaningful improvement.
- Adults (19–39 Years): Healthy adults should schedule an eye exam every two years, or annually if they wear corrective lenses or have a family history of eye disease. Services for Computer Vision Syndrome help relieve digital eye strain and discomfort.
- Adults (40–64 Years): Beginning around age 40, annual eye exams become increasingly important due to presbyopia and higher glaucoma risk. Advanced testing and vision rehabilitation services help patients adapt to visual changes.
- Seniors (65 and Older): Yearly eye exams help detect cataracts, macular degeneration, and other age-related conditions early. Learn more about the care team on the eye doctors page.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam Sooner
You should schedule an eye exam promptly if you experience:
- Blurry or double vision
- Flashes of light or new floaters
- Sudden vision loss
- Eye pain or redness
- Difficulty seeing at night
Sudden changes in vision may indicate a serious issue. Dr. Smookler’s eye care services provide timely diagnosis and treatment to help protect your eyesight.
Book Your Eye Exam in West Roxbury, MA
Whether you’re scheduling your first visit or keeping up with your annual exam, the team at Michael L. Smookler, O.D. is here to help you see clearly and comfortably at every stage of life.
Request your appointment using the online booking form or call 617-469-0015 today. Patients can also learn more about vision therapy, sports vision training, and advanced eye care services for the whole family at the West Roxbury office.