The purpose of comprehensive eye exam is not only to check the prescription but also the overall health of your eyes to check for diseases such as glaucoma, macular conditions and other retinal complications which can not be reversed but can be managed and prevented only with a fundus examination.
Conditions such as lazy eye and eye turns are very common in young children. As their visual system is continuously growing its important to check if the eye is becoming nearsighted , far sighted or is growing at a normal pace.
The first eye exam should be conducted between six to twelve months of age to screen for visual disorders and a very common form of cancer known as retinoblastoma. Children should at least have another eye exam by the age of 3 and every year after that till 19.
Healthy adults should get a eye exam every 2 years, especially after the age of 40 as age increases a risk of many eye conditions.
Over the age of 65, every year is recommended.