If detected early, many sight-threatening diseases can be cured or treated to prevent or slow the progression of any vision loss, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. At the Casey Eye Institute, we can help you maintain general eye health or treat eye disorders.

The most important part of prevention is getting routine examinations from a qualified eye care professional. Children should have their first comprehensive eye examination before age 4 unless a specific condition, or history of family childhood vision problems, warrants an earlier visit. People aged 20 to 40 should have eye exams every five years. If you have vision changes, pain, flashes of light, new floaters, injury or tearing, see an eye care professional immediately. For people aged 40 to 64, eye exams are recommended every two to four years. People older than 65 should see an eye doctor every one to two years.

People with diabetes are at risk for several eye disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, and should have eye examinations every year.

African Americans are at greater risk for glaucoma, and should have eye examinations every three to five years before age 40, then every two years.