The American Optometric Association (AOA) has issued a revised, research-based clinical practice guideline to assist ODs in providing eye and vision examinations for adults.

According to a recent AOA press release, the revised guidelines were released due to the significant public and economic impact posed by an aging population, increased visual impairments, and blindness in the United States.

“Comprehensive eye exams provide the opportunity for early detection of eye health and visual performance problems as well as the prevention of vision loss. Linked to decreased quality of life, eye and vision disorders can alter an individual’s overall physical and mental well-being – which has broad implication for the entire health care system,” said Dr. Ronald Benner, AOA President, via the press release. “The updated guideline offers doctors of optometry the means to provide quality comprehensive eye exams, which directly result in a patient’s improved visual function and quality of life.”

In 2015, a total of 1.02 million people in the U.S. were legally blind and up to 8.2 million people had reduced vision due to uncorrected refractive errors. By 2050, the number of individuals with these conditions is projected to double to approximately 2.01 million people with legal blindness, 6.95 million people with visual impairment and 16.4 million with reduced vision due to uncorrected refractive errors.

Given eye health and vision problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms, the guideline recommends annual comprehensive eye exams “for persons 18 through 64 years of age to optimize visual function, evaluate eye changes, and provide for the early detection of sight-threatening eye and systemic health conditions,” according to the press release The release continued, “Implementation of this recommendation is likely to result in earlier diagnosis of eye and vision problems, the prevention or reduction in vision loss, as well as improved health-related quality of life for this age group.”

To view AOA’s Second Edition of the Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline for the Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination, go to bit.ly/AOAClinicalGuidelines2023 . OM