Diseases and conditions of the eye, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataracts, often can be treated successfully if caught early. Baseline eye exams with an ophthalmologist can detect medical conditions before they become vision threatening. A person’s age, eye health, family history, and medical history then determine how often an eye exam should be performed. Certain factors may warrant more frequent exams. Pediatricians screen newborns and.