Life gets busy. Between work, school pickups, grocery runs, and everything else on your plate, it’s easy to let eye exams fall to the bottom of the to-do list, especially if your vision seems fine. But your eyes can change more than you realize, and many eye conditions develop quietly without obvious symptoms.
Comprehensive eye exams are the only effective way to diagnose and monitor eye diseases over time. If you’re wondering how often to get an eye exam, here’s what you should know.
How often do you need an eye exam?
These are general recommendations based on guidelines from the American Optometric Association, but your eye doctor may suggest a different schedule based on your specific needs.
Eye exams for infants and children
Children’s vision can change quickly as they grow, and many eye problems are easier to treat when caught early. Regular pediatric eye exams help ensure your child’s eyes are developing properly and that they have the visual skills they need for learning, reading, and everyday activities.
- 6–12 months: Babies should have their first eye exam around 6 months old to check for early vision development issues.
- Between ages 3 and 5: A second exam during this stage helps catch problems with eye coordination or early signs of conditions like lazy eye.
- Before first grade: This exam helps ensure your child has the visual skills needed to succeed in the classroom.
- School-age children: Once a year is best, even if they aren’t showing signs of vision problems, because kids don’t always know how to tell you something’s wrong.
Eye exams for adults ages 18–39
For adults ages 18–39, eye exam frequency depends on your vision needs, overall health, and risk factors. Even if your vision seems clear, regular exams are important for detecting early changes and keeping your eyes healthy.
- No vision problems: If you don’t have any vision concerns or risk factors, you can typically schedule an eye exam every two years.
- Wearing glasses or contacts: Annual eye exams help keep your prescription up to date and allow your eye doctor to monitor your overall eye health.
- Higher-risk individuals: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease, or other risk factors, yearly eye exams are recommended.
Eye exams for adults ages 40–64
Adults in this age range may begin to notice age-related vision changes, such as presbyopia, which makes it harder to focus up close. Eye strain, dry eye symptoms, and changes in night vision may also become more noticeable.
- Low risk: An eye exam every two years may be sufficient, but your eye doctor can recommend the best schedule based on your vision, health history, and risk factors.
- Wearing glasses or contacts, or at higher risk: Yearly eye exams are often recommended to monitor prescription changes and screen for concerns such as cataracts, glaucoma, and other eye conditions.
Eye exams for seniors ages 65 and older
As you get older, your risk for eye conditions such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic eye disease increases. Annual eye exams are important for detecting these issues early, monitoring changes in your vision, and helping protect your eyesight and quality of life.
When should you get checked more often?
Some people may need eye exams more often based on their health, family history, symptoms, or daily habits. Talk to your eye doctor about a more frequent eye exam schedule if:
- You have diabetes or high blood pressure
- There’s a family history of eye disease
- You’re noticing new symptoms like blurry vision, headaches, or eye fatigue
- You spend long hours using screens and struggle with digital eye strain
Protect your vision with regular eye exams
At Integrity Eye Care, our team takes the time to understand your lifestyle, vision needs, and any changes you may be experiencing. This helps us provide personalized care and recommendations that support your eye health at every stage of life.
Delaying eye exams can allow vision changes or eye health issues to go unnoticed. If it’s been a while since your last visit, schedule a visit with our experts today.
