How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?

Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining good vision and detecting eye diseases early. But how often should you go in for a checkup? Here are some guidelines on the recommended frequency for eye exams at different ages and stages of life.
 

Children

The first eye exam should happen at age three. Vision screening at this age helps detect problems like nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and lazy eye. Early treatment improves outcomes for vision development.
 

After the initial exam, kids should have vision checks every one or two years until age six. Their eyes change rapidly as they grow, so frequent exams catch focusing issues or misalignments. School screenings are not enough. Complete eye exams also check for eye health issues like pediatric cataracts.
 

School-age Children

Once kids reach age six, they only need eye exams every two years if they have no vision issues or other risk factors. The doctor will check for nearsightedness progression and screen for diseases like amblyopia and strabismus. If there are no problems, annual exams are not necessary.
 

More frequent exams may be necessary if the child has refractive errors like myopia or a family history of eye disease. Discuss the ideal schedule with your eye doctor.

Teenagers

During the adolescent growth spurt, myopia often progresses rapidly. For this reason, the recommended interval between eye exams decreases to every one or two years for teens. Comprehensive exams are needed to monitor for changing vision and watch for early signs of conditions like glaucoma.

Teens may need to update their eyeglass prescription yearly if they have moderate to high myopia. Contact lens wearers need yearly exams to renew their lens prescription and check for health risks associated with contacts.

Adults Under Age 40

Adults with no vision issues only need eye exams every two to three years in their 20s and 30s. Screening for glaucoma typically starts around age 40. But if you experience vision changes, eye strain, headaches, or blurred vision, see your eye doctor immediately for an assessment.
 

Those with myopia, diabetes risk, or a family eye disease history should get annual eye health exams. Contact lens wearers need yearly visits to renew their lens prescription and check eye health.
 

Adults Over Age 40

Annual eye exams are necessary starting at age 40 since eye diseases become more common with age. Screening and monitoring for glaucoma, cataracts, dry eyes, and macular degeneration is essential. Eye doctors can detect signs at early stages when treatment will be most effective.
 

Eye health risks increase further after age 65. Adults in this age group often need exams twice yearly to monitor age-related eye disease and catch small vision changes. Screening for cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma is crucial.
 

Signs You May Need an Eye Exam Soon

• Headaches or eye strain from computer use.
• Blurry vision at any distance.
• Halos or glare around lights.
• Double vision.
• Poor night vision.
• Frequent eye infections or redness.
• Dry, watery, or itchy eyes.
• Floaters or flashing lights.

Schedule an exam promptly if you have these symptoms. They may indicate a vision or eye health issue needing assessment. Be sure to get your next scheduled eye checkup.

Follow the eye doctor's recommendations on proper exam frequency for your eyes. Children need vision checks more often as their eyes rapidly develop. Teens and adults usually need exams every one or two years or yearly over age 40. See your eye care provider promptly if you have any vision changes or concerning eye symptoms. Regular eye exams are essential for clear vision and catching problems early.

For more on eye exams, visit Sight & Specs Optometry at our Queens, New York, office. Call (718) 470-2280 to schedule an appointment today.