How Often Do You Need an Eye Exam? Here’s Our Age-by-Age Guide
Unless you already have glasses or contact lenses, eye exams probably aren’t on the top of your annual health-related checklist. We use our eyes every day, yet we often take them for granted.
But regular eye exams aren’t just about updating your prescription or addressing why your child might be having a hard time seeing the chalkboard at school. They’re a crucial part of maintaining eye health and catching potential issues early on.
So, how often should you book that appointment? Today, we’re giving you our professional opinion on why they’re so important, an age-by-age breakdown of when to see your eye doctor, warning signs that you need to schedule an eye exam ASAP, and more.
Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important?
Your eyes do more than help you read text messages or binge-watch your favorite shows. They’re also a window into your overall health. Regular eye exams are important for:
- Detecting Vision Changes
Your vision naturally shifts over time. Whether it’s a gradual decline or a sudden bothersome blur, regular exams ensure you’re seeing clearly or have the tools to support these changes, like a new or updated prescription. Even small prescription changes can make a big difference in preventing eye strain and headaches.
- Identifying Underlying Health Issues
Besides revealing whether you need new glasses, eye exams also give your optometrist the ability to detect early signs of high blood pressure, strokes, diabetes, high cholesterol, certain types of cancer, and autoimmune diseases. Which means an eye checkup isn’t just about your vision, it’s about your overall wellbeing. - Maintaining Optimal Eye Health
Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration often develop without noticeable symptoms. Regular checkups allow your optometrist to catch these issues early on, helping you preserve your vision long-term.
Recommended Exam Frequency by Age
How often you should schedule an eye exam depends on your age and risk factors. Here’s our general overview of when and how often you should see your optometrist:
Children (0-18 years)
- First eye exam: At 6 months old
- Follow-up exam: Around age 3
- Before starting school: Around age 5 or 6
- School-aged children: Every year (especially important if they wear glasses or contacts)
Why? Around 80% of what kids learn is shared visually, If they’re struggling to see the board, read, or focus on their work, it can impact their academic performance (and confidence!).
Adults (19-64 years)
- Annually, even if you have no known eye issues. Especially important if you wear contacts or have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease
Why? Vision changes can sneak up on you. Plus, long hours staring at screens can cause digital eye strain (you know, that ‘Why do my eyes feel like they’re melting” feeling).
Seniors (65+)
- Once a year—simple as that!
Why? As we age, the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma increases. Catching these conditions early can make a huge difference in preserving your vision.
Who Should Schedule More Frequent Eye Exams?
Regardless of age, some people need to see their optometrist more often. Here’s who should be extra proactive:
- Individuals with Specific Eye Conditions
If you’ve been diagnosed with glaucoma, macular degeneration, or dry eyes, regular check-ins are essential to managing symptoms and slowing progressing.
- Those with a Family History of Eye Diseases
Eye conditions can be hereditary. If your parents or grandparents had glaucoma or macular degeneration, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye (pun intended) on your own vision.
Contact Lens Wearers
Contacts can increase the risk of infections and dryness, so annual exams are a must to ensure your eyes stay healthy.
Signs You Need an Eye Exam ASAP
If you’re not sure whether to book an exam outside of the recommended age windows, it’s time to call your optometrist if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Blurry Vision
If you’re suddenly struggling to clearly see road signs or read your book at night, your prescription might need adjusting. If you don’t have a prescription yet, these are signs that you might need one.
- Eye Discomfort
Dry, itchy, or irritated eyes could indicate allergies, dry eye syndrome, or an underlying issue. Your optometrist can support you with all of these struggles to keep your eyes comfortable. - Frequent Headaches
Uncorrected vision problems can cause strain, leading to headaches, especially after long periods of screen time.
How to Prioritize Your Eye Health
Prioritizing your eye health throughout your life should be as natural as putting on sunscreen before heading to the pool on vacation. Whether it’s your first visit to an eye doctor or your 20th, scheduling an eye exam is one of the easiest ways to protect your eyesight.
Schedule an appointment with our team of eye care providers at Monocle.
The Monocle Premier Eye Care team offers years of experience and a true commitment to providing you and your family with excellent eye care.
Your satisfaction is our top priority. We take as much time as is necessary to have conversations about the health of your eyes, your vision, and anything else with a focus on optimizing your well-being. Click here to schedule your eye exam.