How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? A Guide for Every Age

Your eyes play an essential role in almost everything you do, from reading and driving to working and spending time with loved ones. However, many people only schedule an eye exam when they notice blurry vision or begin experiencing discomfort.

So, how often should you get an eye exam? The answer depends on your age, overall health, vision needs, and risk of developing eye conditions.

Regular eye exams help assess your vision, monitor eye health, and identify potential problems before they become more serious. Whether you are booking an appointment for your child, yourself, or an aging parent, understanding the recommended eye exam frequency can help you make informed decisions about your family’s eye care.

Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important?

An eye exam does more than determine whether you need glasses or contact lenses. A comprehensive eye exam evaluates your vision and examines the health of your eyes.

Some eye conditions, including glaucoma and certain retinal diseases, may develop without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular examinations can help detect these changes and allow your eye doctor to recommend appropriate care.

Other benefits of routine eye exams include:

• Identifying changes in vision and updating prescriptions when necessary.
• Monitoring existing eye conditions.
• Assessing eye health as you age.
• Identifying potential signs of health conditions that may affect the eyes.
• Helping children develop the visual skills they need for learning and everyday activities.

At Visual Eyes Group, comprehensive eye care is tailored to patients of different ages and vision needs.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam by Age?

Eye exam recommendations vary depending on individual circumstances. The following guide provides a general overview of when different age groups should schedule comprehensive eye exams.

1. Infants and Toddlers: Birth to 2 Years

Babies’ eyes and visual systems develop rapidly during their first years of life. Early examinations can help identify potential vision problems that may interfere with normal visual development.

The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye examination between 6 and 12 months of age for infants.

During this stage, an eye doctor may assess eye alignment, visual responses, and other indicators of healthy visual development.

Parents should arrange an earlier assessment if they notice unusual eye movements, persistent eye misalignment, or other concerning symptoms.

2. Preschool Children: Ages 3–5

Preschool is an important period for developing the visual skills children need for reading, recognizing objects, and coordinating their movements.

Children may not always realize that their vision is unclear, so parents should not rely entirely on them to report problems.

The American Optometric Association recommends at least one comprehensive eye exam between ages 3 and 5.

Watch for possible signs of vision difficulties, including:

• Frequently rubbing the eyes.
• Squinting or tilting the head to see clearly.
• Holding books or screens very close to the face.
• Difficulty recognizing objects at a distance.
• Avoiding activities that require visual concentration.

These signs do not necessarily indicate an eye condition, but they may warrant a professional evaluation.

3. School-Age Children and Teenagers: Ages 6–17

Children depend heavily on their vision for classroom activities, reading, sports, and social interaction.

Undetected vision problems can make these activities more challenging. Children who struggle to see the board, experience headaches during reading, or lose their place frequently may benefit from a comprehensive eye exam.

For school-age children and teenagers, the American Optometric Association recommends an examination before first grade and annually thereafter, unless an eye doctor recommends a different schedule.

Regular pediatric eye exams are particularly important for children who wear glasses, have a family history of eye conditions, or have previously been diagnosed with a vision problem.

Explore Visual Eyes Group’s pediatric eye care services to learn more about eye care for children.

4. Young Adults: Ages 18–39

Many young adults assume they do not need frequent eye exams if they can see clearly. However, good vision does not always mean that the eyes are completely healthy.

For adults between 18 and 39, the American Optometric Association recommends a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years for those at low risk. Annual examinations may be appropriate for people with certain risk factors.

You may need more frequent appointments if you:

• Wear contact lenses.
• Have a family history of glaucoma or other eye diseases.
• Experience frequent eye strain or changes in vision.
• Have diabetes or another condition that may affect eye health.
• Have a history of eye injury or surgery.

If you spend long hours working on a computer, ask your eye doctor about digital eye strain and practical ways to reduce discomfort.

5. Adults: Ages 40–64

Around age 40, many people begin noticing changes in their ability to focus on nearby objects. This common age-related condition, known as presbyopia, can make reading small print more difficult.

Adults in this age group may also face an increased risk of certain eye conditions, including glaucoma and cataracts.

The American Optometric Association recommends comprehensive eye exams at least every two years for low-risk adults aged 40–64, with annual or more frequent visits for those who need closer monitoring.

Your eye doctor may recommend more frequent examinations based on your medical history, symptoms, prescription changes, and individual risk factors.

If you are struggling with reading, experiencing blurry vision, or noticing difficulty driving at night, schedule an evaluation rather than assuming these changes are simply part of getting older.

6. Adults Aged 65 and Older

As people age, the risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye conditions increases.

Regular eye exams are important even when vision appears stable. Early detection can help identify changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

The American Optometric Association recommends annual comprehensive eye exams for adults aged 65 and older.

During these visits, your eye doctor can assess your vision, monitor age-related changes, and recommend additional testing or treatment when necessary.

Seniors with existing eye conditions or other health concerns may require more frequent appointments.

Who Needs More Frequent Eye Exams?

Age is only one factor in determining how often you should get your eyes checked. Some people need more frequent examinations regardless of their age.

You may require a personalized examination schedule if you:

• Have diabetes or another medical condition that affects eye health.
• Have a personal or family history of eye disease.
• Wear contact lenses.
• Have high or changing vision prescriptions.
• Have previously experienced an eye injury or undergone eye surgery.
• Notice persistent changes in your vision.

Your optometrist can recommend an appropriate schedule based on your circumstances and examination results.

Signs You Should Not Wait for Your Next Eye Exam

Routine eye exams are important, but certain symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Contact an eye-care professional if you experience persistent blurry vision, unexplained eye discomfort, difficulty seeing at night, or sudden changes in your eyesight.

Seek emergency eye care immediately if you experience sudden vision loss, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light, a curtain-like shadow across your vision, or severe eye pain. These symptoms can indicate serious conditions that require urgent assessment.

Do not wait for your next scheduled appointment if you develop concerning symptoms.

What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam typically includes a review of your medical and vision history, an assessment of visual acuity, and tests that evaluate how your eyes focus and work together.

Your eye doctor may also examine the internal and external structures of your eyes, assess eye pressure when appropriate, and recommend retinal imaging or other tests based on your needs.

The specific tests performed will depend on your age, symptoms, risk factors, and medical history.

Before your appointment, bring your current glasses or contact lenses, a list of medications, and your relevant insurance information.

Schedule Your Next Eye Exam With Visual Eyes Group

Knowing how often you should get an eye exam is an important step toward protecting your vision at every stage of life. From a child’s first eye examination to routine checkups for adults and seniors, consistent eye care helps monitor changes and identify potential concerns early.

Visual Eyes Group provides comprehensive eye exams, pediatric eye care, retinal screening, contact lens services, and other vision care services across Maryland.

With convenient locations in Mitchellville, Clinton, Greenbelt, Hyattsville, Silver Spring, and Frederick, you can find an eye-care center that fits your needs.

Are you due for an eye exam? Visit Visual Eyes Group to learn more about available services and schedule your appointment.

Your vision matters at every age. Make routine eye care part of your health priorities.

Medical note: The examination intervals in this article are general guidelines based on recommendations from the American Optometric Association. Your eye doctor may recommend a different schedule based on your individual health and vision needs.