How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? A Guide by Age and Risk Factor
Annual eye exams are recommended for most adults — but the right frequency depends on your age, health history, and risk factors. Here is the complete guide.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? A Guide by Age and Risk Factor
"My vision seems fine — do I really need an eye exam every year?"
This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer is yes — and the reason has nothing to do with whether your vision seems fine.
The most serious eye conditions — glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy — have no symptoms in their early stages. By the time you notice vision changes, significant and often irreversible damage may have occurred. Annual eye exams are not about checking whether you can see the eye chart. They are about detecting conditions that can cause permanent vision loss before they do.
Recommended Frequency by Age
An eye exam is not just about your prescription — it is the only way to detect glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration before they cause permanent vision loss. The frequency that is right for you depends on your age, your health history, and your risk factors — not just whether your vision feels the same.
Infants (6–12 months)
The American Optometric Association recommends a first comprehensive eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam checks for:
- Eye alignment (strabismus)
- Significant refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
- Early signs of eye disease
Many pediatricians perform basic vision screening at well-child visits, but this is not a substitute for a comprehensive optometric exam.
Toddlers and Preschoolers (1–5 years)
A comprehensive exam at age 3 and again before starting school (age 5–6). These exams check for amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus, and refractive error that could affect visual development and school readiness.
School-Age Children (6–17 years)
Annual comprehensive eye exams. Vision changes rapidly during the school years, and undetected vision problems are a significant cause of academic difficulty. See our back-to-school eye exam checklist for more detail.
Adults 18–39 (Low Risk)
Every 2 years if you have no risk factors and no vision correction. Annually if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
Adults 40–64
Annually. The forties bring presbyopia (near vision loss) and an increasing risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Annual exams allow early detection and management.
Adults 65 and Older
Annually, at minimum. The risk of age-related eye disease increases significantly after 65. Many patients in this age group benefit from more frequent monitoring if conditions are present.
Risk Factors That Require More Frequent Exams
Certain conditions and risk factors increase the likelihood of developing serious eye disease and warrant more frequent monitoring:
Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in working-age adults. People with diabetes should have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least annually — and more frequently if retinopathy is present. Blood sugar control directly affects the rate of retinopathy progression.
Glaucoma or Family History of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. People with a family history of glaucoma have a 4–9 times higher risk than the general population. Annual exams with OCT retinal imaging and visual field testing are recommended.
High Myopia (Nearsightedness)
High myopia (typically defined as -6.00 diopters or greater) is associated with increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Annual exams with dilated fundus examination are recommended.
African American Heritage
African Americans have a 3–4 times higher risk of glaucoma than people of European descent, and glaucoma tends to develop at a younger age. Annual exams beginning in the twenties are recommended.
Hypertension
High blood pressure affects the blood vessels of the retina and can cause hypertensive retinopathy. Annual exams allow monitoring of retinal vascular changes.
Autoimmune Conditions
Conditions including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren's syndrome can affect the eyes. Patients with autoimmune conditions should discuss appropriate exam frequency with their optometrist and rheumatologist.
Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers should have annual exams to monitor corneal health, check the fit of their lenses, and update their prescription. Contact lens wear carries risks (corneal infection, hypoxia) that require regular monitoring.
Previous Eye Surgery
Patients who have had LASIK, cataract surgery, or other eye procedures should follow their surgeon's recommended follow-up schedule, typically including annual comprehensive exams.
What Happens If You Skip Your Annual Exam?
The consequences of skipping annual exams depend on what goes undetected:
Glaucoma: Detected early, glaucoma can be managed with eye drops or laser treatment to prevent vision loss. Detected late, the vision loss that has already occurred is permanent.
Macular degeneration: Wet AMD can progress rapidly, causing central vision loss within weeks. Early detection allows treatment (anti-VEGF injections) that can preserve vision. Late detection means treatment begins after significant damage has occurred.
Diabetic retinopathy: Early-stage retinopathy can be monitored and managed. Advanced retinopathy requires laser treatment or surgery — and may cause permanent vision loss even with treatment.
Prescription changes: An outdated prescription causes eye strain, headaches, and reduced visual performance. Annual exams keep your prescription current.
The Cost of Skipping Exams
The cost of an annual comprehensive eye exam is a fraction of the cost of treating advanced eye disease. Glaucoma surgery, macular degeneration injections, and diabetic retinopathy laser treatment are expensive, time-consuming, and often only partially effective.
Annual exams are not an expense — they are an investment in preserving your vision.
Frequently Asked Questions
I see 20/20 — do I still need an eye exam? Yes. 20/20 visual acuity means you can see clearly at distance. It says nothing about your eye health, your near vision, your binocular vision, or whether you have early glaucoma or macular degeneration.
My eyes feel fine. Why would I need an exam? Most serious eye conditions have no symptoms in their early stages. Glaucoma, early macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are all detectable by examination before they cause any symptoms. By the time you notice vision changes, significant damage may have already occurred.
How long does a comprehensive eye exam take? At Trendsetter Eyewear, a comprehensive exam typically takes 60–90 minutes, including OCT imaging, dilation, and a thorough discussion of findings.
Schedule Your Eye Exam in Las Vegas
Trendsetter Eyewear is located at 1225 S Fort Apache Rd #145, Summerlin, Las Vegas. Dr. Cynthia Payne has over 30 years of experience providing comprehensive eye care for patients of all ages.
Contact us online or call (702) 479-5222 to schedule your exam.
Related reading:
- OCT eye scan: what to expect — the advanced imaging included in your exam
- Eye exam without insurance in Las Vegas — cost and payment options
- Back-to-school eye exam checklist — for children
- Comprehensive eye exams at Trendsetter — what is included
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Written by
Dr. Cynthia Payne, OD
Content creator and writer sharing insights and stories.
