How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Major vision problems cause an annual economic impact of 145 billion dollars per year in the United States, and vision disability is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults over the age of 18. Everyone should have their eyes checked periodically, but how often should you get an eye exam?

Share This Post

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) estimates that 93 million adults in the United States are at high risk for serious vision loss, but only half of these individuals have had an eye examination in the past year.

While some people experience vision problems beginning in childhood, others are not affected until adulthood and may not recognize the signs of declining vision or the need to wear glasses right away.

Major vision problems cause an annual economic impact of 145 billion dollars per year in the United States, and vision disability is one of the top 10 disabilities among adults over the age of 18. Everyone should have their eyes checked periodically, but how often should you get an eye exam?

What is an eye exam?

When an ophthalmologist, or eye doctor, performs an eye exam, they will check your vision and look for any signs of eye disease or injury while checking the overall health of your eyes.

There are many different types of eye exams, each of which examines a specific aspect of your eye health or vision.

Getting regular eye exams is important because they help doctors detect eye problems and vision issues as soon as they develop, when they are the most easily treated. 

How often should you get an eye exam?

There is no “one size fits all” answer when it comes to how often you should get an eye exam, as the recommended frequency varies depending on your age, risk of developing eye issues, and other health issues that you may have. In general, guidelines are described below.

Children aged 3 and under

Most babies first have their first eye exam at about six months of age.

Children under the age of 3 will have their eyes checked by their pediatrician, who will look for common eye issues like misaligned eyes, lazy eye, or crossed eyes.

If your child appears to have difficulty seeing or is experiencing symptoms of poor vision, an eye exam is recommended regardless of their age. More comprehensive eye exams typically occur between the ages of 3 and 5.

School-aged children and teenagers

Children should have an eye checkup again before entering first grade, as this is when reading becomes a more considerable part of the school day.

Children should have their vision rechecked every one to two years if they do not have vision problems.

Children who need glasses or have health issues that may impact their eyes should have their vision checked more often at the advice of their doctor. 

Adults

How often adults should have their eyes checked varies depending on your age.

Adults in their 20s and 30s with no vision problems or health conditions that may affect their eyes should have their eyes checked every 5 to 10 years.

Between the ages of 40 to 54, adults with no vision problems or health conditions should have their eyes checked every 2 to 4 years. From ages 55 to 64, vision in healthy adults should be checked every 1 to 3 years, and after the age of 65, it should be checked every 1 to 2 years.

Adults who wear contacts or glasses, have a family history of eye disease or vision loss, have a chronic health condition that impacts eye health, or take medications that may impact risk factors for vision should have their eyes checked more frequently at the advice of their doctor, who will often recommend annual eye exams.

YouTube player

What are the different types of eye doctors?

There are three different types of eye specialists.

Ophthalmologists are licensed medical doctors who perform a wide range of services, including conducting complete eye exams, diagnosing and treating eye diseases and medical conditions, prescribing corrective lenses in the form of glasses or contact lenses, and performing eye surgery and other eye care procedures.

Like ophthalmologists, optometrists perform many similar functions but often handle more complex eye problems and surgeries.

Finally, opticians are eye specialists who make and sell corrective lenses, including eyeglasses and contact lenses.

Unlike ophthalmologists and opticians, they do not perform eye exams. Primary care physicians can also perform basic eye checks and screen for major eye health issues or vision problems. 

What are the different types of eye exams?

Although most people are familiar with the basic vision test where you stand behind a line and read letters of varying sizes from a chart on the wall, there are many more types of more comprehensive eye exams that your doctor may perform depending on the vision or eye health issues that you are experiencing. 

Complete eye exam

A complete eye exam is a very comprehensive eye exam that can take up to two hours to conduct.

A complete eye exam will include a review of your previous eye exams and medical history, as well as your family history as it relates to any medical issues that could affect eye health.

A visual acuity test, in which you will read numbers, letters, and symbols of varying sizes off of an eye chart, will also be conducted.

Depending on the outcome of your visual acuity test, other eye exams may also be conducted. An eye pressure test is also often performed. 

Refraction assessment

If it is determined that you do not have 20/20 vision, your eye doctor will look for the source of what is called a “refractive error,” which is an error in vision caused by farsightedness, nearsightedness, astigmatism, or another eye condition.

First, the doctor will estimate the prescription you will need for corrective lenses using either a computerized refractor or by shining a light into your eyes and taking note of how light is reflected in the eye.

Next, the assessment is refined by looking through a device that resembles a mask and contains lots of different lenses, each of which will change your vision.

The doctor will ask you which provides the clearest vision in order to help narrow down your prescription.

Visual field test

Your doctor will test the range of what you are able to see out of the sides of your eyes during the visual field test. The visual field test helps to determine if there are any areas in your overall field of vision that are experiencing difficulty seeing.

In order to conduct the visual field test, you may be asked to look straight ahead with one eye covered and then tell your doctor each time you see their hand move. When patients are unable to see with a full field of vision, it provides the doctor clues about what eye condition they may be experiencing.

Eye muscle test

During the eye muscle test, your doctor will watch as you move your eyes to track an object as it moves across your field of vision.

Your doctor will be looking out for signs of poor muscle control, muscle weakness, or poor coordination.

Color vision testing

Some people are partially color blind or have difficulty seeing colors and don’t even realize it.

Eye doctors can perform an exam to screen your eyes for color deficiency by showing you a variety of colorful tests with different numbers and shapes embedded in the patterns.

People who are able to see color clearly will be able to easily pick out the numbers and symbols on each test, while those with difficulty seeing colors will struggle.

Other tests also exist to perform more intensive examinations, including glaucoma screening, retinal examination, and slit-lamp examination, each of which is used when your doctor suspects a certain issue with a specific part of the eye. However, these tests are not necessarily included in a standard eye exam.

What are some signs that you might need an eye exam?

While most people do well following the guidelines for eye exams outlined above, others might need to get exams more often.

If you’re noticing any of the following signs, you should try and schedule an eye exam sooner rather than later:

  • You have a health condition that affects your eye health or vision, such as glaucoma or diabetes. 
  • You have a family history of health conditions that can affect your eye health and are over the age of 50.
  • You struggle to drive safely at night and/or have difficulty seeing street signs when it is dark out.
  • You experience motion sickness, dizziness, or have difficulty following a moving target with your eyes.
  • You experience changes in vision, particularly after an accident or head trauma. 
  • You experience symptoms like redness, dryness, or itchiness of the eyes.
  • You see floaters, spots, or flashes of light.
  • You do not remember when you last had an eye exam.
  • You get headaches, suffer from eye strain, or experience blurred vision when spending long periods of time in front of the computer.
  • When reading books or the newspaper, you hold the text farther from your face, close one eye, or squint to see the words clearly.

References, Studies and Sources.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eye-exam/about/pac-20384655

https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellness/eye-health/eye-exam-needed

https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/qa/how-often-should-i-get-my-eyes-checked

https://atlanticeyeinstitute.com/how-often-should-you-get-an-eye-exam/

https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/basics/ced/fastfacts.htm

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Pharmacists.org Discount Club

Get Started for $1.

  • Cheapest cash pay option at your retail pharmacy
  • 1,000s of drugs below $10.00 that can beat your co-pay
  • Start for $1 for your first month. Cancel anytime. 
  • Tell us your meds, we tell you the cheapest options.

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

Iron Infusions: Everything You Need to Know

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems. If you are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend an iron infusion as treatment. An iron infusion is a procedure in which iron is administered directly into your bloodstream. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about iron infusions including what they are, how they work, and how to prepare for them.

Read More »
what is genomic medicine

What Is Genomic Medicine?

Genomic medicine uses our genetic information to provide individualized health care. Various gene therapies can potentially cure rare diseases or conditions. Genetic testing allows people to know and understand the differences in their own genetic information. The results of genetic testing can help providers choose medications that are tailored specific genes and improve the health care of individual patients.

Read More »

Chigger Bite: Everything You Need to Know 

Do you know what chiggers are?

If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of chiggers before, but they can be a real nuisance.

This article will teach you everything you need to know about chigger bites, what they are, where they live, what happens when they bite you, and how to treat them.

Read More »

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that is produced in New Zealand and Australia as it is made by bees from the nectar of the Manuka tree or shrub, which is native to those countries. What makes Manuka honey special is its high level of methylglyoxal (MGO), which is a compound that has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and the Manuka honey rating system measures the level of MGO in Manuka honey.

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

The different types of lie bumps: Transient lingual papillitis, fungiform papillae, and other forms

There are many different types of lie bumps and each one has its own specific symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available to you. We’ll discuss

Iron Infusions: Everything You Need to Know

Iron-deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause fatigue, shortness of breath, and other health problems. If you are suffering from iron-deficiency anemia,

What Is Genomic Medicine?

Genomic medicine uses our genetic information to provide individualized health care. Various gene therapies can potentially cure rare diseases or conditions. Genetic testing allows

Chigger Bite: Everything You Need to Know 

Do you know what chiggers are? If not, you’re not alone. Many people have never heard of chiggers before, but they can be a real

What Are the Benefits of Manuka Honey?

Manuka honey is a unique type of honey that is produced in New Zealand and Australia as it is made by bees from the

How Often Can I Take Tylenol?

Tylenol, also known by the generic name acetaminophen, is a popular over-the- counter (OTC) drug that is classified as an analgesic (pain reliever) and

Coffee: Potential Benefits and Adverse Effects

In this article, we will explore coffee's history, its potential benefits, and if it is safe for everyone to consume.

Parosmia: What it is, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Parosmia is an olfactory disorder where you have a distorted perception of smell and you may smell odors differently than you should. It can

What Is Levofloxacin?

Improper prescription and use of antibiotics over the past several decades has led to a rise in drug-resistant bacteria, many of which do not

Brown Recluse Spider Bites: What You Need to Know

In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of being bitten by a brown recluse spider, when to seek medical attention, and how to

What Is the Drug Levofloxacin Used For?

One powerful fluoroquinolone antibiotic, levofloxacin, is used to treat and prevent a number of serious infections that cannot be treated with other medications. So,

Comparison of Azithromycin and Clarithromycin

Azithromycin and clarithromycin are both macrolide antibiotics used to treat a number of different bacterial infections, including upper respiratory tract infections, lower respiratory tract

MCHC: What It Is, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a measure of the average amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells with hemoglobin being responsible for transporting

What are the Symptoms of Coffee Withdrawal?

Due to the prevalence of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks, caffeine is one of the most popular drugs in the world and

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Quercetin

This article will answer all your quercetin-related questions such as what quercetin is, how much quercetin you should take daily, what are the beneficial

How Much Does the Shingrix Vaccine Cost?

The Shingrix vaccine was approved for use in preventing shingles in 2017, and older Americans aged 50 and older are strongly advised to receive

All You Need to Know About Ringworm: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ringworm is a fungal infection that can be seen on the skin. It can affect both children and adults, but it's most common in

CBD Oil: What You Need to Know

CBD oil is a popular natural remedy used for many common ailments. CBD is short for cannabidiol and it is one of over 100 chemical

The Top 7 Best CBD Lotions of 2023

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a cannabinoid that is found in cannabis and hemp plants. It has many supposed beneficial properties for the skin, making

CBD Topical Cream for Blemishes

If you are tired of dealing with sore, spotty skin and it is a problem that you still experience on a daily basis, now

CBD Hype: Is it Worth Buying?

The triumphant stories of many novel medications can be rooted in someone’s misfortune. Such was the story of 5-year old Charlotte Figi, who back

How to Break a Fever: Recommended Tips to Beat the Body Heat

If you are desperate to learn how to break a fever, you may be surprised to discover that there are many home remedies  you

Clindamycin vs Azithromycin: Which is Better?

Both clindamycin and azithromycin belong to a class of drugs called macrolide antibiotics, and are associated with a relatively low risk of side effects.

The Responsible Way to Take Prescribed Antibiotics

When we go to the doctor and are prescribed medication, it is important to take it exactly as prescribed. However, when it comes to

The Truth About Jojoba Oil: From the The Holistic Pharmacy

Jojoba oil is a liquid wax, also called an oil interchangeably, that's extracted from jojoba seeds, and it has been used for centuries by

What Is Eliquis?

Many people don’t think about blood clots on a daily basis, but if you’ve ever had a blood clot, then you know just how

Everything You Need to Know About Wormwood

Wormwood is a plant that has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy. Its name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word wermode

First Oral Medication Approved for the Treatment of Spinal Muscular Atrophy

There are a few treatment options available for spinal muscular atrophy, but recently the U.S. Federal Drug and Administration (FDA) approved the first oral

Grapefruit Juice and Drug Interactions

Grapefruit juice, and other fruit juices, can interact with certain medications. Learn about the interaction of grapefruit juice with different drugs and how to

White Bumps on Your Tongue: What Are They and When You Need to Worry?

If you are worried about white bumps on your tongue, it's important to know that many people experience this issue at some point in