Many people wonder how often they should schedule an eye exam. The answer depends on your age, overall health, and whether you have any eye conditions. The American Optometric Association provides recommendations for how frequently different age groups should have comprehensive eye exams. This guide explains the recommended eye exam schedule so you can make your eye health a priority.
Many people wonder how often they should schedule an eye exam. The answer depends on your age, overall health, and whether you have any eye conditions. The American Optometric Association provides recommendations for how frequently different age groups should have comprehensive eye exams. This guide explains the recommended eye exam schedule so you can make your eye health a priority.
American Optometric Association Recommendations
The AOA recommends the following eye exam frequency based on age and health status:
Infants and Young Children (Birth to Age 5)
At 6 months, at age 3, before school
Early eye exams detect vision problems and eye diseases during critical developmental years. Vision problems in childhood can affect learning and development if not corrected.
School-Age Children (Ages 6 to 18)
Annually or as recommended by your eye doctor
Children should have annual eye exams to monitor vision development and detect refractive errors that could affect school performance. More frequent exams may be needed if vision problems are present.
Young Adults (Ages 19 to 40)
Every one to two years
Healthy adults without vision problems can have exams every two years. More frequent exams are recommended if you wear contact lenses or have a family history of eye disease.
Middle-Aged Adults (Ages 41 to 60)
Every one to two years
Starting in your 40s, presbyopia (age-related focusing difficulty) becomes common. More frequent exams help detect early signs of age-related diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.
1
Seniors (Age 61 and Older)
Annually
Annual exams are important because the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration increases significantly with age. Early detection and treatment prevent vision loss.
When You Need More Frequent Eye Exams
Some people should have eye exams more often than the general recommendations:
Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers need annual exams to ensure their prescription is current, their lenses are fitting properly, and their eye health remains good.
Family History of Eye Disease
If your family members have glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or other eye diseases, you may need exams every year or more frequently depending on your risk factors.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, which damages blood vessels in your eye. If you have diabetes, you need at least an annual eye exam. Poorly controlled diabetes may require exams every 3 to 6 months.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in your eye. Annual exams help detect these changes early.
Other Health Conditions
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid disease can affect your eyes. You may need more frequent exams depending on your specific condition.
Taking Certain Medications
Some medications can affect your vision or eye health. If you take medications that affect your eyes, you may need more frequent exams. Ask Dr. Ngoddy if your medications warrant more frequent monitoring.
Signs You Need an Eye Exam Before Your Scheduled Appointment
Even if you are not due for your regular exam, schedule an appointment if you experience:
Vision changes or blurred vision
Eye pain or persistent discomfort
Flashes of light or new floaters
Halos around lights
Eye redness or discharge
Sudden vision loss
Difficulty adjusting to new glasses or contacts
Track Your Eye Exam Schedule
Make a note of when you need your next eye exam. If you wear contacts or have a family history of eye disease, set a calendar reminder for your annual appointment. Regular eye exams are one of the most important preventive health steps you can take.
Scheduling Your Eye Exam at EyeServe
Dr. Ngoddy will recommend the right exam schedule based on your individual age, health, and eye health status. To find out if you are due for an exam or to schedule your next appointment, call EyeServe today.
Book Your Contact Lens Exam
Call: (404) 460-6163
Location: 844 Cleveland Ave SW, East Point, GA 30344 (inside Walmart Optical)
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 5 PM
American Optometric Association Recommendations
The AOA recommends the following eye exam frequency based on age and health status:
Infants and Young Children (Birth to Age 5)
At 6 months, at age 3, before school
Early eye exams detect vision problems and eye diseases during critical developmental years. Vision problems in childhood can affect learning and development if not corrected.
1
School-Age Children (Ages 6 to 18)
Annually or as recommended by your eye doctor
Children should have annual eye exams to monitor vision development and detect refractive errors that could affect school performance. More frequent exams may be needed if vision problems are present.
1
Young Adults (Ages 19 to 40)
Every one to two years
Healthy adults without vision problems can have exams every two years. More frequent exams are recommended if you wear contact lenses or have a family history of eye disease.
1
Middle-Aged Adults (Ages 41 to 60)
Every one to two years
Starting in your 40s, presbyopia (age-related focusing difficulty) becomes common. More frequent exams help detect early signs of age-related diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.
1
Seniors (Age 61 and Older)
Annually
Annual exams are important because the risk of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration increases significantly with age. Early detection and treatment prevent vision loss.
When You Need More Frequent Eye Exams
Some people should have eye exams more often than the general recommendations:
Contact Lens Wearers
Contact lens wearers need annual exams to ensure their prescription is current, their lenses are fitting properly, and their eye health remains good.
Family History of Eye Disease
If your family members have glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or other eye diseases, you may need exams every year or more frequently depending on your risk factors.
Diabetes
Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, which damages blood vessels in your eye. If you have diabetes, you need at least an annual eye exam. Poorly controlled diabetes may require exams every 3 to 6 months.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can damage blood vessels in your eye. Annual exams help detect these changes early.
Other Health Conditions
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid disease can affect your eyes. You may need more frequent exams depending on your specific condition.
Taking Certain Medications
Some medications can affect your vision or eye health. If you take medications that affect your eyes, you may need more frequent exams. Ask Dr. Ngoddy if your medications warrant more frequent monitoring.
Signs You Need an Eye Exam Before Your Scheduled Appointment
Even if you are not due for your regular exam, schedule an appointment if you experience:
Vision changes or blurred vision
Eye pain or persistent discomfort
Flashes of light or new floaters
Halos around lights
Eye redness or discharge
Sudden vision loss
Difficulty adjusting to new glasses or contacts
Track Your Eye Exam Schedule
Make a note of when you need your next eye exam. If you wear contacts or have a family history of eye disease, set a calendar reminder for your annual appointment. Regular eye exams are one of the most important preventive health steps you can take.
Scheduling Your Eye Exam at EyeServe
Dr. Ngoddy will recommend the right exam schedule based on your individual age, health, and eye health status. To find out if you are due for an exam or to schedule your next appointment, call EyeServe today.
Book Your Contact Lens Exam
Call: (404) 460-6163
Location: 844 Cleveland Ave SW, East Point, GA 30344 (inside Walmart Optical)
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10 AM to 5 PM