How Often Do I Need an Eye Exam?

Vision changes can sneak up unnoticed. Getting regular comprehensive eye exams helps detect issues before they impact daily life. Understanding exam frequency timelines empowers proactivity. Read on to learn how often exams prove necessary by age and risk factors.

 

Kids: Check Yearly

Like baby teeth give cues about adult teeth, children’s vision development tracks into adulthood. It is best to catch issues early for a better long-term prognosis. The American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests an initial eye assessment for healthy infants within six months of birth. 
 

Preschool eye exams for children between ages three and five prove beneficial, too. School-aged children need yearly comprehensive exams to monitor vision changes during this rapid development. More frequent childhood eye exams provide guidance, ensuring kids see clearly as they grow.

 

Teens and 20s: Every 2-4 Years

Life moves fast as a teen enters adulthood. With school, jobs, relationships, and more on the brain, vision health drops low on the priority list. However, the AOA recommends eye exams every two to four years for healthy teens and 20-somethings with no vision issues. Vision can shift rapidly in young adulthood. Catching small changes early prevents significant impacts down the road.

 

30s and 40s: Every 2-4 Years

Entering the 30s and 40s often means added responsibilities. Yet vision remains critical for productivity. The AOA recommends eye exams every two to four years for low-risk adults in their 30s and 40s. 

Most only require prescription updates during this stable time. Minor farsightedness often develops, too. Still, do not take vision for granted just because change occurs slowly.

 

50s and Beyond: Every 1-2 Years

Life experience brings wisdom by the 50s, including gaining an appreciation for health. This mileage check applies to vision, too. Remarkably, around age 65, more than half of all Americans live with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other age-related eye diseases. 
 

This raises risks for vision loss. As such, the AOA advocates comprehensive eye exams every one to two years beginning in one's 50s. This vigilance allows early detection and treatment to save sight.

 

Ongoing Issues: Every 6-12 Months

Are you suffering from chronic dry eyes? Are you dealing with diabetes? Do you have a family history of glaucoma or experience another ongoing vision condition? Where risks exist, more frequent eye exams prove prudent. 
 

The AOA recommends checkups every six to 12 months for people managing chronic eye issues. Maintaining vigilance allows monitoring changes and adjusting treatment as needed. Never take a known condition lightly. Consistency gets results.

 

Other Red Flags

Beyond standard recommendations, multiple red flags indicate pursuing an eye exam ASAP. These include the following:

• Vision clouding over
• Obscured areas of vision
• Halos
• Eye pain
• Worsening night vision
• Chronic headaches
• Eyestrain
• Eye fatigue
• Watery eyes
• Eye puffiness and irritation
• Eye redness
• Trouble reading

These issues suggest seeing a doctor immediately. Sudden onset of symptoms warrants urgent evaluation for glaucoma, stroke, infection, tear issues, and more. 

Regular eye exams safeguard precious vision and overall wellness. Following standard guidelines by age allows monitoring changes over time. Sorting by risk level empowers intelligent health decisions, too. Ultimately, you create positive habits when you understand how often you need eye exams. This can help prevent issues and save your sight. 

For more on eye exams, visit Multnomah Vision Clinic at our Portland, Oregon office. Call (503) 244-7788 to schedule an appointment today.