Regular eye exams are essential for keeping your eyes healthy. How often you need an exam depends on your age, health, and risk factors. Here is a simple guide to help you know when to schedule your next eye checkup.
 

Eye Exams for Infants and Children

Babies should have their first eye exam between six and twelve months old. This helps catch any early vision issues, like congenital cataracts. By age three, kids should have another exam, and once again, before they start school.
 

School-age children should have regular eye exams every one to two years. If a child has risk factors, like a family history of eye problems, they might need more frequent checkups. Early detection of issues like myopia can prevent learning problems.
 

Eye Exams for Teens and Young Adults

An eye exam every two years is recommended for teens unless they have vision issues. Young adults without risk factors can continue this schedule through their twenties.
 

For those with risk factors like diabetes or a family history of glaucoma, an annual exam is a good idea. These conditions can develop early but may not show symptoms right away.
 

Eye Exams for Adults Aged 40 to 64

At age 40, everyone should have a comprehensive eye exam. This helps catch early signs of conditions like presbyopia or glaucoma. If you have no risk factors or symptoms, you should have an exam every two to four years.
 

If you wear glasses or have medical conditions like diabetes, an annual exam is recommended. Glaucoma and other vision problems are more likely to develop in this age range, especially if you are at higher risk.
 

Eye Exams for Adults Aged 65 and Older

Eye health should be monitored more closely after age 65. Older adults should have an eye exam every one to two years, even if they do not notice any vision changes.
 

This age group is more likely to develop cataracts, macular degeneration, and other severe eye conditions. Regular checkups can help prevent or manage these problems before they affect daily life.
 

Eye Exams for People with Health Conditions

If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other conditions affecting eye health, more frequent exams are necessary. Diabetic retinopathy, for example, is a leading cause of blindness. Regular monitoring can help manage it early on.
 

People with diabetes should have an annual eye exam, starting five years after being diagnosed with type 1. For those with type 2 diabetes, exams should begin at diagnosis.
 

When to Get an Eye Exam If You Have Symptoms

If you notice any changes in your vision, scheduling an exam right away is essential. Blurry vision, sudden changes, or eye pain could signal a serious issue. Early detection is critical to preventing long-term damage.
 

Vision Screening vs. Eye Exams

While school vision screenings are helpful, they are not a substitute for a full eye exam. Screenings may catch some issues, but a comprehensive exam can identify underlying problems and give a complete picture of your eye health. For example, conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) may not appear in a primary screening but can be caught during a full exam.
 

Eye Exam Frequency

• Infants: One exam between six and twelve months.

• Children: At least one exam between ages three and five.

• School-age children (up to 17 years): An exam every one to two years.

• Adults (18 to 39 years): An exam every two years or more frequently if at risk.

• Adults (40 to 64 years): An exam every two to four years or yearly for those with risk factors.

• Adults 65 and older: An exam every one to two years.
   

Regular eye exams are essential at every stage of life. Scheduling them based on age, vision needs, and risk factors can help keep your eyes healthy for years.
 

For more on eye exams, visit Clarity Eyecare. Our offices are in Birmingham, Walled Lake, South Lyon, Waterford, Commerce Township, and Sylvan Lake, Michigan. Call 248-369-3300, 248-624-1707, 248-437-3351, 248-698-2000, 248-366-8600, or 248-682-6448, to book an appointment today.

Sources:

https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/cost-and-how-often/

https://www.aao.org/education/clinical-statement/frequency-of-ocular-examination