When was your last eye exam? If you’re not sure, or if you’re holding your phone at arm’s length to read this, it might be time to schedule one. At Vision Care Group, we provide comprehensive eye exams in Plainfield, Illinois, to help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear at every stage of life.
But how often should you get your eyes checked? The answer depends on your age, overall health, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. Here’s what you need to know.
General guidelines for eye exams
How often you need an eye exam can vary, but the American Optometric Association offers some helpful general guidelines:
For Children:
- 6–12 months old: A baby’s first eye exam should happen around 6 months to screen for early developmental issues. At Vision Care Group, we offer one-time, no-cost InfantSEE® eye exams for children in this age group!
- Age 3: Another exam around age three checks for proper eye alignment and early signs of vision problems.
- Before kindergarten: A comprehensive exam ensures your child has the clear vision and visual skills they need for school.
- School-age children: Once in school, kids should have their eyes checked every year to monitor for changes that could affect learning and development.
For Adults (18-39):
- No vision issues: If you don’t wear glasses or contact lenses and don’t have any risk factors, an eye exam every two years is generally sufficient.
- Wearing glasses/contacts or at-risk: If you already wear corrective lenses or have risk factors for eye conditions, an annual exam is recommended.
For Adults (40-64):
Vision changes such as presbyopia (trouble seeing up close as you age), dry eyes, and increased eye strain from screens are more likely to occur in this age group.
- Low risk: Eye exams every two years are generally recommended.
- Vision correction or risk factors: Annual exams are best to keep tabs on vision changes and catch early signs of conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
For Seniors (65+):
Aging increases the risk of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Seniors should schedule annual eye exams to protect their vision and ensure early diagnosis of age-related eye conditions.
When more frequent eye exams may be necessary
There are a few situations where you might need to see an optometrist more often:
- Chronic health conditions: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other systemic health issues, you have a higher risk of developing eye conditions and should see an eye doctor on a regular basis.
- Family history: A history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases in your family means regular screenings are critical for protecting your eyesight.
- New or worsening symptoms: If you’re experiencing eye strain, blurry vision, or frequent headaches, book an appointment right away to discuss treatments with your eye doctor.
- Heavy screen use: If your work or lifestyle involves long hours in front of a screen, regular eye exams can help manage digital eye strain and prevent long-term damage.
Eye exams are about more than just seeing clearly
Even if your vision seems fine, eye exams are essential for catching silent threats to your eye health. Many serious conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, don’t cause noticeable symptoms until they’ve progressed to more advanced stages. Early detection through routine exams can help you avoid permanent vision loss.
Schedule an appointment today
At Vision Care Group in Plainfield, we provide personalized, comprehensive eye exams for patients of all ages. Let us help you stay ahead of any potential issues and keep your vision at its best.