How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? Complete Guide by Age

Your eyesight changes throughout your life—sometimes slowly, sometimes faster than you realize. That’s why knowing how often to get an eye exam is so important. Eye exams aren’t just about updating your prescription. They help catch early signs of eye disease, reduce digital eye strain, and protect your long-term vision.

At EFE Glasses, we believe smart vision care starts with understanding when to schedule routine eye checkups. This guide breaks down the recommended eye exam frequency by age, based on leading organizations including the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO)—plus insights into how your visual needs evolve over time.

Infants & Children (0–12 Years)

Healthy vision development begins early. According to the AOA and CAO:

• First exam: Between 6–12 months old

• Preschool exam: At least once between ages 2–5

• School-age children:Annual comprehensive eye exams, starting before first grade

Why Yearly Eye Exams Matter for Kids

Children’s eyes grow rapidly, and vision can change significantly year to year. School vision screenings don’t detect many issues, such as:

• Early nearsightedness (myopia)

• Eye coordination problems

• Focusing issues

• Signs of amblyopia

Kids who already wear glasses often need annual prescription updates—especially during growth spurts. Regular comprehensive exams ensure children see clearly at school, during play, and in daily life.

Teens (13–19 Years)

The teen years bring new visual demands—more screen time, longer study sessions, and often contact lens use.

Exam Frequency:

• Annual comprehensive eye exams

Even though vision stabilizes compared to childhood, prescriptions may still shift. Teenagers also commonly experience:

• Digital eye strain

• Dryness

• Headaches

• Increased risk of contact-lens-related irritation

If your teen wears contacts, yearly eye exams are essential to ensure proper fit and eye health. Building these habits early contributes to lifelong visual wellness.

Adults (20–64 Years)

Adult eyes tend to stabilize, but regular exams are still crucial for maintaining healthy vision.

Ages 20–39

• Eye exam every 1–2 years

• Annually if you:

• Wear glasses or contact lenses

• Spend long hours on screens

• Have a family history of glaucoma or retinal disease

• Experience headaches or digital eye strain

Regular checkups help detect subtle changes in vision and early signs of eye conditions.

Ages 40–64

• Eye exam at least every 2 years

• Annually if you have:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• High prescriptions

Around your mid-40s, most people develop presbyopia—an age-related difficulty focusing up close. Reading glasses or progressive lenses can make near work much clearer.

By your 60s, your prescription may stabilize, but the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma increases. Consistent exams allow early detection and treatment.

Once your prescription is updated, finding the right eyewear is simple with EFE Glasses’ wide selection of eyeglasses, blue light glasses, and progressive lenses designed for modern visual needs.

Seniors (65+ Years)

For older adults, annual eye exams are strongly recommended—even if everything seems fine.

Why Yearly Exams Matter

Age increases the risk of serious conditions such as:

• Cataracts

• Glaucoma

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

These conditions often develop slowly and without symptoms in their early stages. A yearly comprehensive exam helps detect issues early, when treatments are most effective.

Prescription Changes in Seniors

After age 60, most people’s prescriptions stabilize, but changes can still occur due to:

• Cataracts

• Diabetes

• Dry eye

• Previous surgeries

Even subtle changes can affect reading, nighttime driving, balance, and overall safety.

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter at Every Age

Think of routine eye care as preventive health care—just like dentist visits or annual physicals.

Comprehensive eye exams help:

• Keep your prescription accurate

• Detect eye diseases early

• Reveal early signs of diabetes or high blood pressure

• Prevent learning issues caused by undiagnosed vision problems in kids

• Reduce digital eye strain

• Protect long-term visual health

Routine exams ensure clear, comfortable vision and catch issues long before symptoms appear.

See Clearly at Every Age with EFE Glasses

At EFE Glasses, we’re committed to supporting lifelong eye health. Whether you’re choosing your child’s first glasses, upgrading to blue light protection for screen-heavy work, or selecting progressives for presbyopia, we offer eyewear tailored to your needs.

After your next eye exam, explore:

• Shop Glasses

• Virtual Try-On

• Vision Health Resources

Clear, comfortable vision starts with consistent care—and EFE Glasses is here to help at every stage of life.

Quick Reference: Eye Exam Schedule

Your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits depending on your personal needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an eye exam if my vision feels normal?

Yes. Many conditions—including glaucoma, AMD, and even health issues like diabetes—cause no early symptoms. Regular exams protect your long-term vision.

What’s the difference between a screening and a comprehensive eye exam?

A vision screening checks basic clarity.
A comprehensive eye exam evaluates eye health, eye pressure, focusing ability, eye teamwork, and internal structures. Only a full exam gives a true assessment of your eye health.

How long does an eye exam take?

Most comprehensive exams take 30–60 minutes depending on whether dilation is needed.

How often do children’s prescriptions change?

Kids’ prescriptions often change every year—especially during rapid growth. Annual exams ensure they see clearly in school and daily life.

When should I schedule my next eye exam?

If you're due based on the guidelines above, schedule soon. Seek immediate care if you experience flashes, floaters, sudden vision loss, or eye pain.