You may remember having vision tests at school as a child. This is because ophthalmologists recommend that children get their eyes checked once a year. Children are still growing, which means their eyes are still growing, too, and nearsightedness can worsen if it is not caught and treated early.
But how often do you need an eye exam as an adult? Does the frequency change whether or not you wear glasses?
How Often Do You Need an Eye Exam If You Don’t Wear Glasses?
You might think that since you don’t need glasses, then you also don’t need an eye exam. However, eye doctors recommend that even people without glasses still get their eyes checked every one to two years. If your family has no history of eye problems, then maybe you could go up to three or four years without an exam, but once every one to two years is better.
Why Do You Need an Eye Exam If You Don’t Wear Glasses?
If you don’t wear glasses, it’s still important to get your eyes checked periodically. This is because an eye exam can help to catch vision problems before they get worse. If you have myopia, for example, then it could get worse much faster untreated than it would if you started to get your vision corrected earlier.
How Often Do Adults Need Eye Exams?
How often adults need eye exams depends on age:
- 20s: Every 5 to 10 years
- 30s: Every 5 to 10 years
- 40s: Every 2 to 4 years
- 50 – 54: Every 2 to 4 years
- 55 – 64: Every 1 to 3 years
- 65 and up: Every 1 to 2 years
Signs You Need an Eye Exam
Your eye exam schedule shouldn’t be based solely on age. Whether you’re due an eye exam or not, you should visit the eye doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Dry eyes
- Itchy eyes
- Red eyes
- Eye pain
- Blurred vision
- Seeing spots
- Seeing floaters
- Seeing halos around lights
- Seeing flashes of light
- Seeing circles
- Squinting in order to focus
- Straining in order to focus
If you experience any changes to your vision, even if they’re not in the list above, then it can be a good idea to visit the eye doctor.
How Often Do Children Need Eye Exams?
Babies should have an eye exam before their first birthday. After that, a child should have at least one more eye exam between the ages of 3 and 5. Once a child starts to attend school, they should have an eye exam every year from kindergarten until they graduate from high school. Parents should pay attention to if their child is squinting or is exhibiting any signs of a vision problem and should schedule an eye exam even if they’re not due for one yet. Especially with children, it’s important to catch vision problems early so that they don’t become worse.
Our eye care specialists are ready to answer any of your questions and help you with anything you may need. Contact us today.