How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? A Guide by Age
How often you need an eye exam depends on your age, your health and your eyes. Even if you see clearly, regular exams matter, because many eye conditions develop quietly with no early symptoms. Here's a simple guide from Uptown Eye Boutique in Johns Creek, based on widely used recommendations.
Children
First exam: between 6 and 12 months of age
At least once between ages 3 and 5
Before starting first grade
Every year through the school years
Children often don't know their vision isn't normal, and school vision screenings check only a small part of how the eyes work. A full pediatric eye exam checks focusing, eye teaming and eye health as well as clarity. If your child is nearsighted, read our guide to myopia control.
Adults 18 to 64
Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years. Many people benefit from yearly exams, especially if you wear glasses or contacts, spend long hours on screens, or have any of the risk factors below.
Adults 65 and older
Yearly exams are recommended. The risk of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration rises with age, and catching these early makes a real difference.
When you need exams more often
Dr. Brian Schultz may recommend more frequent visits if you:
Have diabetes; see our guide to diabetic eye exams
Have high blood pressure
Have a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration
Have high myopia or a past eye injury or surgery
Take medications that can affect the eyes
Wear contact lenses
Don't wait if you notice changes
Book an exam sooner if you notice blurry vision, frequent headaches, eye strain, trouble seeing at night, or new floaters. Seek care right away for sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a curtain over your vision, or eye pain.
A screening is not an exam
Vision screenings at school, work or the DMV check whether you can read letters at a distance. A comprehensive eye exam goes much further, checking your eye health with tools like retinal imaging and an eye pressure test. Read what to expect at a comprehensive eye exam.
Book your next exam
Uptown Eye Boutique is open Monday through Saturday and welcomes patients from Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Duluth, Suwanee and nearby communities. Learn more about our comprehensive eye exams in Johns Creek.
Frequently asked questions
Does vision insurance cover a yearly exam?
Most vision plans cover a routine eye exam once a year or once every two years. See the insurance plans we accept.
I see fine. Do I still need an exam?
Yes. Conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy often cause no symptoms until damage has occurred, and an exam is the only way to catch them early.
Is a contact lens exam different?
Yes. Contact lens wearers need extra measurements and a fitting. Read what happens at a contact lens exam.
Uptown Eye Boutique is open Monday through Saturday in Johns Creek, GA. Comprehensive eye exams are provided by Dr. Brian Schultz, OD.
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