Most people should have a comprehensive eye exam once a year, even if their vision feels fine. Regular checkups help detect changes in vision, update prescriptions, and catch early signs of eye disease before symptoms appear. Children, seniors, and patients with health conditions may need even closer monitoring.
If your vision seems fine, it’s easy to let routine eye exams slip to the bottom of your to-do list. But just like dental cleanings or annual checkups, regular eye care isn’t something to skip, especially when it comes to protecting your long-term vision and overall health.
So, how often should you actually see your eye doctor? The answer depends on your age, your health, and whether you wear corrective lenses. Let’s break it down and help you stay on top of your eye health.
For Adults With Healthy Eyes: Once a Year Is Ideal
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 64 and don’t wear glasses or contacts, you might assume you only need an eye exam every few years. But in most cases, a yearly visit is best.
Why? Because your eyes can change gradually and quietly. You may not notice small shifts in your vision, but those changes can cause strain, headaches, or fatigue. Blurry vision or glare that’s barely noticeable at first may become more disruptive over time. Many patients don’t realize how much their vision has changed until they update their prescription.
An annual comprehensive exam also gives your Macon eye doctor a chance to check for early signs of common eye conditions. Even if your vision feels “perfect,” issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or dry eye syndrome can start developing beneath the surface. The earlier we catch them, the easier they are to manage or treat.
If You Wear Glasses or Contacts: Stay on a Regular Schedule
For anyone using corrective lenses, a yearly visit isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Prescriptions can shift from year to year, especially with more time spent on screens. Whether you’re working from home, attending college, or managing a busy household, small lifestyle changes can add up to noticeable eye fatigue.
At each annual visit, we’ll:
- Check for prescription changes
- Make sure your lenses are working well for your daily activities
- Examine your cornea and optic nerve
- Spot potential problems with lens comfort, dryness, or irritation
If you wear contact lenses, you may also need a separate contact lens exam, which includes specific measurements of your cornea and a discussion of how long you safely wear your lenses each day.
Many insurance plans cover one eye exam per year, and keeping up with that schedule helps avoid surprises at the DMV, at school, or behind the wheel.
Kids Need Regular Eye Exams, Too
Children should have their first comprehensive eye exam by age 3 and another before they start kindergarten. After that, once a year is a good rule of thumb, especially once they’re in school full-time.
Why so early? Because vision plays a major role in learning, development, and behavior. A child who can’t see the board clearly, follow words on a page, or focus on a screen may struggle unnecessarily, and they may not have the words to describe what’s wrong.
Routine eye exams can detect:
- Nearsightedness (myopia)
- Farsightedness (hyperopia)
- Astigmatism
- Eye coordination or focusing problems
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Signs of screen-related eye strain
At Eyesight Associates, we know how to make kids feel comfortable during their appointments. We keep things light and simple—no stress, no pressure.
Seniors Over 65: Annual Exams Are a Must
As we age, our eyes become more vulnerable to a number of conditions that don’t always show symptoms right away. That’s why adults over 65 should have a comprehensive eye exam every year, even if they aren’t having noticeable vision problems.
Some of the most common concerns in this age group include:
- Cataracts, which cloud the natural lens of the eye
- Glaucoma, which increases pressure inside the eye and can damage the optic nerve
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects central vision
- Diabetic retinopathy, especially for patients with diabetes
We also monitor for signs of dryness, irritation, and night vision changes, which tend to increase with age. Early intervention can significantly slow disease progression or make your day-to-day vision more comfortable and functional.
What If I Have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, or Other Health Issues?
Certain health conditions can affect your vision and the blood vessels in your eyes. If you have:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Thyroid conditions
- Autoimmune diseases
…you’ll likely need more frequent exams. For example, people with diabetes should receive a dilated eye exam once per year at minimum to check for signs of diabetic retinopathy or macular edema.
In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend more than one visit per year, especially if early signs of damage are already present. These exams not only protect your vision—they can also help flag other health concerns that may be affecting your body as a whole.
What’s Included in a Routine Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam includes more than just reading the eye chart. At Eyesight Associates, we take the time to look at your overall eye health and visual function. Your exam may include:
- Refraction testing to determine your prescription
- Eye pressure measurement (tonometry) to screen for glaucoma
- Retinal imaging or dilation to view the back of the eye
- Evaluation of your cornea, lens, and optic nerve
- Discussion of symptoms, health history, and lifestyle
We tailor each exam to your age, risk factors, and personal needs. Whether it’s your first visit or your 15th, we’re here to answer questions and keep you informed about your vision and health.
Haven’t Been in a While? No Problem.
If it’s been a few years or longer since your last eye exam, don’t worry. We’re not here to judge. Life gets busy, and appointments get pushed back. What matters is that you’re ready to take care of your eyes now.
We’ll walk you through the exam process, explain what we’re seeing, and make sure you leave with a clear understanding of your eye health and next steps. There’s no pressure, just good care close to home.
Bottom Line: An Annual Exam Is the Best Investment in Your Vision
From kids to seniors, from contact lens wearers to first-time patients, an annual eye exam is one of the smartest ways to protect your sight. It gives us the opportunity to catch issues early, fine-tune your prescription, and ensure that your eyes are functioning at their best today and for the years ahead.
If you’re due for a visit, now is the perfect time to schedule. We look forward to seeing you.
Haven’t Had an Exam Lately? Let’s Fix That
Whether it’s been one year or ten, Eyesight Associates‘ Macon eye doctors make it easy to get back on track. Call 478-923-5872 to schedule your next comprehensive exam.
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