Eye Exam Frequency: When to Get Checked and What You Might Miss

When it comes to your vision, waiting until you can’t read the clock isn’t smart. An eye exam, a clinical assessment of vision and eye health performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Also known as a vision screening, it’s not just about checking if you need glasses—it’s a critical window into your overall health. Many people think if their vision feels fine, they don’t need an exam. That’s a dangerous myth. Conditions like glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, often without early symptoms and diabetic retinopathy, damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood sugar can quietly steal your sight before you notice anything wrong. The eye exam frequency you need depends on your age, medical history, and risk factors—not a one-size-fits-all schedule.

For healthy adults under 40, an eye exam every two years is usually enough. But if you wear contacts, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, you need them yearly. After 60, annual exams become non-negotiable. That’s when the risk for macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma climbs. If you’re diabetic, even if your vision hasn’t changed, you need a dilated eye exam every year. Why? Because diabetic retinopathy often shows no symptoms until it’s advanced. And if you’re on certain medications—like hydroxychloroquine for lupus or rheumatoid arthritis—you need regular retinal scans to catch toxicity early. These aren’t optional. They’re preventive. Skipping them doesn’t save time or money—it risks permanent vision loss.

Eye exams don’t just check your prescription. They look at the back of your eye, measure pressure, test peripheral vision, and check for signs of systemic disease. High blood pressure shows up in retinal blood vessels. Diabetes leaves behind tiny bleeds. Autoimmune disorders can cause dry eyes or inflammation. Even a simple eye exam can catch a brain tumor if it’s pressing on the optic nerve. That’s why your eyes are a mirror for your body. The posts below give you real, practical advice on what to expect during an exam, when to push for more tests, and how to spot warning signs between visits. You’ll find guides on managing eye health with chronic conditions, understanding test results, and knowing when your symptoms mean something serious. No fluff. Just what you need to protect your vision before it’s too late.