Key Takeaways
- Children need their first exam between 6 and 12 months, then regular checks as they grow.
- Healthy adults 19 to 64 are usually recommended to book every 2 or 3 years.
- Adults 65 and older should have yearly eye exams.
- Those who wear glasses or contacts, or have diabetes, may be recommended to have more frequent visits.
- Sudden vision changes, flashes, or pain mean you should seek prompt eye care.
If it’s been a while since your last visit to Eye.Q. Optometry, you may wonder whether an eye exam is even necessary. After all, maybe your eyes feel completely fine, and it seems like you’re seeing clearly. But we want you to know why regular eye exams are so important.
Most healthy adults should get an eye exam every 1 to 2 years, though your age, health, and vision needs can change how often you book. Regular visits matter because your eye doctor can spot small changes you may not notice. Your eyes can also reveal clues about your overall health, including signs of diabetes and high blood pressure.
How Often to Book an Eye Exam by Age
Children and Teens
Kids often don’t notice vision problems because they think everyone sees the world the way they do. That’s why eye exams matter: Clear vision supports learning and development for the rest of their lives. Here’s a general breakdown of when to take them for an eye exam:
- Children should have their first exam between 6 and 12 months old.
- They should have another between ages 3 and 5, before school starts.
- From there, annual eye exams are important once your child begins school.
Adults 19 to 64
For most healthy adults between 19 and 64, getting an eye exam every 2 to 3 years is a good timeline. This helps keep on top of any changes that you may not notice right away.
Adults 65 and Older
For adults 65+, yearly exams help you stay ahead of age-related changes. During these visits, your eye doctor can watch for things like cataracts or eye diseases like age-related macular degeneration. Many of these eye diseases have no symptoms in their early stages, which makes early detection key.
When You May Need Exams More Often
Some situations call for more frequent exams. You may need to come in more than the general schedule suggests if you:
- Wear glasses or contacts, which may need more frequent checks to keep your prescription current.
- Have a health condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease.
- Have a screen-heavy job or experience dry eye symptoms.
Myopia Control for Kids
Nearsightedness, or myopia, means faraway things look blurry. It often starts in childhood and can progress over time, leading to a stronger prescription.
Myopia control in Los Angeles uses methods that can help slow how fast a child’s nearsightedness progresses. If your child has myopia, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent eye exams to track vision changes and adjust the plan as your child grows.
Signs You Shouldn’t Wait for Your Next Exam
Some symptoms require urgent attention from an eye care professional and shouldn’t wait until your next scheduled visit. If you notice any of the following, seek prompt eye care:
- Sudden or severe eye pain.
- Sudden loss of vision or a dark curtain falling across your field of view.
- A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or halos around lights.
What to Expect at Your Eye Exam
Our team wants to make sure you feel comfortable and at ease throughout your appointment. We can start by checking how clearly you see and testing whether your prescription needs an update. Then, your eye doctor can screen for common eye diseases, including a look at the health of your eyes inside and out.
If your eyes feel dry and irritated, ask about dry eye care in Los Angeles and options like OptiLight by Lumenis, a light-based treatment that can improve tear quality and provide longer-lasting comfort from dry eye symptoms.
Schedule Your Next Visit
Ready to check in on your eyes? Our team at Eye.Q. Optometry in Eagle Rock welcomes families and adults for comprehensive exams, myopia control, and dry eye care. Book your appointment today and take the next step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
