How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? A Guide by Age and Health History

How often should adults get an eye exam?

The American Optometric Association recommends exam frequency by age and risk level 1Ref 1American Optometric Association (2023).Comprehensive Eye Exams — Recommended Examination Frequency for Pediatric Patients and Adults.Eye exam schedule by age: 6–12 months, ages 3–5, pre-first-grade and annually for children; every 2 years for low-risk adults 18–64; annually for adults 65 and older:

• Ages 18–39, no risk factors: at least every two years
• Ages 18–39, at-risk (contact lenses, family history of eye disease, systemic conditions): annually or as recommended
• Ages 40–64, no risk factors: every two years minimum
• Ages 40–64, at-risk: annually
• Ages 65 and older: annually regardless of risk status — the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy all increase meaningfully with age

These are minimum baselines. If you notice any vision changes between scheduled exams — blurring, new floaters, difficulty with contrast or night driving — do not wait for your scheduled visit.

What about children?

The AOA Comprehensive Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination guideline recommends 1Ref 1American Optometric Association (2023).Comprehensive Eye Exams — Recommended Examination Frequency for Pediatric Patients and Adults.Eye exam schedule by age: 6–12 months, ages 3–5, pre-first-grade and annually for children; every 2 years for low-risk adults 18–64; annually for adults 65 and older:

• First comprehensive in-person exam between 6 and 12 months
• At least one thorough exam between ages 3 and 5
• A comprehensive exam before entering first grade, then annually through school age
• Children with glasses, amblyopia (lazy eye), or a family history of eye disease: as often as their eye doctor recommends, often more frequently than annual

School vision screenings are not a substitute for a comprehensive eye exam — they miss many problems that a full optometric evaluation would catch.

When do you need eye exams more frequently?

Certain conditions call for closer monitoring:

• Diabetes: Annual dilated eye exams are a standard part of diabetes management 2Ref 2American Diabetes Association Professional Practice Committee (2024).12. Retinopathy, Neuropathy, and Foot Care: Standards of Care in Diabetes — 2024.Annual dilated eye exam recommended for people with diabetes; type 2 at diagnosis, type 1 within 5 years of diagnosis3Ref 3American Academy of Ophthalmology (2024).Diabetic Retinopathy Preferred Practice Pattern.Annual dilated eye exam as the gold standard for diabetic retinopathy screening; only 60% of people with diabetes receive recommended yearly screenings. The American Diabetes Association recommends people with type 2 diabetes begin dilated eye exams at the time of diagnosis; people with type 1 should start within five years of diagnosis — then annually thereafter. Diabetic retinopathy can progress and cause irreversible vision loss before you notice any symptoms.
• Glaucoma or family history of glaucoma: Established risk factors include elevated intraocular pressure, older age, Black or Hispanic ethnicity, and a first-degree relative with glaucoma 4Ref 4American Academy of Ophthalmology (2025).Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern.Risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma including older age, family history, Black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, and elevated IOP; targeted screening rationale. More frequent optic nerve monitoring is standard for those at elevated risk.
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): Once early AMD is diagnosed, your ophthalmologist will set an individualized schedule — often every six to twelve months.
• High myopia (approximately –6.00 or higher): Associated with higher lifetime risk of retinal tears; annual exams are typical.
• Hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil) use: Annual retinal screening is required after a defined cumulative dose period.
• Contact lens wear: Annual exams allow the provider to check lens fit and corneal health, not just prescription.

Why do regular eye exams matter beyond getting the right glasses?

Several serious, vision-threatening conditions — glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration — can silently damage vision before you notice any symptoms 4Ref 4American Academy of Ophthalmology (2025).Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Preferred Practice Pattern.Risk factors for primary open-angle glaucoma including older age, family history, Black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, and elevated IOP; targeted screening rationale. By the time peripheral vision loss from glaucoma is noticeable in daily life, significant nerve damage has already occurred. The AAO notes that currently only about 60% of people with diabetes receive the recommended yearly retinal screening 3Ref 3American Academy of Ophthalmology (2024).Diabetic Retinopathy Preferred Practice Pattern.Annual dilated eye exam as the gold standard for diabetic retinopathy screening; only 60% of people with diabetes receive recommended yearly screenings.

Regular exams catch these conditions at a stage when treatment is most effective. An outdated prescription also contributes to headaches, eye strain, and difficulty driving — not emergencies, but real quality-of-life issues.

Routine versus medical eye exams — a practical note on insurance

A routine exam focused on vision correction and wellness screening is typically covered by vision insurance (such as VSP or EyeMed) once per year or every two years depending on the plan.

If you have a medical condition affecting your eyes — diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration — your visits may qualify as medical eye exams and be covered (partially) by your regular health insurance, separately from vision insurance. Knowing this distinction can help you avoid unexpected bills.

Gale does not offer eye care. However, Gale clinicians can help manage systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension that directly affect your eye health, and can help you understand when to see an eye specialist.