How often should you get your vision checked?
It’s easy to put off getting your vision checked—until you start squinting at road signs or your screen feels blurrier than usual. But how often should you actually be checking in on your vision?
Routine vision care doesn’t just help you see clearly; it can also catch early signs of serious health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or eye diseases such as glaucoma. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), early detection and treatment of vision problems can prevent more serious issues down the road.
Let’s break it down by age and risk level so you know when to check in.
Children & Teens (0–18)
- First exam: Around 6 months old.
- Next: At age 3, and again before starting school.
- Ongoing: Every 1–2 years, unless otherwise recommended.
- Why it matters: Kids often don’t know they have blurry vision, which can affect school performance, social development, and even safety. Undetected vision problems are a leading cause of learning difficulties.
Adults (19–39)
- Low-risk adults: Every 2–3 years.
- At-risk adults: Every 1–2 years (if you wear glasses or contacts, have diabetes, or a family history of eye disease).
- Why it matters: This is a prime time for subtle changes to go unnoticed—whether from screen use, driving at night, or shifts in prescription. Vision corrections can also improve productivity, comfort, and quality of life.
Adults (40–64)
- General recommendation: Every 2 years.
- Why it matters: Age-related issues like presbyopia (difficulty seeing things up close), glaucoma, and early cataracts become more common. Many of these conditions progress slowly and silently, which is why regular checks are important.
65 and Older
- Every year: Regular exams are crucial for early detection of cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Why it matters: Vision issues can impact safety, mobility, and independence. Annual visits help protect overall health and quality of life.
Not Sure Where You Stand?
If it’s been more than 2 years since your last check, or you’ve noticed changes like headaches, blurry vision, or trouble reading, it might be time to get tested.
Eyebot offers a free, 90-second vision test you can take today—no appointment needed. It’s a quick way to monitor your sight and stay up-to-date on your eyeglass prescription.
But it's also important to remember that scheduling a regular comprehenisive eye exam with a local eye doctor is key to managing your overall eye health.
