The general recommendation for how often to get your eyes checked varies by age and risk factors:
- Children should have their first eye exam at 6 months, then at age 3, and before first grade, followed by annual exams until age 18 if no risk factors are present.
- Adults 18 to 60 years old should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years.
- Adults 65 and older should have annual eye exams.
- People with risk factors like diabetes, family history of eye disease, wearing glasses or contacts, or certain medical conditions should have annual eye exams or as recommended by their eye doctor.
Regular eye exams can catch issues early and also reveal broader health problems. If there are specific concerns or changes in vision, immediate exams are advisable. These recommendations align with guidance from eye care professionals and associations.