Most people know they should go to the dentist twice a year, but when it comes to eye exams, the timeline isn’t always so clear. If you’ve ever Googled “How often should I get an eye exam?”—you’re not alone. The answer depends on your age, health, and vision needs.
At Lake Norman Eye Care, Dr. Williams and Dr. Harris believe in proactive, personalized care—because clear vision and healthy eyes aren’t just important for seeing the world around you; they’re essential to your overall quality of life.
Eye Exam Guidelines by Age
Here’s a general guide to how often you should schedule a comprehensive eye exam:
Ages 0–5: A child’s first eye exam should happen between 6–12 months, then again at age 3, and before starting kindergarten. Early detection of vision problems is key for learning and development. Dr. Williams is happy to help with your child’s eye care needs starting at age 5 and older.
Ages 6–18: Once every 1–2 years, or more frequently if they wear glasses, have a vision condition, or show signs of eye strain.
Ages 19–39: Every 2 years if you have no vision issues. If you wear contact lenses or glasses, yearly exams are recommended.
Ages 40–64: Annually is ideal. Around age 40, your risk for conditions like presbyopia (age-related near vision loss), dry eye, and eye strain increases. We also begin screening more carefully for glaucoma and other issues.
Ages 65 and up: Yearly or more often. As we age, the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease increases. Routine eye exams help catch and manage these conditions early.
But What If My Vision Feels Fine?
Even if your vision seems perfect, many eye conditions—like glaucoma or macular degeneration—develop slowly and without noticeable symptoms. A comprehensive eye exam checks more than just how well you can see; it evaluates the overall health of your eyes and can even detect signs of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other systemic health issues.
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At Lake Norman Eye Care, Dr. Williams and Dr. Harris provide thorough, personalized exams for every age and stage of life. Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or have a specific concern, we’re here to protect your vision and your health.
Not sure when your last eye exam was? Let’s fix that. Call or schedule your next appointment online today!
