How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? Age-Based Guidelines for Preventive Care
Understanding the Recommended Schedule for Your Vision Health
Many people visit their eye doctor only when they’re experiencing vision problems or need a new prescription. But at The Plano Eye Care Center, we believe preventive eye care is one of the most important decisions you can make for your long-term health. The truth is, many serious eye diseases—like glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration—develop silently without obvious symptoms until significant damage has already occurred. By the time you notice vision changes, preventable vision loss may have already happened. That’s why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends regular eye exams based on age and risk factors. These comprehensive exams serve as a screening tool for not just vision problems, but also systemic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure that often show early signs in the eyes. For Plano residents and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area, establishing a consistent eye exam schedule with a trusted eye care provider is an essential investment in your lifelong vision health. Let’s explore the recommended guidelines so you know exactly when to schedule your next appointment.
Age-Based Eye Exam Frequency Recommendations
Under Age 40
If you’re under 40 with no symptoms or risk factors for eye disease, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a comprehensive eye examination every 5 to 10 years. However, if you wear glasses or contact lenses, or if you have a family history of eye disease, you should schedule annual exams. This younger age group often assumes their eyes are healthy, but early signs of serious conditions can emerge even in your 20s and 30s. Additionally, presbyopia—age-related difficulty focusing on close objects—can begin developing during your late 30s, making a baseline exam important.
Ages 40 to 54: The Critical Baseline
Age 40 marks a significant milestone for eye health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology specifically recommends that all adults receive a comprehensive eye disease screening at age 40, even if they have no vision problems. This baseline exam creates a reference point for future exams and often detects early stages of common age-related conditions. For asymptomatic individuals without risk factors who have had a comprehensive exam, the recommended interval is every 2 to 4 years. However, if you have any risk factors—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease, or you wear corrective lenses—annual exams are more appropriate.
Ages 55 to 64: Increasing Frequency
As you enter your mid-50s, eye disease risk increases significantly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends comprehensive eye examinations every 1 to 3 years for this age group, even without symptoms. This more frequent schedule allows early detection of cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy—all conditions that become increasingly common in this decade.
Age 65 and Older
For seniors, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends comprehensive eye exams every 1 to 2 years, regardless of symptoms. This most frequent schedule reflects the significantly elevated risk of age-related eye disease in older adults. Annual exams are particularly important if you have diabetes, glaucoma, or other chronic conditions affecting your eyes.
Why Preventive Eye Exams Matter Beyond Vision Correction
Comprehensive eye exams do far more than update your eyeglasses prescription. They detect eye diseases at their earliest, most treatable stages. Early detection of glaucoma, for example, can prevent permanent vision loss that would otherwise develop silently over years. Likewise, discovering diabetic retinopathy early allows for treatments that can preserve vision. Your eye doctor also looks for systemic health issues—nearly 3 million Americans have glaucoma without knowing it, and many eye exams first reveal undiagnosed diabetes or high blood pressure.
Risk Factors That Require More Frequent Exams
Regardless of age, you should have more frequent eye exams if you have:
- Diabetes or other chronic diseases affecting vision
- A family history of eye disease
- Contact lens wear
- High blood pressure or other systemic conditions
- Previous eye surgery or injury
- Medications with eye-related side effects
Schedule Your Preventive Eye Exam Today
The Plano Eye Care Center is committed to providing comprehensive, compassionate eye care that keeps your vision healthy for life. Whether you’re due for your baseline exam at 40 or you need your annual senior eye check, our experienced team uses advanced diagnostic technology to detect problems early and preserve your sight. Don’t wait for vision problems to develop—schedule your preventive eye exam today and invest in your long-term vision health.