How Often to Get an Eye Exam

You might remember getting your eyes checked before the new school year or maybe after realizing you couldn’t read the board clearly from the back of the classroom.But somewhere along the way, those regular check-ins tend to slip through the cracks. At least until you're squinting at road signs, struggling with screen time, or dealing with unexpected eye strain.

More often than not, an eye exam gets pushed down the to-do list because you aren’t experiencing any obvious visual issues. And truthfully, many of us start to forget just how important eye exams are.

Eye exams aren’t just about seeing clearly. They’re about seeing everything more clearly. Staying on top of them can help you catch changes early, protect your vision long-term, and even spot signs of other health concerns before they become bigger problems.

Let’s break down why they matter, how often you actually need one, and what to do once your prescription is updated.

Why Eye Exams Matter

Sure, eye exams check how well you see. But they do so much more than just the blind eye can see, literally and figuratively. Your optometrist isn’t just measuring vision, they’re looking for signs of deeper issues.

Many diseases like glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure and macular degeneration can be spotted early through the eyes. That’s why regular checkups with an eye doctor are one of the most overlooked tools for preventative care.

Think of it like going to the dentist. You wouldn’t skip cleanings for five years just because your teeth look okay, right?

How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?

The answer depends on a few things. Your age, medical history, and whether you wear glasses or contacts all affect how often you should get an eye exam. Here’s a general guideline:

• Kids under 6 should have their first eye exam between 6–12 months old, then again around age 3, and once more before they start school.
  

• Children and teens need annual exams to make sure their vision is supporting their learning and development.
  

• Adults 18–64 should get their eyes checked at least every two years. However, if you wear corrective lenses, work long hours on screens, or have risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, it’s smart to go yearly.
  

• Adults 65 and older should have yearly exams to monitor for age-related vision conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration.

Life moves fast. Setting a yearly reminder can help you stay on top of it. A great nudge is Healthy Vision Month every May! And always follow your eye doctor’s recommendations.

What Happens at an Eye Exam

If it’s been a while, you might have forgotten what going to an optometrist involves for an eye check. Don’t worry, it is quite simple and we're here to run you through it.

Before making an appointment, check your insurance network for covered providers and find an eye doctor conveniently located near you.

A typical comprehensive exam starts with a few questions about your health history, daily screen time, and any issues you’ve been noticing with your vision.

Then comes the part you’re probably most familiar with, a visual acuity test. You’ll be asked to identify letters or symbols from a distance to measure how clearly you can see. It helps determine if you need glasses or a change in your current prescription.

Beyond the prescription check, your doctor will also look closely at the health of your eyes. This typically includes tests to assess eye movement and alignment, eye pressure test to screen for glaucoma, and a detailed examination of the retina to check for diseases like diabetic retinopathy or macular degeneration.

In total, the whole thing usually takes less than an hour and can save you years of future vision complications!

The Fun Part: A New Prescription

Once you’ve got your fresh new prescription, it’s time to shop for a fun new frame! We recommend getting a copy of yourprescription from your eye doctor, so you can shop for glasses wherever you'd like.

Whether you have been wearing glasses since elementary school or just joined the glasses club, your glasses should feel like you. They should match your mood, your style and maybe even change with the seasons.

At Pair Eyewear, we’ve made buying glasses online not just easy, but truly one-of-a-kind. Here are the top three reasons (in our opinion) why shopping for glasses with us beats buying them at your eye doctor’s office.

1. Save money: Our frames are a fraction of the price of most in-office options, without compromising on style or quality.

2. Switch up your style: Thanks to our patented magnetic Top Frame design, you can easily swap out your look anytime without buying a whole new pair. Making it possible to express yourself differently any day of the week.

3. Try-on frames virtually: With our Virtual Try-On tool, you can see exactly how each frame style looks on your face. No guesswork needed!

Not Sure What Style to Choose? We’ve got you. Check out our Face Shape Quiz or our complete guide on How to Pick Glasses for Your Face Shape.

Why Regular Eye Exams Should Be a Priority for Everyone

Taking care of your eye health is essential. It’s one of the best things you can do for your long-term health. So whether it’s been a year (or five) since your last exam, consider this your friendly reminder to book it.

In the meantime, there are simple habits you can build into your everyday routine to support your vision. Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients that promote eye health, wear sunglasses to protect against harmful UV rays and take regular breaks from screens to reduce eye strain. Every small step adds up to healthier eyes for the long run.

And when you’re ready to upgrade your glasses, Pair Eyewear is here to help you see clearly and look great doing it.

Sources:

Visual Acuity Test (Snellen Eye Test Chart) | Cleveland Clinic

Eye Pressure Testing | American Academy of Ophthalmology

What to Expect With a Retinal Exam | Associated Retina Consultants