Eye exams do more than update your glasses — they protect your overall eye health. In fact, many serious conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration show no early symptoms but can be caught during a routine eye exam. That’s why it’s important to understand how often to get an eye exam, even if your vision seems fine.
Whether you’re scheduling your child’s first exam or managing age-related changes, Big Sky Eye Care believes that regular eye care is one of the easiest ways to protect your vision for life.
What’s the Recommended Eye Exam Frequency by Age?
Everyone’s eyes are different, but here’s a general guide on eye exam frequency by age based on national optometric recommendations:
- Infants (6–12 months): At least one full eye exam between 6 and 12 months of age
- Preschool (3–5 years): At least one exam to detect early vision problems
- Children & Teens (6–18 years): Every 1–2 years, especially as screen use increases
- Adults (19–39 years): Every 2 years, or annually if you wear glasses or contacts
- Adults (40–64 years): Every 1–2 years to monitor for early signs of disease
- Seniors (65+ years): Annually, to check for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration
These guidelines are a starting point — but individual risk factors may mean you need more frequent visits.
What Conditions Might Require More Frequent Exams?
Even if your vision feels stable, certain health or lifestyle factors can increase your need for checkups:
Diabetes or high blood pressure- Family history of eye disease
- Wearing contact lenses
- Previous eye surgery or injury
- Occupational hazards (e.g. screen-heavy jobs, outdoor work)
If any of these apply to you, your optometrist at Big Sky Eye Care may recommend annual or even semiannual exams. It’s about more than just seeing clearly — it’s about catching changes early.
Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important?
Besides updating your prescription, eye exams check the health of your retina, optic nerve, and cornea. They can also reveal signs of systemic health conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, or even autoimmune diseases.
When you keep up with your eye exams at Big Sky Eye Care, you're giving yourself the best chance to preserve vision — and overall wellness — for years to come.
Schedule Based on You — Not Just the Calendar
Our doctors consider your medical history, visual demands, and risk factors before recommending how often to get an eye exam.
Whether you’re managing a condition or simply want peace of mind, we’ll create a schedule that fits your life and helps you see your best, now and later. Schedule your appointment at Big Sky Eye Care in Hamilton today — and take the first step toward better, clearer vision.