The short answer: Most healthy adults need an eye exam every one to two years. Children, adults over 60, and anyone with diabetes or a family history of eye disease should go yearly. Book sooner if your vision changes, you get frequent headaches, or you notice glare, floaters, or flashes. An exam checks eye health, not just your prescription.
How often, by age and risk
| Group | How often |
|---|---|
| Children and teens | Yearly, or as advised |
| Adults 18 to 39 | Every 2 years |
| Adults 40 to 59 | Every 1 to 2 years |
| Adults 60 and over | Yearly |
| Diabetes or family history | Yearly, or as advised |
| Contact lens wearers | Yearly |
Why an exam is more than a prescription
A sight test measures how well you see. A full eye exam also checks the health of the eye. It can catch glaucoma, macular changes, cataracts, and even signs of diabetes and high blood pressure, often before you notice a symptom. That is why the schedule holds even when your vision feels fine, and why children get checked as their eyes develop.
Signs to book now
- Vision changed. Blur, trouble reading, or a stronger squint at distance.
- Headaches or eye strain. Especially after screens or reading. See what really eases eye strain.
- Floaters or flashes. New or sudden ones need a prompt check.
- Glare and halos. Trouble with night driving or bright lights.
- Double vision. A reason to ask about prism lenses.
Keep your prescription current
Prescriptions expire, usually after one to two years, so an out-of-date number is a reason to book. When you get the new one, learn to read it before you order glasses. Our guide on how to read your prescription walks through every line, including the PD you need to order online.
From our test bench. We are not clinicians, so this is the one area where we point you to a professional rather than a product. What we see on the fitting side: people stretch a two-year prescription to four, then wonder why new frames feel off. The frame is rarely the problem. An old number is. Get the exam, then pick the frame.
FAQ
How often should adults get an eye exam?
Every one to two years for most healthy adults, and yearly from age 60 or with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or contact lenses. Go sooner if your vision changes.
How often should children have their eyes checked?
Yearly, or as your eye doctor advises, because vision develops through childhood and problems are easier to treat early.
Do I need an exam if my vision seems fine?
Yes. Many eye conditions show no early symptoms. A full exam checks the health of the eye, not just how well you see, so it catches issues before you notice them.
Part of The Eyewear Care Manual · Related: how to read your prescription · Browse eyeglasses · Last updated: August 5, 2026
