{"id":4546,"date":"2026-11-02T15:26:54","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T15:26:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/?p=4546"},"modified":"2026-11-02T15:26:54","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T15:26:54","slug":"how-often-eye-exam","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/sa-shpesh-test-syrit\/","title":{"rendered":"How often should you have an eye exam? An age-by-age guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In brief:<\/strong> You should have regular eye exams even when you can see well. Some conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetes-related retinal damage, show no early signs. According to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/tips-prevention\/eye-exams-101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)<\/a>, adults without eye problems should have a comprehensive exam every 5\u201310 years before age 40 and a baseline exam at age 40. After age 65, exams should be every 1\u20132 years. Children should have their eyes checked from birth. Diabetes, a family history of glaucoma or a strong glasses prescription call for more frequent checkups.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How often should you have an eye exam? Age-based schedule<\/h2>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead> <tr> <th>Who<\/th> <th>How often, with no symptoms or increased risk<\/th> <\/tr> <\/thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>Children<\/td> <td>at birth, 6\u201312 months, ages 1\u20133, ages 3\u20135, then as advised by the doctor<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>Adults under 40<\/td> <td>every 5\u201310 years<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>Age 40<\/td> <td>a baseline exam for eye diseases<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>Ages 40\u201354<\/td> <td>every 2\u20134 years<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>Age 55 and over<\/td> <td>every 1\u20132 years<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>People with diabetes<\/td> <td>every year; type 2 from diagnosis, type 1 within 5 years<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Source: AAO and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). If you have symptoms or an increased risk, your ophthalmologist will recommend more frequent checkups.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why have an eye exam even when you can see well?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many people see an ophthalmologist only when they have trouble seeing. But some of the most serious eye diseases progress without pain or any noticeable change in vision until significant damage has occurred:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>Glaucoma<\/strong> slowly damages the optic nerve and peripheral vision (see the clinic\u2019s video on <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/patient-guide\/glaukoma\/\">glaucoma<\/a>);<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>Diabetic retinopathy<\/strong> may cause no symptoms for years;<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>Macular degeneration<\/strong> often starts in one eye, while the other eye compensates for it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular eye exams can detect these changes early, when treatment is more likely to preserve your vision.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Children: when should the first eye exam take place?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The AAO recommends having a child\u2019s eyes checked at several stages:<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead> <tr> <th>Age<\/th> <th>What is checked<\/th> <\/tr> <\/thead> <tbody> <tr> <td>At birth<\/td> <td>the red reflex and basic signs of eye health<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>6\u201312 months<\/td> <td>eye movement and alignment, and visual fixation<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>1\u20133 years<\/td> <td>visual development, often using a special camera (photoscreening)<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>3\u20135 years<\/td> <td>visual acuity and eye alignment test<\/td> <\/tr> <tr> <td>5 years and older<\/td> <td>visual acuity and eye alignment; thereafter, as advised by the doctor<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See an ophthalmologist without waiting for the next checkup if you notice that your child:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\">turns one eye inward or outward (see <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/children-and-strabismus\/\">strabismus in children<\/a>);<\/li>\n\n<li>squints, rubs their eyes often, or tilts their head to see;<\/li>\n\n<li>sits very close to the TV or holds books very close;<\/li>\n\n<li>has a white pupil in flash photographs \u2014 this requires an urgent visit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adults under 40<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your eyes are healthy and your vision is good, the AAO recommends a comprehensive eye exam every 5\u201310 years. Contact lens wearers should have an exam every year, while people who wear glasses should follow the schedule recommended by their doctor. Infections, injuries, eye pain, or sudden flashes and floaters should not wait: seek care immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">After age 40<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">Around this age, most people start having difficulty reading up close\u2014this is presbyopia (the \u201ctired\u201d eye for reading; see <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/presbyopia-correction\/\">presbyopia correction<\/a>). The AAO recommends a baseline eye disease screening at age 40, even without symptoms. After that, your ophthalmologist will decide how often you should return, usually every 2\u20134 years until age 54 and every 1\u20132 years from age 55 onward.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">After age 65<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\">The risk of cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal problems increases with age. The AAO recommends an eye exam every 1\u20132 years after age 65. If you notice blurred vision or glare from lights, it could be a <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/cataract-symptoms\/\">cataract<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Diabetes, high blood pressure, and your eyes<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>Diabetes<\/strong> damages the small blood vessels in the retina. For type 2 diabetes, an eye exam should be done as soon as diabetes is diagnosed; for type 1, within 5 years of diagnosis. After that, it is usually done every year, even when vision seems normal (<a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2337\/dc26-S012\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ADA, 2026<\/a>). Learn more about <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/retinal-diseases\/\">retinal diseases<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><strong>High blood pressure<\/strong> increases the risk of retinal vein occlusion.<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\">A <strong>family history of glaucoma<\/strong> or <strong>high myopia<\/strong> (a strong glasses prescription) calls for more frequent checkups.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"765\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f52b00233e314a7c082eed9e4e552ca4eb1c59b7-765x1024.jpg\" alt=\"An ophthalmologist explains retinal imaging during an eye exam\" class=\"wp-image-1404\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f52b00233e314a7c082eed9e4e552ca4eb1c59b7-765x1024.jpg 765w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f52b00233e314a7c082eed9e4e552ca4eb1c59b7-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f52b00233e314a7c082eed9e4e552ca4eb1c59b7-768x1029.jpg 768w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f52b00233e314a7c082eed9e4e552ca4eb1c59b7-1147x1536.jpg 1147w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f52b00233e314a7c082eed9e4e552ca4eb1c59b7-1529x2048.jpg 1529w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f52b00233e314a7c082eed9e4e552ca4eb1c59b7-9x12.jpg 9w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/f52b00233e314a7c082eed9e4e552ca4eb1c59b7.jpg 1792w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 765px) 100vw, 765px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you see an ophthalmologist right away?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t wait for your next checkup if you have:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>sudden vision loss in one or both eyes;<\/li>\n\n<li>flashes of light or many new floaters;<\/li>\n\n<li>a curtain-like shadow in your field of vision;<\/li>\n\n<li>severe eye pain with redness, especially with vomiting or halos around lights;<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"translation-block\"><a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/ocular-trauma-surgery\/\">a blow to the eye<\/a> or chemicals in the eye (rinse the eye with plenty of clean water and come in immediately);<\/li>\n\n<li>sudden double vision.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does an eye exam include?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist usually includes:<\/p>\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>a vision test using an eye chart and a glasses prescription check (refraction);<\/li>\n\n<li>measuring eye pressure;<\/li>\n\n<li>examining the front of the eye with a slit lamp;<\/li>\n\n<li>dilating the pupils with drops to examine the retina and optic nerve;<\/li>\n\n<li>when needed, additional tests such as OCT (a retinal scan) or a visual field test.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"571\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-09_48_25-PM-571x1024.png\" alt=\"Eye exam with a slit lamp: an ophthalmologist examines the front of the eye\" class=\"wp-image-4134\" style=\"width:420px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-09_48_25-PM-571x1024.png 571w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-09_48_25-PM-167x300.png 167w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-09_48_25-PM-768x1378.png 768w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-09_48_25-PM-856x1536.png 856w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-09_48_25-PM-7x12.png 7w, https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-28-2026-09_48_25-PM.png 936w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 571px) 100vw, 571px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dilating drops blur your vision for a few hours, so don\u2019t drive after your appointment. Bring your glasses and a list of the medicines you take.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is an optical shop eye test enough?<\/h2>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An optical shop test measures the prescription you need for your glasses. It does not check your eye health, including eye pressure, the retina, the optic nerve, or diseases that have no symptoms. For these, you need a comprehensive eye exam with an ophthalmologist.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does an eye exam hurt?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No. The drops may sting a little for a few seconds; the rest of the exam doesn\u2019t hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need to come fasting or bring someone with me?<\/h3>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You don\u2019t need to come fasting. If your pupils will be dilated, it\u2019s a good idea to have someone available to drive you.<\/p>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/tips-prevention\/eye-exams-101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Academy of Ophthalmology \u2014 Eye Exam and Vision Testing Basics<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/eye-health\/tips-prevention\/children-eye-screening\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Academy of Ophthalmology \u2014 Eye Screening for Children<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aao.org\/clinical-statement\/frequency-of-ocular-examinations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Academy of Ophthalmology \u2014 Frequency of Ocular Examinations<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.2337\/dc26-S012\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Diabetes Association \u2014 Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026, Retinopathy<\/a><\/li>\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nei.nih.gov\/learn-about-eye-health\/eye-conditions-and-diseases\/diabetic-retinopathy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Eye Institute \u2014 Diabetic Retinopathy<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<p class=\"translation-block wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Time for your next checkup?<\/strong> Book an eye exam at the <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/best-eye-clinic-tirana\/\">Indian Eye Institute &amp; Laser Center in Tirana<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/contact\/\">Book an appointment<\/a> \u00b7 Tel. <a href=\"tel:+355675030017\">+355 67 503 0017<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How often to get an eye exam: a child\u2019s first checkup, before and after 40, with diabetes, and the warning signs that need an eye doctor right away.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1373,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4546","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-keshilla"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4546","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4546"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4546\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4550,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4546\/revisions\/4550"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1373"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4546"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4546"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/nishanttaneja.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4546"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}