Professionals who specialize in the care of eyes recommend eye checks once between one to two years. It may depend on your age, use of corrective lenses, and risk factors. Although screening is done in schools, it’s not a substitute for comprehensive eye checkups that can point out the underlying causes of vision problems.
Children’s Eye Exam Frequency
Regular eye exams are essential for children to detect vision problems that may influence their learning. Professionals recommend a first eye check-up at 6 months, at age 3, and before joining grade one. Those without risk factors can have yearly exams until age 18, while those with risk factors may need frequent exams.
Risk factors for vision problems include:
- Low birth weight
- Family history of eye disease
- Maternal smoking
- Developmental delays
- Drug use during pregnancy
Children who wear corrective lenses should get eye exams annually.
How Long Should Adults Have Their Eyes Examined
Adults aged 18-60 should have an all-inclusive eye exam after two years to ensure healthy vision in their lives. Adults who are at risk should get checked yearly or as per the doctor’s advice.
Adult risk factors include diabetes, wearing contact lenses for a high-risk racial group, family history of eye disease, and eye injury.
Vision Screening V.S. Eye Exam
Vision screenings are short assessments done in schools. The screening shows signs that a child should see an optician but they don’t get diagnosed.
Eye exams, on the other hand, measure vision quality and assess the overall health of the eye.