Eye Exam Frequency
Regular eye exams are necessary in order to diagnose vision and ocular health conditions in a timely manner, and to aid in prevention of these conditions.
How often you will need to receive an eye exam will depend largely on YOUR individual eye care needs. After your initial examination, your optometrist will help you determine when you should return. General guidelines, however, are in place to assist you in determining follow-up examination frequency.
The below list is a recommended minimum frequency for low-risk patients in each age group:
- Infants and toddlers (birth to 24 months) - By age 6 months
- Preschool (2 to 5 years) - At age 3, and prior to entering elementary school
- School age (6 to 19 years) - Annually
- Adult (20 to 64 years) - Every one to two years
- Older adult (65 years and older) - Annually
Frequency for high-risk patients will be determined by the examining optometrist based on the findings at your initial examination. Some factors which may indicate high risk are:
- Infants and toddlers and preschool: Premature birth; low birth weight; mother's health during pregnancy; family medical history; strabismus; or congenital eye disorders.
- School age: children experiencing difficulty at school; children exhibiting reading and/or learning disabilities.
- Adult: diabetes; hypertension; family history of glaucoma; those whose work is visually demanding or who face eye hazards.
- Older adult: diabetes; hypertension; family history of glaucoma; those taking systemic medication with ocular side effects.
