How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are important to maintaining vision health and keeping an eye out for disease. Having your eyes checked by an optometrist should be part of your wellness routine, especially if you have family history of eye disease or vision problems. How often you see an eye doctor can depend on factors like age, family history, and lifestyle. We’ll dig deeper into some of these factors below to help you make the right choice for your eye health.

Understanding Eye Health and the Benefits of a Regular Eye Exam

Common vision problems include near and farsightedness, astigmatism, chronically dry eyes, or headaches when doing basic activities like reading, driving, or spending time on a computer. If you experience any of the symptoms or notice blurred or double-vision, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to see what could be going on, and to prevent further worsening of the symptoms.

If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, it’s also important to have regular eye exams to make sure your prescription is up-to-date. Having a yearly eye exam can help not only maintain good eye health, but can also help detect other diseases and health conditions in early stages, such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even signs of strokes. For more information on what kinds of diseases eye exams detect and how, check out our blog.

Recommendations for Different Age Groups

On the whole, the average adult needs an eye exam every one to two years, even if they have “perfect” vision. However, specific recommendations change depending on your age group. As you get older, you have increased risk of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and general deterioration of the vision.

Infants and children: need their eyes checked regularly, especially when they are too young to verbalize any specific issues with their vision. Newborns will have their eyes checked for certain diseases, and unless recommended by their doctor, do not need another eye exam until roughly three years of age.
School-age children: it is recommended that they have an eye exam every two years.
Adults ages 20 to 40: should go no longer than 5 years without an updated eye exam.
Ages 40 to 54: the recommendation becomes every 2 to 4 years.
Age 55 and above: a complete eye exam once a year is recommended.

Special Considerations: Lifestyle, Occupation, and Genetics

When considering how often you should see an optometrist, you may need to take into account risk factors that are specific to you, whether it’s your age group, ethnic background, lifestyle, or your job. For instance:

People of African and Latinx descent are at higher risk of developing glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.
People of European or Caucasian descent are more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Those of Asian descent have a higher risk of developing angle-closure glaucoma.

Your family history may also have an impact on your overall eye health and increase your risk for eye disease.

Insurance and Eye Care

Before scheduling an eye exam, you might be wondering what is covered under your insurance plan. The easiest way to check this is to go to the website on the back of your insurance card and look at what benefits are covered. Most vision insurance plans cover yearly eye exams, and provide an allowance for glasses or contact lenses.

If you don’t have vision insurance, don’t worry! You can still budget and find ways to afford annual eye exams. The best place to start is by calling local providers and asking for the average cost of an eye exam without insurance; typically, an eye exam costs somewhere in the ballpark of $50 to $200. Always keep an eye out as well for specials being offered by local optometrists, as they can help you save on the cost of glasses or contacts after the exam!

Eye Symptoms You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Blurry or Double Vision: Don’t Brush it Off

Blurry vision might seem temporary, but it’s often an early symptom of something far more serious, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. Even brief episodes of double vision can indicate underlying health problems, including neurological conditions or strokes. If these symptoms appear frequently or persist, schedule a comprehensive eye exam immediately. Early diagnosis dramatically improves treatment outcomes and preserves your long-term vision.

Chronic Headaches and Eye Fatigue

Persistent headaches aren’t just a nuisance; they’re often signs your eyes are working overtime due to untreated vision problems, like astigmatism or presbyopia. If you’re constantly reaching for painkillers, it’s time to consider your eyes as the culprit. A thorough eye exam can identify and correct underlying vision issues, relieving discomfort and enhancing your daily life.

Seeing Flashes or Floaters: Serious or Harmless?

Not all floaters or flashing lights mean trouble, but sudden increases or persistent occurrences often signal retinal tears or detachment, a vision-threatening emergency. Never ignore these symptoms. Immediate evaluation can prevent permanent vision loss, making prompt medical attention absolutely vital.

The Hidden Consequences of Skipping Regular Eye Exams

Silent Eye Diseases You Might Be Missing

Eye diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration rarely show early symptoms. By the time noticeable vision loss occurs, significant irreversible damage may already be done. Regular comprehensive exams allow early detection, offering the best chance to preserve your sight and prevent blindness.

Eye Exams Reveal More Than Just Eye Health

Did you know eye exams can spot signs of serious systemic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and stroke before other symptoms appear? Skipping eye exams not only puts your vision at risk but could mean missing critical early warnings about your overall health. Prioritizing regular exams protects more than just your eyesight—it safeguards your entire wellbeing.

Practical Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy Between Exams

Maintaining eye health between appointments isn’t complicated; simple daily habits can make a significant impact.

Reduce Digital Eye Strain: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to minimize eye fatigue.
Eat Vision-Friendly Foods: Incorporate nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, fatty fish, and citrus fruits into your diet, supporting long-term eye health.
Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses: Always use UV-blocking sunglasses outdoors, even on cloudy days, to protect against cataracts and macular degeneration.

By adopting these manageable lifestyle habits, you actively protect your vision between eye exams.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, how often you should get your eyes checked can be determined by a number of factors, including age, occupation, and family history. If you are still uncertain about how often you should see an optometrist, a good rule of thumb to follow is to have one eye exam a year. If you are experiencing vision loss or other signs of poor eye health, it’s important to call your eye doctor as soon as possible to get scheduled for an appointment.

So whether it’s for a new concern or for your yearly exam, contact us today to get started!

FAQs

Who needs regular eye exams in Fort Collins, CO?

Everyone—from infants to seniors—can benefit from regular eye exams in Fort Collins. Children need checkups to detect vision issues early, and adults should maintain annual or biennial exams to update prescriptions and catch eye diseases or hidden health concerns before they worsen.
What are the most common signs I need an eye exam in Fort Collins, CO?

Blurred or double vision, frequent headaches, eye strain, or trouble reading are key signs you need an eye exam. If these symptoms persist or worsen, scheduling a comprehensive checkup in Fort Collins can prevent further vision problems and protect your long-term eye health.
Where can I find affordable eye exams in Fort Collins, CO?

Many local optometry clinics in Fort Collins offer competitive pricing, often ranging from $50 to $200 without insurance. Look for seasonal specials or call nearby providers to compare costs. If you have insurance, most vision plans cover annual eye exams and may provide allowances for eyewear.
Why are regular eye exams important in Fort Collins, CO?

Regular eye exams are essential because they detect early signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. They also reveal systemic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. By catching issues early, you can preserve your vision and safeguard your overall wellbeing.
How often should I get my eyes checked in Fort Collins, CO?

Adults should have an eye exam at least every one to two years, depending on age and risk factors. Children generally need checkups every one to two years, while seniors over 55 benefit from yearly exams. Always consult your eye doctor if you notice new vision changes.
Will my insurance cover an eye exam in Fort Collins, CO?

Most vision insurance plans cover an annual eye exam and may include allowances for glasses or contact lenses. Check your policy’s details by visiting the website on the back of your insurance card, or contact local Fort Collins providers to confirm your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.
How can I reduce digital eye strain in Fort Collins, CO?

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Adjust screen brightness, use proper lighting, and take regular breaks. These small changes help minimize digital eye strain and keep your vision healthy between eye exams.
What are the long-term benefits of early eye disease detection in Fort Collins, CO?

Early detection of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and other eye diseases means more effective treatment and a higher chance of preserving your vision. Regular comprehensive exams in Fort Collins help catch silent issues before they become advanced, potentially preventing blindness or irreversible damage.
How do I know if I need new glasses in Fort Collins, CO?

Signs you need new glasses include frequent squinting, blurred vision, headaches, or eye fatigue. If you’re constantly adjusting how you look at screens or reading materials, it may be time to update your prescription. Scheduling an exam ensures you have the correct lenses for your needs.
Why do I sometimes see flashes or floaters in Fort Collins, CO?

Occasional floaters or light flashes can be normal, but sudden increases may signal a retinal tear or detachment. If this happens, seek immediate evaluation from an eye doctor. Early intervention in Fort Collins can prevent permanent vision loss and protect your long-term eye health.

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Read Full Bio

Dr. Eric Torgerson

Owner at Poudre Valley Eyecare

Dr. Eric Torgerson is the owner of Poudre Valley Eyecare, and has been recognized for his contributions to optometry and his commitment to community health through various roles and accolades within the Northern Colorado Optometric Society and the Colorado Optometric Association.

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