How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? A Complete Guide

Your eyes deserve just as much care and attention as the rest of your body. Being able to see clearly greatly influences your ability to learn, work, and enjoy your everyday life. An optometrist in SW Calgary will help keep your eyes healthy with regular checkups. However, many people ask how often they should book an eye exam altogether. This guide will tell you what you need to understand.

Why Are Eye Exams Important?

Routine eye examinations do more than show whether you need glasses or contact lenses:

• Identify early stages of eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts.
• Identify health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Evaluate your prescription to make sure it’s correct for visibility.
• Relieve eye strain, which can cause headaches and/or difficulty focusing.

Having the option for comprehensive eye exams in Calgary allows you to safeguard your eyesight as well as your health.

Get Your Eyes Checked as an Adult?

Eye health and changes happen at a different rate as you age; the timing of your examination matters. For adults:

• Ages 18-39 – every 2 years unless you have eye health issues.
• Ages 40-64 – every 1-2 years, since the risk of eye disease increases.
• Ages 65 and older – once per year to monitor for age-related changes.

If you experience sudden blurriness, eye pain, or double vision, you should get an appointment right away instead of waiting for your next routine exam. Routine comprehensive eye exams in SW Calgary can help identify and correct issues earlier that will help to maintain your vision clear at every age.

How Often Should Children Get an Eye Exam?

Children use their vision significantly to learn at school and navigate the world. This is why knowing how often should children get an eye exam is crucial.

• Initial exam: At about 6 months old.
• Preschool years: Ages 3 to 5.
• School age: Yearly, as undiagnosed vision issues impact learning.

If a child frequently squints, has headaches, or has trouble seeing the board at school, a checkup sooner may be necessary.

What About Teenagers and Young Adults?

Teenagers and young adults might not give much thought to eye health, but this is an important time. An optometrist near you can suggest annual exams, particularly if you spend many hours on digital devices or wear contact lenses.

This prevents eye strain from computer use, protects the eyes when wearing contact lenses, and maintains clear vision for driving and school.

How Do You Know When to Book an Extra Exam?

Even if you maintain an eye exam schedule, you may need a comprehensive eye exam near you sooner. Schedule a visit if you experience:

• Frequent headaches or discomfort with your eyes when staring at a digital device.
• Blurred or double vision.
• Difficulty seeing at night.
• Recent sudden flashes of light or spots (floaters).
• A family history of eye disease.

These are all signs of conditions that should be assessed for further evaluation sooner rather than later.

How Often to Get Your Eyes Checked by an Optometrist?

A simple way to recall how often you should get your eyes evaluated by an optometrist is this: once every one to two years for most adults, every year for seniors, and every year for school-aged children—and sooner if symptoms are present. When you maintain consistent eye care, you’re more likely to find and manage problems before they affect your vision.

Keep Your Eyes Healthy with Eyedeology Optometry

Clear vision is an important aspect of everyday living—whether it is learning in the classroom, doing activities, or working. Strong and healthy eyes start with a routine of regular checkups. At Eyedeology Optometry, we have a team of professionals here to provide complete eye care for the entire family.

If you’re booking your child’s first visit, as well as a check-up for yourself, or need an urgent concern addressed, getting in today will provide you with peace of mind tomorrow. Don’t wait until you experience blurry vision to make a plan—book your appointment with our team at Eyedeology Optometry today and notice the difference in eye health.