How Often Do You Really Need an Eye Exam? Understanding the Timeline for Children and Adults

Maintaining your eye health is a vital part of overall wellness, yet many people aren’t sure how often they should actually schedule an eye exam. Whether you’re managing your child’s vision as they grow or keeping your own prescription current, understanding the ideal timeline for eye exams is key to preventing issues and maintaining clear, comfortable vision. At Mission Family Optometry, we’re proud to provide comprehensive eye care for families in Granada Hills, California and surrounding communities.

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond just checking your vision. It includes a detailed evaluation of the entire visual system and overall eye health. During a comprehensive eye exam, our optometrist will:

• Assess your visual acuity (how clearly you see)

• Check for refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)

• Examine eye alignment and teaming

• Measure intraocular pressure

• Evaluate the health of the cornea, retina, optic nerve, and other internal structures

• Diagnose and treat conditions such as dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease
   

These exams are critical for detecting early diseases to prevent permanent vision loss—even before noticeable symptoms arise.
 

How Often Should Children Get Eye Exams?

Children's vision plays a vital role in their learning and development. That’s why routine eye exams are essential throughout childhood:

• Infants (6–12 months): A baseline eye exam should be done to rule out early concerns. Through the InfantSEE® program, we provide a no-cost comprehensive eye assessment for infants between 6 and 12 months of age. This exam helps ensure that your baby’s eyes are developing normally and can detect early signs of vision or eye health issues.

• Toddlers (3–5 years): A second exam ensures that the eyes are developing properly before entering school.

• School-age children (6–18 years): Annual exams are recommended to monitor changes in vision, especially with increased progressive myopia, screen time, and academic demands.
   

Many vision issues can go unnoticed by children—especially if they’ve never experienced clear vision before. Regular eye exams help catch and correct these problems early, giving children the best opportunity for academic and developmental success.
 

How Often Should Adults Get Eye Exams?

Adults should also have regular eye exams to maintain healthy vision and catch any changes or conditions as early as possible. The recommended timeline is:

• Ages 18–39: Annually, especially if you wear glasses or contacts

• Ages 40–64: Annually, especially as the risk for eye diseases increases

• Age 65 and up: Annual exams are essential to monitor age-related changes and eye conditions
   

Even if you think your vision is “just fine,” many eye diseases—like glaucoma or macular degeneration—can progress silently without symptoms. Annual eye exams help ensure that any changes are identified and addressed before they impact your quality of life.
 

Prioritize Your Family’s Eye Health at Mission Family Optometry

Annual eye exams are more than just a prescription update—they’re a proactive step in protecting your eye health. They allow your eye doctor to track changes over time, manage chronic conditions, and ensure that your vision supports your lifestyle, work, and daily activities.

Schedule an eye exam with Mission Family Optometry to experience personalized, comprehensive eye care for the whole family. Visit our office in Granada Hills, California, or call (818) 360-7522 to book an appointment today.