Your eyesight plays a crucial role in your overall well-being, from navigating your daily commute to enjoying your favourite hobbies. Whether you're experiencing slight changes in vision or major difficulties with your current prescription, knowing when to update your eye prescription is key to maintaining healthy eyesight.
So, how often should you have an eye examination? The answer depends on several factors, including your age, eye health, and specific visual needs. In this blog post, we'll explore the recommended timelines for different groups, the warning signs that indicate it’s time for a new prescription, and why regular eye exams are important even when you feel like your vision is "just fine."
General guidelines - When to schedule an eye exam
For most people, eye exams should be scheduled at least once every two years, even if they don’t notice any vision changes. This allows your optometrist to check for other eye health issues, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Here’s a breakdown of how frequently different groups should get their eyes checked:
1. Children and Adolescents (Under 18)
Kids and teenagers experience rapid growth, which includes changes in their eyesight. It’s recommended that children have an eye exam:
Before starting school (around age 3-5)
Annually during school years to catch any vision changes that might affect their ability to learn.
Children are more likely to develop myopia (shortsightedness) and may need prescription changes more frequently as their eyes develop.
2. Adults (18-39 Years Old)
Adults with no significant eye health concerns or risk factors should have an eye exam every two years. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you may need more frequent check-ups.
However, if you notice any changes like headaches, blurred vision, or difficulty seeing at night, you should see your optometrist at an earlier stage.
3. Adults (40-60 Years Old)
As we age, eye conditions like presbyopia (difficulty in reading with age), glaucoma, and cataracts become more common. Even if you've had perfect vision for most of your life, your prescription may change in your early forties. Eye exams should be done every 1-2 years during this stage of life.
4. Seniors (60+ Years Old)
In this age group, the frequency of eye exams should increase to once a year. Seniors are more prone to eye diseases like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which makes regular checkups essential even if their glasses or contact lenses seem fine. Early detection of these issues can prevent vision loss and maintain quality of life.
When it’s time to change your prescription
Even if you're diligent about scheduling regular eye exams, there are specific signs that might signal the need for an immediate prescription change:
Frequent Headaches: Eye strain caused by an out-of-date prescription can result in headaches, particularly when reading or using digital devices.
Blurred Vision: If objects at a distance or at near seem fuzzier than usual, or if you have trouble focusing between near and far, your prescription may need adjusting.
Double Vision: This is a major red flag that something is wrong with your current eyewear. Double vision should be checked out immediately, as it could signal more serious issues.
Eye Fatigue: If your eyes feel tired, dry, or sore after reading or working on a computer despite regular breaks, your prescription may need updating. Even slight prescription inaccuracies can make your eyes work harder than they need to.
Squinting: If you’re squinting more often to see things clearly, it’s probably a sign that your vision has changed.
Difficulty Seeing at Night: Struggling to drive at night or read in dim light could indicate that your prescription is no longer accurate.
Why regular eye exams matter
You may not always notice gradual changes in your vision, and that's one reason why regular eye exams are essential. Here’s why keeping up with them matters:
Early Detection of Eye Diseases: Many serious eye conditions, like glaucoma, can develop without obvious symptoms. Regular check-ups help catch these conditions early, preventing significant damage.
Adapt to New Lifestyle Demands: Changes in your work or daily activities—like spending more time on screens or driving longer distances—can require an updated prescription.
Preserve Your Quality of Life: Vision is central to daily functioning. Unchecked vision problems can affect your productivity, enjoyment of life, and even your safety, particularly while driving.
When to see a specialist
If you experience any sudden changes in your vision—such as flashes of light, dark spots in your visual field, or the sudden appearance of floaters—you should schedule an eye exam immediately. These could be signs of retinal detachment or other serious eye issues that need urgent attention.
How long does an eye prescription last?
Technically, an eye prescription is valid for one to two years and is dependent on your optometrist’s recommendation. However, this doesn’t mean your vision will remain the same for that period. If you feel like your eyesight has changed within this time frame, don’t hesitate to schedule an exam.
Staying on top of your vision
Having an eye exam isn't just about improving how clearly you see it’s also about safeguarding your long-term eye health. As a rule of thumb, adults should get their eye prescription checked every one to two years. Your eyes are worth the investment in regular care!
Keep your eyesight in focus by staying informed and proactive with your eye health. Contact us today to book your eye examination.