Life gets busy, and it’s easy to forget about scheduling an eye exam, especially if you’ve always had good vision. You might think, “I don’t wear glasses or contacts, so why is it necessary?” But eye exams are crucial for more than just vision correction. They help catch potential issues early when they’re easiest to treat.  

Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can develop without noticeable symptoms. Detecting them early through regular exams is critical for ensuring effective treatment and avoiding vision loss. Eye exams can also reveal signs of health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Because eye doctors can see blood vessels directly through the eyes, your eye health is an excellent indicator of your overall health.  

So, how often should you schedule an eye exam? It depends on a few factors, including your age, risk factors, and current eye health. Here are some general guidelines to help you figure out what might be best for you: 

Ages 18–39

For healthy individuals with no symptoms or known risk factors, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends getting an eye exam every two years. If you wear contact lenses, have a family history of eye disease, or have health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, you should get an eye exam at least annually or as often as your eye doctor advises.

Ages 40–64

In your 40s and mid-60s, regular eye exams become increasingly important. Many people begin to have trouble seeing up close (known as presbyopia) around the age of 40, but other eye issues can also start to emerge. If you have no symptoms or risk factors, a regular exam every two years is generally sufficient. However, if you have specific risk factors or existing conditions, you should schedule exams annually or as often as your eye doctor recommends. 

Ages 65 and older 

According to the AOA, individuals 65 or older should see an eye doctor at least once a year. This age group is more susceptible to conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Regular exams help catch these conditions early, allowing for more effective treatment. 

High-risk factors 

Certain risk factors may necessitate more frequent eye exams. These include: 

• Pre-existing eye conditions: Follow your eye doctor’s advice on scheduling if you have any diagnosed conditions. 
• Chronic health conditions: Diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol can impact eye health and require more frequent exams. 
• Family history of eye disease: Having a family history of eye diseases can increase your risk of developing the same conditions, making regular eye exams crucial for detecting them early on. 
• Occupational hazards: Jobs involving significant screen time or eye hazards mean more frequent check-ups might be necessary. 
• Previous eye surgery or injury: Extra monitoring is crucial if you’ve had surgery or an eye injury. 
• Belonging to certain racial and ethnic groups: Certain groups are at increased risk for specific eye conditions. 
• Taking certain medications: Some prescription and non-prescription medications have ocular side effects. 
• Functional vision in only one eye: Regular exams are crucial if you rely on one eye for vision. 

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, now’s the time to schedule one at Kristin L. Campbell OD. We offer a fantastic range of eyewear and have the expertise to diagnose and treat a variety of eye conditions. Contact us today to book your eye exam in Delaware, Ohio!