Key Takeaways
- Many eye problems show no early signs, so regular exams can help catch changes early.
- Babies can have a first eye exam between 6 and 12 months.
- Preschoolers should have at least one exam between ages 3 and 5.
- School-age kids benefit from an exam before first grade and yearly exams after that.
- Low-risk adults can go at least every 2 years, while adults 65+ are generally recommended to have yearly exams.
- Book sooner for eye pain, an eye injury, or an eye infection.
Your family calendar fills up fast with school drop-offs, soccer practice, and work deadlines. Eye exams can slip down the list, especially when everyone seems to see just fine. At Eye Lab, our team helps families build eye care into their routine, so no one’s vision gets left behind.
How often you need an eye exam depends on your age and health, but kids should generally have yearly exams once school starts, low-risk adults should have one at least every 2 years, and adults 65+ should generally have one every year. A family eye exam at Eye Lab gives everyone a chance to check in on their vision, and anyone who needs new glasses can browse frames in the optical boutique afterward.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter for Your Whole Family
Many eye problems show no early signs. You can read road signs, scroll your phone, and watch movies with your kids while a change goes unnoticed.
Early care can help protect your vision.
Regular exams also keep your glasses and contact lens prescriptions up to date, so the lenses you wear every day match what your eyes need right now.
Eye Exam Schedule for Kids and Teens
Babies and Toddlers from Birth to Age 2
Your baby can have a first eye exam between 6 and 12 months. Your eye doctor may suggest earlier or extra visits based on what they see during the exam.
Preschoolers Ages 3 to 5
Plan for at least one eye exam during the preschool years. At this visit, your eye doctor checks for lazy eye and crossed eyes.
School-Age Kids Ages 6 to 17
Schedule an eye exam before your child starts first grade, then book yearly exams after that.
Kids may not notice they need glasses. A child who sees a blurry whiteboard every day may think everyone sees it the same way. Yearly visits give your eye doctor a regular chance to spot those changes.
Eye Exam Schedule for Adults
Ages 18 to 64
If you have a low risk of eye problems, plan on an eye exam at least every 2 years. If you’re at higher risk, your eye doctor may recommend yearly visits or a schedule based on your needs.
Around age 40, you may notice early eye changes, like holding a restaurant menu farther away to read it.
Adults 65+
Yearly eye exams are generally recommended for adults 65+. The risk of eye conditions grows with age, so a regular visit keeps your eye doctor up to date on your eye health.
Signs You May Need Eye Exams More Often
Health and Family History
Some health factors can call for more frequent visits. These factors include:
- Diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Family history of eye disease.
- Being pregnant and having diabetes.
Vision and Lifestyle Factors
Your daily habits and eye history matter too, so you may benefit from more frequent exams in these situations:
- You wear glasses or contact lenses.
- You’ve had eye surgery, including LASIK, or an eye injury.
- You take medications with possible eye side effects.
When to Book Sooner
Some problems call for a visit before your next routine exam. Book an appointment promptly if you notice any of these:
- You have eye pain.
- You have an eye injury.
- You have signs of an eye infection.
Full Eye Exam vs. School Vision Check
School vision checks often test distance vision only. Passing one doesn’t rule out eye health problems.
A full eye exam with an eye doctor in Scottsdale looks at much more. Your eye doctor checks how well your eyes focus, how well they work together as a team, and the health of each eye.
Book Your Family Eye Exam at Eye Lab Optometry
Eye exams are easier to keep up with when you know what each age needs. A clear schedule helps your family stay on track.
If you’re looking for an eye doctor in Scottsdale, Eye Lab welcomes your whole family. Relax in the lounge with a refreshment, say hello to Simba, our resident cat, and get answers about your eye health from an education-focused team. Book your family’s next eye exam today.
