How Often Should Adults Get an Eye Exam?
The answer depends on your age, health, and vision needs, but here's the straightforward rule: most adults should get a thorough eye exam every one to two years. If you have existing eye conditions, wear contact lenses, or manage diabetes, you may need to come in more frequently. The best way to know your personal schedule is to talk with your eye doctor at your visit, they'll recommend what works for your eyes.
What the Eye Care Guidelines Say
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults without risk factors get a baseline eye exam at age 40, then continue with exams every one to two years depending on their findings and age. After age 65, annual exams are generally advised, since the risk for age-related eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts increases significantly.
The American Optometric Association offers similar guidance: adults with no vision problems and no family history of eye disease can often space exams further apart, while those with risk factors benefit from yearly visits. Age 40 is considered a critical checkpoint because many eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms.
Eye Exams in Brooklyn: Timing by Age and Risk
Adults 18 to 40 (generally low risk) If you have no vision problems, no family history of eye disease, and no chronic health conditions, you might be fine with an exam every two years. However, if you spend long hours in front of screens for work, or if you're a contact lens wearer, annual exams help catch any changes early. At Vision Palace Optical on Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, we see many working adults who fit this profile, teachers, office workers, and healthcare providers often benefit from yearly visits just to keep on top of screen-related eye strain.
Adults 40 to 60 (moderate risk increases) By your 40s, your eye doctor should be screening for glaucoma, reviewing your prescription for presbyopia (age-related focusing changes), and checking for early signs of age-related conditions. Annual exams are a good idea in this range, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of glaucoma. We recommend getting a thorough eye exam every year during this decade.
Adults 60 and older (higher risk) After 60, annual eye exams are standard advice. Conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, and cataracts become more common, and early detection makes a real difference in preserving your vision. If you're on Medicare, your coverage typically includes a yearly exam; learn more about Medicare eye care in Brooklyn to understand your specific benefits. Many Brooklyn seniors find the convenience of a neighborhood practice like ours, open Monday through Saturday, fits their schedule better than larger medical centers.
When You Need Exams More Frequently
Even if you're younger or haven't had problems in the past, certain situations call for exams every six months or even more often:
Diabetes and eye disease If you have diabetes, your doctor will likely recommend annual or twice-yearly exams to screen for diabetic retinopathy, a condition that develops without early symptoms but can affect vision if untreated.
Contact lens wear Contact lens wearers should come in at least annually, and sometimes more often depending on the lens type and how your eyes respond. Fitting changes, dry eye, and prescription updates are all reasons to see your doctor regularly.
Family history and existing conditions If you have a family history of glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent monitoring. Similarly, if you've already been diagnosed with any eye condition, follow your doctor's recommended schedule closely.
Recent vision changes or symptoms Sudden blurriness, floaters, flashes of light, eye pain, or other new symptoms warrant an exam right away, not on a waiting schedule. Don't wait for your next routine appointment if something feels different.
Insurance and Your Eye Exam Schedule
Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, cover at least one eye exam per year. Coverage varies by plan. Call us or book through Zocdoc to verify your benefits before your visit. If cost is a concern, we work with most major plans accepted in Brooklyn, EyeMed, MetroPlus, Cigna, EmblemHealth, Aetna, and others, so you can get your recommended exams without unexpected out-of-pocket surprises.
The Bottom Line: Your Schedule at Vision Palace Optical
At our practice on Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, we follow evidence-based guidelines and customize your exam schedule to your individual needs. Some patients come every year, others every two years. We'll let you know what makes sense for your eyes, and we'll send you a reminder when it's time. Walk-ins are always welcome if you need a quick check-in, and we're open Monday through Saturday to fit your Brooklyn routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get an eye exam if I wear glasses?
If you wear glasses but have no other vision problems or health conditions, an exam every one to two years is usually fine. However, if your prescription changes frequently or you have risk factors like diabetes, annual exams are better.
Do I need an eye exam every year if I'm healthy?
Not necessarily. If you're under 40, have no eye disease, no family history, and no chronic health conditions, you might be able to go two years between exams. After 40, annual exams become more important. Your eye doctor will let you know what's right for you.
Are eye exams covered by insurance?
Most plans cover at least one thorough eye exam per year. Coverage varies by plan. Call us or book through Zocdoc to confirm your benefits before your visit.
What happens if I skip my regular eye exam?
You may miss early signs of serious eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration, both of which often develop without symptoms. By the time you notice a problem, some vision loss may already have occurred. Regular exams catch these conditions early when treatment is most effective.
References
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, Frequency of Ocular Examination
- American Optometric Association, Eye Exams and Vision Testing
Ready for your eye exam? Book your appointment at Vision Palace Optical. Book through Zocdoc, get in touch, or call us at (718) 998-8400. We're at 1723 Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, open Monday through Saturday.