Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining clear vision and long-term eye health, but the ideal eye exam frequency depends on age, health conditions, and vision changes. Routine checkups not only update prescriptions but also help detect hidden eye diseases and even systemic health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.
How Often Should You Schedule an Eye Exam?
For most adults, an annual comprehensive eye exam is recommended to monitor vision changes and identify early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. However, some people may need more frequent exams, including:
- Children and seniors – Children’s vision changes quickly, and seniors are more prone to age-related eye diseases.
- People with existing eye conditions – Conditions like diabetic retinopathy or dry eye disease require closer monitoring.
- Contact lens wearers – Annual exams ensure the lenses fit properly and don’t cause complications.
- Individuals experiencing vision changes – Symptoms like blurry vision, eye strain, or headaches signal a need for an exam sooner.
If you’re unsure when to book your next visit, watch for signs you may need an eye exam sooner.
Signs You Need an Eye Exam Sooner
Certain symptoms indicate it’s time to schedule an eye exam, even if your last checkup was recent:
- Blurry or distorted vision – Trouble focusing, reading, or difficulty seeing at a distance.
- Frequent headaches or eye strain – Especially after extended screen time or reading.
- Increased light sensitivity – Could signal an underlying condition like cataracts.
- Flashes of light or floaters – May indicate retinal issues that require urgent care.
- Red, irritated, or painful eyes – Often linked to infections, inflammation, or dry eye syndrome.
Ignoring these warning signs could lead to progressive vision loss or untreated eye diseases.
Can Eye Exams Detect Health Issues Beyond Vision Problems?
Yes! A comprehensive eye exam is not just about updating your glasses or contact lens prescription—it can also reveal early signs of serious health conditions. During an exam, an eye doctor can detect changes in retinal blood vessels, which may indicate high blood pressure or diabetes before other symptoms appear.
Swelling of the optic nerve or irregular eye movements could be linked to neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or brain tumors. Additionally, inflammatory eye conditions may signal autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, while yellowish deposits in the eyes can be an early indicator of high cholesterol.
Since many of these conditions do not show obvious symptoms in the early stages, routine eye exams play a crucial role in preventative healthcare and can help detect underlying issues before they become more serious.
When Should You Book Your Next Eye Exam?
If it’s been over a year since your last eye exam, now is the time to schedule one. Even if your vision feels fine, preventative exams ensure long-term eye health.
Don’t wait until vision problems arise—schedule your eye exam today in Idaho Falls or Pocatello.