Many people wait until something feels off before seeing an eye doctor — blurry vision, trouble reading, or maybe headaches from squinting at a screen. But by the time you notice symptoms, the underlying issue may already be advanced.
At Brazos Valley Eyecare, we’ve seen firsthand how early detection can prevent long-term problems — and how easy it is to miss those early warning signs if you’re not getting checked regularly.
If it’s been more than a year since your last exam, or if you’re unsure when your child’s next visit should be, this guide can help. Below, we outline how often people of every age should see an optometrist— and why waiting until “something feels wrong” isn’t the right approach.
Why Routine Eye Exams Matter
Your vision might feel fine — but that doesn’t always mean your eyes are healthy.
Many sight-threatening conditions develop slowly, without pain or noticeable symptoms. Diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can all progress quietly in the background. By the time they affect your vision, it’s often too late to reverse the damage.
Routine eye exams give your optometrist a chance to identify early warning signs — and step in before small problems become major ones. These visits also help ensure your glasses or contact lens prescription is accurate, and that your eyes are working together properly.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
The frequency of your exams depends on your age, eye health history, and risk factors. Here’s a general timeline:
Infants and Toddlers (6 months to 3 years): A first comprehensive eye exam should happen around 6–12 months of age, followed by another between ages 2 and 3 — especially if there’s a family history of eye problems.- Children (ages 3–5): At least one exam before starting school to screen for issues like amblyopia (“lazy eye”), strabismus (misalignment), and refractive errors.
- School-age Children (6–17): Every 1–2 years, or as recommended. Rapid changes in vision are common during these years — and uncorrected vision can impact learning and behavior.
- Adults (18–39): Every 2 years if you have no vision issues or risk factors. Annual visits are better if you wear glasses or contacts or spend long hours on digital devices.
- Adults (40–64): Every 1–2 years. Around this age, the eyes begin to change — and your risk for conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, and glaucoma begins to increase.
- Seniors (65+): Annually. Age-related vision problems become more common, and regular monitoring is essential to maintaining quality of life and independence.
Risk Factors That May Require More Frequent Exams
Some people benefit from more frequent eye exams — even if their age group typically calls for a longer gap between visits. You may need to come in annually (or more often) if:
- You have a personal or family history of eye disease, like glaucoma or macular degeneration
- You wear contact lenses, especially if they cause dryness or discomfort
- You’ve had eye surgery or other vision-correcting procedures
- You have a systemic condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, or an autoimmune disease
- You take medications that can affect your eyes
- You work in an environment with high visual demands, such as screen-heavy jobs or precision work
An eye exam isn’t just a check-up — it’s a proactive health decision. If you fall into one of these groups, your optometrist will help set a personalized schedule that fits your needs.
Eye Exams in College Station for Every Stage of Life
At Brazos Valley Eyecare, we don’t just look at where your vision is today — we look ahead, too. Whether you’re bringing your child in for their first screening or you’re due for your own annual visit, our team takes the time to make sure nothing gets missed.
Your eye health is part of your overall well-being, and staying on top of it is one of the smartest — and simplest — ways to protect yourself for the future.
Contact Brazos Valley Eyecare to request an appointment today. Let’s make sure your vision stays clear, strong, and healthy for years to come.
