Routine eye exams are one of the most important—and often overlooked—components of preventive healthcare. Your eyes don’t always show symptoms when something is wrong, which is why we emphasize annual eye exams for every patient, no matter your age.
So, how often should you or your loved ones really get an eye exam? While annual visits are the gold standard, let’s break down recommendations by age and health status to help you understand why—and when—your next eye exam should be.
Infants and Toddlers (Birth to Age 2)
When to Schedule:
- First eye exam at 6 months
- Follow-up at age 1, then as recommended
Even if no problems are visible, early exams can detect congenital issues, alignment concerns, and early signs of visual impairment. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), early detection can be critical in correcting problems before they affect learning and development.
At VisionQuest Eyecare, we offer pediatric eye care tailored to your child’s developmental milestones. Learn more about pediatric eye care here.
Preschoolers (Ages 3–5)
When to Schedule:
- At least one exam before starting school
- Annually if risk factors are present
Children at this age begin developing hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and focusing ability. If they have a family history of eye problems, wear glasses, or exhibit symptoms like squinting or sitting too close to screens, yearly exams are essential.
An annual eye exam ensures your child is visually ready for school and play, laying the foundation for a lifetime of healthy vision.
School-Age Children and Teens (Ages 6–18)
When to Schedule:
- Annually
School-age children rely on their vision more than ever for learning, sports, and screen time. However, 1 in 4 children has an undiagnosed vision problem that can hinder academic performance.
Our team at VisionQuest Eyecare offers comprehensive exams that assess vision and eye health while checking for conditions like myopia (nearsightedness), which is increasingly common in kids. We also provide guidance on managing screen time and digital eye strain.
Adults (Ages 19–39)
When to Schedule:
- Annually, even if you have 20/20 vision
Even without vision complaints, adults are not immune to eye conditions such as dry eye, digital eye strain, and early-stage glaucoma. If you wear contact lenses or glasses, an annual prescription update is essential to maintain visual comfort and performance.
Many adults in this age range also consider blue light filtering lenses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lens alternatives—all of which we offer at both our Greenwood and Fishers locations.
Middle-Aged Adults (Ages 40–64)
When to Schedule:
- Annually, especially due to age-related changes
This is when presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) typically begins, making reading glasses or multifocal lenses necessary. More importantly, the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases during this stage.
VisionQuest Eyecare provides comprehensive screenings for these conditions. Learn more about our macular degeneration services here.
Seniors (Age 65+)
When to Schedule:
- Annually or more frequently, depending on health
For seniors, eye exams are critical for maintaining independence and quality of life. Age-related eye conditions become more prevalent, including cataracts, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy.
If you have diabetes, an annual diabetic eye exam is essential to catch signs of diabetic retinopathy before vision loss occurs. Explore our diabetic retinopathy services here.
Regular exams also help with fall prevention by ensuring vision correction is up to date and peripheral vision is intact.
People with Diabetes or Other Health Conditions
Regardless of age, individuals with diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye disease should have eye exams at least once a year, if not more frequently.
VisionQuest Eyecare uses advanced diagnostic imaging to monitor these high-risk patients and prevent long-term complications.
Why Annual Eye Exams Matter—Even If You See Fine
It’s a common myth that you only need an eye exam if your vision is blurry. In reality, many serious eye conditions show no symptoms in early stages. According to the CDC, more than 4 million Americans aged 40 and older are visually impaired, and many could have benefited from earlier diagnosis and treatment.
An annual exam allows us to:
- Update your prescription
- Check for eye diseases
- Monitor systemic health (eyes often show signs of conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure)
- Recommend protective eyewear for sports or digital use
Your Eye Health, Your Responsibility—But You’re Not Alone
VisionQuest Eyecare is here to guide you through every stage of your visual journey. With convenient locations in Greenwood and Fishers, compassionate care, and state-of-the-art technology, we make it easy to stay on top of your eye health.
Ready to See Clearly This Year?
Whether you’re scheduling your child’s first exam or updating your own prescription, we’re here to help. Don’t wait until you notice a problem—book your annual eye exam today and stay proactive about your vision.
Contact us in Greenwood or Fishers to schedule your appointment now. Your eyes will thank you.
Dr. Bantz is a general eyecare optometrist with a focus on ocular disease and contact lenses at VisionQuest Eyecare. A graduate of Indiana University’s School of Optometry, Dr. Bantz received his undergraduate degree from Butler University. He specializes in eyecare for patients of all ages, as well as contact lenses.