Do you remember the last time you had an eye exam? Many American adults can’t. It makes sense—visiting the eye doctor might feel like a task easily pushed aside. But you only get one pair of eyes. You deserve to take good care of them!
Staying on top of your eye health isn’t just about good vision. Your eyes can tell you a lot about your overall health too. Regular eye exams can help detect signs of various conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, high blood pressure, and more.
Before you add an eye exam to your schedule, you might have some questions. How often do you really need to get your eyes checked? What type of eye doctor should you see? What kind of exam is best for you? We’re here to answer your questions.
How often should you get an eye exam?
Regular eye exams don’t just ensure your vision stays strong, though that’s important on its own. They can also help detect early signs of common eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and more. However, it’s a common misconception that you need to visit the eye doctor every year. In fact, several factors come into play, and these vary from person to person.
Your Age As we get older, it’s normal for our vision to change. Near vision becomes more challenging, distinguishing colors can get harder, and adjusting to light changes can be difficult. For seniors especially, these vision concerns can increase the risk of falls and injuries.
According to the American Optometric Association, adults aged 18-64 should have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, while those aged 65 and older should get annual check-ups.
Eye Issues to Watch Out For
Your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits if you are at a higher risk of eye-related problems—this goes beyond just vision and prescription changes. You might need more frequent visits if you have or are at risk of developing conditions such as:
- Amblyopia – Reduced vision in one eye due to abnormal growth in childhood.
- Cataracts – Clouding of the eye’s lens.
- Diabetic Retinopathy – A condition that can affect individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
- Glaucoma – Issues with the optic nerve that can lead to vision loss.
- Refractive Errors – Difficulty in focusing.
- Macular Degeneration – Retinal deterioration that affects vision.
- Low Vision – Having vision problems that can’t be corrected with glasses or contacts.
- Dry Eyes – When your eyes don’t receive the moisture they need, making them prone to irritation or infection.
Family History
If you have family members with a history of eye health problems, autoimmune diseases, or diabetes, your doctor may suggest more frequent visits. When you go for your first eye exam, make sure to inform your provider about any family history concerns, so they can perform tests or screenings that might help identify early signs.
If You Wear Contact Lenses
Around 45 million Americans wear contact lenses, and while many experience no problems, frequent contact lens use can increase your risk of corneal ulcers, eye infections, irritation, pink eye, and more. Proper care of your lenses is important, but if you experience any issues, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. They might recommend more frequent visits if you’ve experienced problems in the past or if your prescription is changing.
If You’ve Had LASIK Surgery
LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) is a procedure that uses laser technology to reshape the cornea. Many individuals who undergo this procedure experience sharper vision and no longer need glasses or contacts.
It’s a common misconception that once you’ve had LASIK surgery, you won’t need regular eye exams anymore. In fact, individuals who have had LASIK should still attend their routine eye exams, even after the initial post-surgical recovery period.
Signs You Should Get Your Eyes Examined
Apart from regular check-ups, knowing when it’s time to visit your eye doctor often comes down to noticing symptoms. For many, this includes vision issues or discomfort, but not always. Vision problems can cause headaches, affect your balance, and make daily tasks more challenging.
Common signs that you should see your eye doctor include:
- Blurry or double vision
- Frequent headaches or eye strain
- Night vision issues
- Flashing lights or big, distracting spots
- Persistent dry, itchy eyes
- Light sensitivity
Types of Eye Exams
Not all visits to the eye doctor are the same. There are different types of eye exams tailored to your specific needs. Some eye exams focus on specific conditions, like diabetes, while others focus more on vision care, and others offer a broader assessment of your eye health.
Vision Exam
A vision test (also referred to as a vision screening) is designed to check your vision. Your provider will assess if there are any vision problems, but this exam mainly focuses on your prescription and clarity of vision. If further evaluation is needed, they’ll recommend a comprehensive eye exam.
Comprehensive Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is a more in-depth evaluation performed by your optometrist. During this exam, they’ll evaluate both your vision and overall eye health through a variety of tests. Routine comprehensive exams are essential for preventive care. You’ll also have the chance to discuss your medical history with your doctor and report any symptoms you may be experiencing.
Some comprehensive eye exam tests may determine if you need glasses or contacts. If so, your doctor will guide you on the next steps.
Eye Exams for Individuals with Diabetes
For individuals with diabetes, regular eye exams are a critical part of managing their health. Tests performed at this appointment can determine if blood sugar levels are affecting your eye health. Diabetes—whether type 1 or type 2—can impair the body’s ability to use or store sugar efficiently. Excess sugar in the bloodstream can cause damage to blood vessels in the eyes (and throughout the body). As a result, people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing eye conditions like diabetic retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts, or glaucoma.
Diabetic eye exams are similar to comprehensive eye exams, but they pay special attention to your retina and blood vessels. This may involve procedures like dilation, where your doctor will put drops in your eyes to enlarge your pupils. This gives your doctor a better view of the inside of your eye to assess the state of your blood vessels.
Contact Lens Exam
A contact lens exam is for those who currently wear contacts or are interested in trying them. Many eye care centers offer specific contact lens exams, which typically take place after a comprehensive eye exam.
During a contact lens exam, your provider will check your prescription and eye curvature to determine if contact lenses are a good option for you, as well as which type and fit will work best for your eyes.
In most cases, to obtain contact lenses, you’ll need a current prescription, and you’ll need to get the specific lenses your doctor recommends. In Minnesota, contact lens prescriptions are valid for two years.
Eye Exams for Children
As your child grows and develops, their eyes also change. This is an important time to monitor eye health and vision, so you can catch any problems early when they may be easier to treat or manage.
When should a child have their first eye exam? It really depends. Children receive regular vision screenings through their primary care doctor and school system. If concerns arise during these screenings, or if you have concerns about their eyes, you should see a pediatric eye care specialist.
If your child is experiencing vision or eye problems or is at higher risk of developing one, their eye doctor may recommend more frequent exams. Common signs that your child may need more regular eye exams include:
- Premature birth weight
- Family history of eye conditions, amblyopia, or strabismus
- Diagnosed or suspected neurodevelopmental conditions
- Maternal smoking, alcohol use, or infections
Choosing an Optometrist vs. Ophthalmologist for Your Eye Exam
Now that you understand how often you should see an eye doctor, you may be wondering what type of eye doctor to go to. Generally, when people say “eye doctor,” they mean an optometrist. These are eye and vision care providers who can diagnose and treat diseases, conditions, or disorders that affect your eyes.
Another common type of eye doctor is an ophthalmologist. But what’s the difference between an optometrist and ophthalmologist? An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO) with specialized training in diagnosing and treating complex eye and vision issues. Like optometrists, ophthalmologists provide vision services, but they also offer medical and surgical care for eye conditions.
For most routine exams, an optometrist is the right choice. However, for more complex eye problems or treatments like surgery, you’ll likely be referred to an ophthalmologist by your optometrist.
A comprehensive eye exam typically takes about an hour, but the length can vary depending on what issues you want to address, what kind of results your tests show, and more.
What Happens During an Eye Exam?
During a comprehensive eye exam, you’ll typically sit with your optometrist in a testing room and go through a series of noninvasive tests. These tests measure your eye function and overall eye health. Although some of the devices and machines may seem intimidating, the methods usually involve lights and visuals that don’t touch your eyes.
Common tests you might experience during a comprehensive eye exam include:
- Visual Acuity Test: Also known as the “letter chart” test, this simple test is used to assess your vision. Your doctor will have you read letters on a screen or wall. Each row of letters gets smaller until you can’t read them anymore.
- Visual Refraction Test: This test focuses on your vision correction. Your doctor will place different lenses in front of your eyes to see what works best for you—clear or blurry.
- Slit Lamp: This examination involves a specialized scope your doctor will use to carefully examine your eye. A bright beam of light helps them inspect your cornea, iris, lens, and more.
- Ophthalmoscopy: During this test, your doctor will use a bright light to examine the back of your eye. They’ll look at your retina and blood vessels to identify any signs of eye disease.
- Dilation: In some cases, your doctor may recommend that your eyes be dilated to check your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. This is the same test used during diabetic eye exams. The drops used to dilate your eyes usually wear off within a few hours, and most people can drive afterward.
After this series of tests, your doctor will be able to inform you if they’ve found anything concerning. They will then provide their recommendations—whether that means further testing or a treatment plan to follow based on your results.
Cost of an Eye Exam and Insurance Coverage
The average cost of an eye exam without insurance is around $200. However, your total cost can depend on several factors, like where you live, your age, and your medical history.
Vision insurance can help cover the cost of eye health services, such as eye exams, glasses, contacts, prescriptions, and may even offer additional discounts. Check your insurance plan—many medical health insurance policies do include an annual eye exam at no cost to you, though some do not cover more comprehensive vision services.
Scheduling Your Eye Exam
If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, don’t worry—you can start today. If you want to schedule an eye exam with an eye care professional near you, you have options. When you call to book your appointment, let the clinic know what type of exam you’d like and mention any symptoms you may be experiencing, so they can make the appropriate recommendations. Your eye health is important, and you deserve to get the care you need.