Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining not only your vision but your overall health. Whether you wear glasses or contacts or have never needed vision correction, a comprehensive eye exam in Newport or Waterville can detect issues early and protect your eyesight.
In this post, we’ll answer one of the most common questions we hear from patients: How often should I get my eyes checked?
How often should you get an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) offers helpful, research-based guidelines on how often you should get your eyes checked. How often you need an eye exam can depend on several factors, including your age, whether you wear glasses or contact lenses, your risk for certain eye diseases, and your overall health.
Following the guidelines below can help you catch vision problems early, keep your prescription up to date, and protect your long-term eye health.
- Children: Kids should have their first pediatric eye exam around 6 months old, again at age 3, and once more before starting school. After that, annual exams are recommended.
- Adults (18–64): Every two years is generally recommended for adults with no vision problems. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, annual exams are ideal.
- Seniors (65+): As you age, you have a higher risk of developing diseases like glaucoma and cataracts. That is why annual eye exams are strongly recommended for this age group.
- At-risk individuals: People who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent eye exams to monitor eye issues.
If you’re unsure, our experienced eye doctors can recommend a personalized exam schedule based on your needs.
Why are eye exams important?
Eye exams do much more than assess your vision. They are also a critical part of protecting your overall health. Regular exams can help:
- Detect early signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy
- Monitor changes in your vision or prescription
- Identify signs of systemic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes
- Prevent vision loss through early diagnosis and treatment
At Newport Eye Care, we specialize in eye disease management and can detect and treat a wide range of eye conditions before they affect your vision.
What is included in an eye exam?
When you visit Newport Eye Care for an eye exam, our optometrist will perform a range of tests to evaluate your vision and eye health. Your exam may include:
- A review of your health and vision history
- Visual acuity and refractive testing (to determine if you need corrective lenses or an updated prescription)
- Eye movement and coordination tests
- Eye pressure testing to screen for glaucoma
- An internal and external examination of the eyes
- An Optomap® retinal exam for a wide-field view of the back of your eye
We also offer customized dry eye treatment plans for patients experiencing irritation, burning, or fluctuating vision.
Signs you need an eye exam
Even if you’re not due for a routine visit, certain symptoms may signal it’s time to schedule an appointment. Contact us if you notice:
- Blurred or double vision
- Frequent headaches
- Eye strain or fatigue, especially when using screens
- Difficulty seeing at night or while driving
- Dry, itchy, or watery eyes
- Sudden changes in vision or flashes of light
Schedule your next eye exam today
Protecting your vision is crucial for maintaining a high quality of life. Whether you need new eyeglasses, treatment for an eye condition, or simply want peace of mind about your eye health, Newport Eye Care is ready to meet all your eye care needs.
We proudly serve families throughout central Maine from our offices in Newport and Waterville. Give us a call today or fill out our form online to schedule an appointment.
