What Happens If You Skip Your Annual Eye Exam?

Oct 1, 2025

Life gets busy, and it’s easy to put off routine appointments. But skipping an annual eye exam in Newport can have consequences beyond blurry vision.  

Eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration often develop quietly, and regular exams help our eye doctor catch problems before they become serious. Beyond updating your eyeglasses or contact lenses, an eye exam is an opportunity to protect your long-term eye health and stay comfortable in your daily life. 

Find out the risks of skipping an eye exam: 

Eye problems can develop unnoticed 

Many eye diseases, like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, often show no obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time you notice vision changes, permanent damage may already have occurred. 

During an annual eye exam, our team can detect even subtle changes using advanced diagnostic technology. Early detection gives you more options for treatment and helps protect your vision for years to come. 

Contact lenses may no longer fit properly 

Even if your contact lenses felt perfect last year, subtle changes in your eyes can affect how they fit. A thorough contact lens exam ensures your lenses, daily, monthly, or specialty types, fit comfortably. Properly fitting lenses reduce irritation, dryness, and the risk of infection while keeping your vision clear. 

Chronic eye conditions could worsen 

If you have a chronic eye condition such as glaucoma or diabetic eye disease, staying on schedule with regular exams is crucial. Skipping visits can allow symptoms to progress unnoticed. By seeing your eye doctor consistently, you can adjust care as needed and feel confident that your vision is protected. 

Daily life can become more difficult 

Clear vision touches nearly every part of your day, from reading and working to driving and spending time with loved ones. Wearing an outdated prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses can lead to eye strain, headaches, fatigue, and blurry vision. Regular exams help you stay comfortable and productive.  

Underlying health issues might go undetected 

Your eyes can reveal important clues about your overall health. During a comprehensive eye exam, our eye doctor can detect early signs of conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, sometimes even before symptoms appear elsewhere. 

Children’s vision may be affected 

Kids often don’t realize they’re struggling to see clearly. Missing a pediatric eye exam can leave nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or eye alignment issues undetected, which can affect learning, reading, and development. 

At Newport Eye Care, we see children of all ages and provide early support for healthy vision, helping them thrive in school and everyday life. 

Missed opportunities for preventive care 

An annual eye exam is a chance to prevent problems before they start. Regular visits allow your eye doctor to provide guidance on protecting your eyes from digital eye strain, UV damage, and lifestyle-related risks.  

They can also recommend treatments like dry eye care or specialty contact lenses before minor issues turn into bigger concerns. By skipping exams, you miss out on this proactive approach to keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear. 

Protect your vision at every stage of life 

Keeping up with your eye exams helps you stay ahead of potential problems, maintain clear vision, and enjoy everyday activities without strain or discomfort. 

Schedule your next eye exam today and protect your eyes. 

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