# How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam

Most adults should have a comprehensive eye examination annually. Children start between six months and one year. Anyone with diabetes, glaucoma risk, high myopia or an existing eye condition should be seen at least annually without exception.

The honest answer to how often is more frequently than most people manage. Annual examination is the general recommendation, and it is driven by the fact that the conditions that cause permanent vision loss develop silently.

The schedule below covers the general case. Anyone with risk factors is seen more often, and the office tells you what applies to you rather than leaving you to work it out.

## What to expect

**6 to 12 months**

First comprehensive examination, per AOA and AzOA guidance. No reading required.

**Around age 3**

Second examination, checking development, alignment and focusing.

**Age 5 to 6**

Before or at school entry, so any problem is corrected before it affects learning.

**School years**

Every one to two years, more often with a prescription or progressing myopia.

**Adults 18 to 60**

Annually. Every two years at absolute minimum with no risk factors and no symptoms.

**Adults over 60**

Annually, without exception.

**Any age with risk factors**

At least annually. Diabetes, glaucoma family history, high myopia, previous eye injury, long term steroid use or an existing eye condition.


## Questions and answers
**I have perfect vision. Do I need annual exams?**

Yes. Eye health screening is the part that does not depend on your vision being poor, and it is the part that finds conditions before they cause damage.

**How often do children need exams?**

First at six months to one year, again around three, at school entry, and then every one to two years through school. More often with a prescription or progressing myopia.

**Does contact lens wear change the schedule?**

Yes. Lens wearers should be seen annually so corneal health and lens fit are both assessed.

**What if it has been years?**

Then book one. Nobody is judged for a gap, and the sooner a baseline is established the more useful every subsequent visit becomes.

## Related

- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/comprehensive-eye-exams/adult-eye-exams
- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/comprehensive-eye-exams/childrens-eye-exams
- https://eyedoctorphoenixaz.com/comprehensive-eye-exams/senior-eye-exams

---## About this practice
Arizona's Vision Eye Care Center, 15215 S 48th St Ste 180, Phoenix, AZ 85044.
Phone (480) 706-3937. Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Independent optometry practice, founded 1994. One location. Does not perform refractive or cataract surgery.
This site publishes no star rating and no review count, because the figures across the practice's own properties contradict one another and cannot be verified.
This page is general information, not medical advice.