Key Takeaways
- Children should have their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age.
- Adults, even without any diagnosed eye conditions, are recommended to have an eye exam every year.
- Adults 65 and older benefit from eye exams every 12-18 months.
- Some serious eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms.
- Certain health conditions, like diabetes, call for more frequent exams.
Regular Eye Exams Are Important
Many changes to your eyes and vision happen gradually, without clear warning signs until they’ve developed into more serious issues. Regular eye exams help keep track of these changes, so that we can help you deal with problems while they’re still easier to manage.
How often you should get an eye exam depends on your age, your health history, and whether you’re experiencing any changes to your vision. Our team at Eyes on Weston is here to help you understand what’s recommended for you and your family, and what signs suggest that it may be time to book sooner.
Eye Exam Frequency by Age
Children & Youth
Vision plays a direct role in how children learn and develop. That’s why regular exams start earlier than most parents expect. The recommended schedule for children and youth is:
- A first exam between 6 and 9 months of age, usually with your pediatrician during a routine wellness examination.
- At least one exam with an optometrist at the age of 2.
- Yearly exams starting from school age.
- The eye examination is covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) every year until the age of 20.
Adults 20 to 64
For healthy adults, an annual eye examination is generally recommended and is just as important as a routine physical examination. Comprehensive eye exams can help detect early signs of systemic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure, often before noticeable symptoms develop. If you are already diagnosed with certain health conditions, like diabetes, a yearly eye exam is essential in monitoring the status of the disease and covered by OHIP. Your optometrist can help you determine the right schedule based on your personal health history.
Adults 65 & Older
Yearly exams become more important as you get older. Several eye conditions are more common in adults 65 and older, and many of them (like glaucoma) often don’t result in noticeable symptoms until they’ve caused permanent damage. An annual appointment gives your optometrist a better chance to catch any changes before they progress.
When to Book an Eye Exam Sooner
Vision Changes to Watch For
Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment if you’re noticing changes in your vision. The following are all signs worth taking seriously:
- Blurry vision at near or far distances.
- Squinting, frequent headaches, or eye strain.
- Your current glasses feel unclear or uncomfortable.
Comfort Changes to Watch For
Don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment if you’re noticing changes in comfort. The following are all signs worth taking seriously:
- Signs of infection : redness, thick discharge, pain, light sensitivity
- Feelings of burning, grittiness, dryness, something in your eye
- Any trauma to the eye or head
If these symptoms seem familiar, it may be time for an appointment.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
More Than a Vision Check
A comprehensive eye exam goes well beyond reading letters on a chart. During your appointment, your optometrist reviews your health history and risk factors, assesses your eye muscles, focus, and coordination, and uses imaging to examine the internal structures of your eye. Together, these steps give a thorough picture of both your vision and your overall eye health.
Health Conditions an Exam Can Reveal
Your eyes can reflect what’s happening elsewhere in your body. A thorough exam can identify signs of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In some cases, an eye exam can also point to systemic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, sometimes before other symptoms appear.
Eye Conditions That Develop Without Warning Signs
This is one of the most important reasons to keep up with regular exams. Eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and AMD all develop gradually, and often don’t cause symptoms until they’ve caused meaningful damage to your vision. Regular eye exams allow for earlier detection, which means more options for managing these conditions.
Simple Ways to Support Your Eye Health Between Exams
Everyday Habits Worth Building
A few consistent habits can make a difference in how your eyes feel day to day. During long stretches of screen time, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. When you’re outdoors, wear sunglasses with UV protection to reduce cumulative sun exposure to your eyes.
For Glasses & Contact Lens Wearers
Wear your glasses as your optometrist has prescribed. If you wear contact lenses, keeping them clean and replacing them on schedule helps protect your eye health between visits. Never use tap water directly with your contact lenses. Avoid swimming, sleeping and showering in contact lenses to reduce risk of infection and inflammation. Small habits like these support everything the optometrist does during your exam.
Eyes on Weston has been caring for families across Vaughan and the York region for years. If you’re due for an exam or have questions about the right schedule for your family, reach out to our team to book an appointment with a trusted eye doctor in Vaughan.
