How Often Do I Need a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

You know you need to see medical experts periodically. You might visit your primary care provider annually for a physical and your dentist twice a year for cleanings — and your eyes are no exception. Regular comprehensive eye exams help you maintain your visual acuity through the years.

So, how frequently should you get your eyes checked? That depends on quite a few factors that are specific to you. 

At Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates, our team can help you determine the right cadence for you. And when it is time for an eye exam, you can visit our office in Aiea, Hawaii.

General recommendations from the American Optometric Association

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends comprehensive eye exams every two years for adults ages 18–64. That assumes, though, that you don’t have a predisposition to eye problems or any symptoms of an eye condition.

Once you reach age 65, the AOA recommends getting your eyes checked on an annual basis. 

This regular eye care helps you maintain your ability to see through the years. If you develop cataracts, for example, Dr. Endo works with you to monitor them and decide if it’s time to remove them. Regular visits also mean he can catch diseases like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) before they have the chance to progress and ruin your vision. 

When to get your eyes checked annually before age 65

If you’re under the AOA’s age limit for annual eye exams, you may still benefit from visiting Dr. Endo yearly. If you have a higher likelihood of developing an eye condition, annual eye exams mean monitoring your eye health to determine when you might need treatment. 

Dr. Endo generally recommends comprehensive eye exams on a yearly basis if you have:

• Already been diagnosed with an eye condition 
• A family history of eye diseases
• Past eye health issues, especially if you’ve had eye surgery
• A health condition that could affect your eyes, like diabetes or high blood pressure
• A prescription for a medication that can impact your eyes
• Only one eye with vision
• High or progressive refractive error
• A job that puts your eyes at risk

Because Black, Asian, and Hispanic people are statistically more likely to develop eye conditions, Dr. Endo also recommends yearly exams for them. 

Finally, we recommend annual exams if you wear glasses or contact lenses. This allows us to keep your prescription updated so you can see as clearly as possible. 

If you’re due for a comprehensive eye exam, call us or book an appointment online today. We can thoroughly assess your ocular health and determine if you need any preventive care or treatment to preserve your vision.