How Often Should You Visit Your Optometrist? How Age, Health, and Lifestyle Play a Role

Regular visits to the optometrist are a key part of maintaining healthy vision and overall wellness. While most people know they should get their eyes checked, many are unsure how often they should schedule an exam. At Firestone Family Eyecare, Dr. Natalie Hansen and our team believe that eye care should be personalized because your age, health status, and daily habits all influence how frequently you should visit your optometrist.
 

The Importance of Annual Eye Exams

For most individuals, a comprehensive eye exam once a year is essential. Annual exams help detect vision changes early, monitor eye health, and screen for conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration - even before symptoms arise. These visits also offer an opportunity to update your prescription and ensure you’re seeing as clearly as possible, whether you wear glasses, contacts, or neither.
 

Children and Teens

Children should have their first eye exam between 6 and 12 months old, again at age 3, and before starting school. After that, annual exams are recommended. Kids’ eyes develop rapidly, and undiagnosed vision problems can affect learning, behavior, and overall development. Teens who rely heavily on screens for schoolwork and social interaction may also experience eye strain or changing prescriptions, making yearly visits even more important.
 

Adults

Most adults should see their optometrist once a year. Even if you don’t currently need vision correction, eye exams help detect early signs of disease or changes in vision that could affect your daily life. If you spend long hours on digital devices, drive at night often, or experience frequent headaches, your optometrist may recommend more frequent monitoring.
 

Seniors

As we age, the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration increases. Seniors should have an eye exam annually at a minimum, and more frequently if they have existing eye conditions, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Early detection is crucial to preserving long-term vision.
 

People with Health Conditions

If you have chronic health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune disorders, you’re at higher risk for vision complications. Diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and other conditions can progress silently. In these cases, our optometrist may recommend exams more than once a year to catch any changes early.
 

Contact Lens Wearers

Wearing contact lenses means added responsibility when it comes to eye health. Since contacts rest directly on the eyes, regular check-ins help ensure your eyes remain healthy and your lenses fit properly. Contact lens wearers should have annual exams, or more often if they experience discomfort or dryness.
 

Your Vision, Our Priority 

Your eyes deserve consistent care, and routine exams are the foundation of long-term vision health. Whether you're managing an existing condition, navigating changes in your vision, or simply staying proactive, visiting our optometrist regularly is one of the best ways to protect your sight.
 

Schedule your next comprehensive eye exam at Firestone Family Eyecare to support your eye health at every stage of life. Contact our office in Firestone, Colorado, or call (303) 532-1132 to book an appointment today.