How often should adults have comprehensive eye exams?

Adults should have comprehensive eye exams every two years, or as recommended by their eye care professional, because this frequency allows for the optimal monitoring of eye health and vision changes that can occur over time. The American Academy of Ophthalmology and other professional organizations typically recommend that adults get these exams starting at around age 40 and then continue at regular intervals based on their specific health and vision needs.

This approach is important because individual factors such as age, family history of eye conditions, and existing health issues can necessitate more frequent examinations. Eye care professionals can assess a patient’s risk and determine the best schedule for exams accordingly. Having a comprehensive exam every two years provides a balance, ensuring that changes in vision can be detected and treated promptly without overwhelming patients with unnecessary frequent visits.

Other suggested intervals, such as yearly or once a decade, may not align with the recommendations for optimal eye health monitoring, potentially leading to undetected vision issues or delayed treatment. The two-year recommendation allows for proactive care without overburdening patients.