How often should you get your eyes checked?

It's easy to put off an eye test when you can see fine. But an eye test isn't only about whether you need glasses. It's also a chance for a professional to look at the health of your eyes, and some conditions don't cause any symptoms in their early stages.

So how often is often enough? The answer depends on your age, your health and where you live, but there are some common starting points.

The general guidance

• In the UK, the NHS recommends an eye test every 2 years, or more often if your optometrist or ophthalmic practitioner advises it.
• In the US, the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that healthy adults have a baseline eye exam at age 40, even with no history of eye problems.

These are starting points, not fixed rules. Your optometrist may suggest a different interval based on what they see.

Who may need checks more often

• People with diabetes. The National Eye Institute says a comprehensive dilated eye exam at least once a year is important, because early diabetic eye changes usually cause no symptoms. See our post on diabetes and your eyes.
• People with other long-term conditions. The AAO notes that people with chronic conditions such as high blood pressure may need more frequent exams.
• People who are pregnant and have diabetes. The NEI advises a comprehensive dilated eye exam as soon as possible, and asking how often to have them during pregnancy.
• Contact lens wearers. Your lens provider will usually set a check-up schedule for lens fit and eye health.
• Anyone told to come back sooner. If your optometrist gives you a recall date, follow that rather than a general rule.

What happens at a routine eye test

The details vary, but a typical visit includes:

• Questions about your general health, medicines, family history and any symptoms
• A check of how clearly you see at a distance and up close
• A look at the front and back of your eyes, sometimes with drops to widen the pupils
• Other tests your optometrist chooses, such as eye pressure or a check of your side vision

If drops are used to widen your pupils, your vision may be blurry and sensitive to light for a few hours. Ask in advance whether you should arrange not to drive.

Making the most of the visit

• Bring your current glasses, contact lens details and a list of medicines.
• Note any symptoms, when they happen and how long they last. Things that come and go are easy to forget in the room.
• Mention your daily routine, such as long screen hours or driving at night.

Our guide on what to tell your eye doctor has a simple checklist. Some people use a journal such as Ocufuse to keep notes between visits, but a phone note or paper works just as well.

Children

Children may not notice or mention that they can't see well. Follow the vision check schedule your local health service or eye care professional recommends, and book a test if you notice squinting, sitting very close to screens, or trouble with schoolwork. Our post on myopia in children covers more.

When to see someone sooner

Don't wait for your routine test if you notice:

• Blurry vision that doesn't clear
• Trouble reading or seeing at a distance that's getting worse
• Frequent eye strain or headaches when reading
• Eyes that are often red, sore or dry