Eye Examinations for Adults

Topic Overview

Use the guidelines below to schedule routine vision checks and eye examinations with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.

For adults without vision problems:

• Some experts do not recommend routine screening.
• Starting at age 40, when presbyopia often develops, screening every 2 to 5 years may be appropriate.
• Starting at age 50, some experts recommend yearly examinations for glaucoma and other age-related vision problems. Other experts recommend starting regular glaucoma screening at age 65.
• For people with diabetes, experts recommend a yearly eye examination. If you have type 2 diabetes and your eye examination results are normal or you have a very small amount of retinopathy, your doctor may consider follow-up examinations every 1 to 2 years.^{footnote 1}
• For people with a disease that affects the eyes, yearly eye examinations may be appropriate.

For adults with refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism) or other eye problems:

• At ages 19 to 40, have an eye examination every 2 years, or more often if needed.
• At around age 40, or when signs of presbyopia develop, schedule an appointment.
• At age 50 and older, have yearly eye examinations, or more often if needed.

For more information, see the topics Nearsightedness (Myopia), Farsightedness (Hyperopia), Strabismus (Cross-Eyes), Amblyopia (Lazy Eye), and Glaucoma.