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.
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Current as of: December 18, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
Christopher J. Rudnisky MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology
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Current as of: December 18, 2019
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Christopher J. Rudnisky MD, MPH, FRCSC - Ophthalmology