how often should i get my eyes tested

February 18, 2026

You should usually get your eyes tested about every 1–2 years, but the ideal gap depends on your age, vision, and health.

Quick Scoop

General rule of thumb

Adults with no eye problems: eye test every 2 years.

If you already wear glasses or contact lenses: often every 1–2 years is advised so your prescription stays accurate.

Go earlier than planned if you notice changes like blur, eye strain, headaches, flashes, or new floaters.

By age (typical guidance)

Children and teens: about once a year, or as advised by their optometrist, to catch changes as they grow.

Adults 20–39: roughly every 2 years if healthy and symptom‑free; some insurers suggest up to every 5 years at the very low‑risk end, but many eye doctors prefer a 1–2 year rhythm.

Adults 40–64: every 1–2 years, because risks like glaucoma and macular degeneration rise with age.

65 and older: every 1–2 years, sometimes yearly, to monitor for cataracts and other age‑related issues.

When you may need more frequent tests

You might be asked to come yearly (or even more often) if you:

Have diabetes or high blood pressure.

Have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or serious eye disease.

Have had eye surgery or eye injuries in the past.

Take medicines that can affect the eyes (some arthritis or psychiatric meds, for example).

In those cases, your optometrist will usually tailor a personal schedule for you rather than sticking to a generic 2‑year rule.

Why regular eye tests matter (beyond just glasses)

They can pick up silent problems like glaucoma, which often has no early symptoms.

Eye exams sometimes reveal general health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure before you feel unwell.

Updating your prescription reduces headaches, eye strain, and difficulty with driving or screen work.

A simple example: someone who “sees fine” but drives at night a lot may discover mild short‑sightedness or glare issues at an exam and get lenses that make night driving safer.

Simple mini‑checklist for yourself

Ask yourself:

Am I under 18, over 40, or over 65? If yes, lean toward yearly checks.

Do I wear glasses/contacts or have eye/health risks (like diabetes)? If yes, yearly or as your eye doctor advises.

Do I notice any change in vision, pain, flashes, or sudden blur? If yes, book an eye test as soon as you can, don’t wait for your “due date.”

TL;DR:
If you’re a healthy adult with no symptoms, every 2 years is usually fine; if you have risk factors, wear glasses, or are older, aim for every 1–2 years or whatever schedule your eye doctor sets for you.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.