Why “Perfect Vision” Can Be Deceiving
There is a common misconception among adults that because their vision is good, their eyes are healthy. Unfortunately, while 94% of Americans do have good vision, a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study found that the remaining 6%, or about 11 million Americans over the age of 12, need vision correction. Additionally, having 20/20 vision does not always mean that the underlying structures of the eye are functioning correctly. Comprehensive eye exams can often catch silent, symptomless eye conditions in otherwise healthy individuals, long before they become a serious problem. So, how often should you get an eye exam even with perfect vision? Well, we’re glad you asked! Keep reading to learn how often you need an eye exam, what happens during an eye exam, and how to book an eye doctor appointment today.
How often do you need an eye exam?
Most patients should get regular eye exams based on their health and medical history. Generally, for healthy adults, every 5 years is the standard for how often to get eyes checked, but the recommendation increases in frequency if patients have eye or general health conditions, high-risk health or lifestyle factors, and once they reach age 40.
| Age Group | Recommended Frequency (Low-Risk) | Key Clinical Areas of Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Infants & Toddlers (0–5 years) | At birth, 6–12 months, and once between 3–5 years | Amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (misalignment). |
| School-Age & Teens (6–17 years) | Every 1 to 2 years | Progressive myopia (nearsightedness) and digital fatigue. |
| Young Adults (18–39 years) | At least once in your 20s and once in your 30s | Strain from digital screens, contact lens corneal safety. |
| The Turning Point (40–64 years) | Baseline exam at age 40; then every 2 to 4 years | Presbyopia (reading strain), early signs of cataracts. |
| Seniors (65+ years) | Every 1 to 2 years | Glaucoma, macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts. |
Who needs an eye doctor appointment every year?
While most healthy patients can follow the guidelines above, some patients require more frequent exams. It’s important for patients with the following high-risk conditions and lifestyle factors to schedule a comprehensive eye exam every year:
- Diagnosed systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension
- A genetic family history of progressive conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration
- Current glasses or contact prescription
What is the difference between a comprehensive eye exam vs screening?
A vision screening, like students complete at school or the one you take at the DMV before getting your drivers license, is testing for visual acuity. A comprehensive clinical exam is a medical examination which aims to evaluate visual acuity more accurately and the structures of your entire eye in order to diagnose and treat many different types of conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, retinopathy, and more.
At OCLI Vision, a comprehensive exam is performed with care and attention to detail to ensure each patient feels confident in their vision and eye health. We aim to find problems early, before they can severely or permanently damage the structures of the eye. When you need to see an experienced and professional team for an eye exam, book online with the OCLI Vision office nearest you.
What happens during an eye exam at OCLI Vision?
When you come into the OCLI Vision office for your exam, you can expect the following process:
- You’ll meet your doctor and discuss your medical history, overall current health, including any medications you are taking, and go over any questions you have.
- To start, your eye doctor will test your visual acuity which will include reading letters off of a chart, both far away and up close and completing a visual field test to check for blind spots in your field of vision.
- Your doctor will continue by performing a cover test to see how your eyes work together and alone. Generally, you will focus on a small object while each of your eyes is covered one at a time to see how they move.
- Next, your depth perception will be evaluated by using the stereopsis test. You will put on a pair of 3D glasses and will be asked to pick out the closest object in the pattern, indicating your eye’s ability to work together.
- If you need eyeglasses or have refractive errors, you will also complete a refractive test where you will be given different lenses and asked to identify which lens allows you to see more clearly.
- To rule out eye conditions that alter the structure of your eye, your doctor will exam the inside structures of your eye using a slit lamp test. This test is painless and preformed by shining a thin slit of light into the eye at different angles to allow for a complete picture of the different structures.
- Perhaps one of the most remembered eye tests is the puff of air that is used to measure eye pressure. Excessive eye pressure is often associated with glaucoma and often it does not present symptoms, so this is an important test.
- Before leaving, the doctor will go over your exam results. If anything is concerning or requires further treatment, they will walk you through the treatment and schedule a follow-up appointment or a referral to a specialist.
While it may seem like a lot of steps, the process is very straightforward and should only take about 10-15 minutes.
Finding an eye specialist near me
For help finding the right eye doctor, contact our team today to schedule an appointment at the OCLI Vision office nearest you and book eye exam near me. OCLI Vision’s team of eye doctors and surgeons is made up of some of the most knowledgeable and accomplished surgeons in the nation, and they would be delighted to meet you.