Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining healthy vision and detecting eye conditions early. At Baymeadows Vision Center, we provide comprehensive eye exams in Jacksonville for patients of all ages. Whether you wear glasses, contacts, or have no vision correction needs, routine exams help identify issues before they affect your eyesight.
In this blog, we’ll cover how often children, adults, and seniors should have eye exams. We’ll also explore risk factors that may require more frequent visits and why consistent eye care is key to protecting your vision.
How often should you get an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) provides guidelines to help families and adults know how often to schedule eye exams1. Following these recommendations can help detect vision issues early and protect long-term eye health.
Based on age and individual needs, here’s how often you should plan to see an eye doctor:
Children
Children often don’t realize they’re experiencing vision problems, since they may assume everyone sees the world the same way they do. Regular pediatric eye exams ensure early detection and treatment of issues like amblyopia (lazy eye) or myopia. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends the following schedule for children’s eye exams1:
- A child’s first eye exam between 6 and 12 months old
- Second exam for children between 3 and 5 years old
- Another exam before starting first grade, then annually thereafter
Adults (18–39 years)
Even if adults don’t wear glasses or contact lenses, they should still see an eye doctor regularly since eye diseases may have no early signs. Routine exams in your 20s and 30s help catch subtle changes in vision or eye health before they progress. Adults in this age group should follow this schedule:
- Every two years if low risk
- Annually if wearing glasses or contacts or experiencing vision changes
Adults (40–64 years)
By your 40s, age-related changes such as presbyopia and early signs of glaucoma may appear. Regular exams can preserve long-term eye health.
- Every two years for low-risk individuals
- Annually for those with corrective lenses or risk factors
Seniors (65 and older)
Older adults face higher risks of cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye conditions. Yearly comprehensive eye exams allow for early detection and treatment.
When you may need more frequent exams
Some people benefit from more frequent visits based on personal risk factors:
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or other systemic conditions
- Family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases
- Frequent headaches, eye strain, or blurred vision
- Extended screen time or visually demanding work
Why regular comprehensive eye exams are important
Eye conditions often develop gradually and without noticeable symptoms. Glaucoma, for example, may progress silently until significant vision loss occurs. A comprehensive eye exam can detect these issues early, when treatment is most effective, helping you maintain clear vision and overall eye health.
Why choose Baymeadows Vision Center for your eye care
Our experienced eye doctors in Jacksonville provide high-quality, personalized care for the entire family. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Comprehensive eye exams tailored to your vision, lifestyle, and health
- Exceptional care for patients of all ages
- Fantastic patient reviews reflecting our quality and personalized care
- Advanced technology for early detection of eye diseases, including glaucoma and other conditions
- Specialty eye care including myopia management, keratoconus treatment, and Neurolens glasses for chronic headaches and eye misalignment
- Evaluation and treatment for binocular vision dysfunction by our skilled orthoptist, Dr. Monica Brown
- Avulux migraine glasses for light sensitivity and headache relief
- Wide range of vision and medical insurance plans accepted
- Convenient scheduling and a welcoming, patient-focused environment
Schedule your next eye exam today
Protecting your vision and maintaining eye health requires regular, comprehensive care. At Baymeadows Vision Center, our skilled eye doctors and specialists provide personalized exams, advanced treatments, and solutions for the whole family.
Don’t wait for a problem to appear. Call our office or complete our online appointment request form today and keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
References:
- (n.d.). Comprehensive eye exams. American Optometric Association. Retrieved August 22, 2025, from https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams