Many people only visit an optometrist when something feels wrong — but by then, early signs of serious eye conditions may already have been missed. Regular eye exams are one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health, even when your vision seems fine.
So how often should you get an eye exam? The answer depends on your age, health, and risk factors.
Recommended Eye Exam Frequency by Age
Infants (6 to 9 Months)
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that babies have their first eye exam between 6 and 9 months of age. Early detection of vision problems at this stage can prevent long-term issues with development and learning.
Young Children (2 to 5 Years)
Children in this age group should have at least one eye exam before starting school. Vision problems like lazy eye (amblyopia) and crossed eyes (strabismus) are much easier to treat when caught early.
School-Age Children (6 to 19 Years)
Children and teenagers should have an eye exam every year. Vision changes rapidly during school years and undetected problems can affect learning, reading, and concentration. In Ontario, annual eye exams for this age group are covered by OHIP.
Adults (20 to 64 Years)
Healthy adults with no known vision problems or risk factors should get an eye exam every one to two years. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, an annual exam is recommended to keep your prescription current.
Seniors (65 and Older)
Adults over 65 should have an eye exam every year. The risk of age-related conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration increases significantly with age. Annual exams are covered by OHIP for this group.
When You Should Get an Eye Exam Sooner
You should book an eye exam right away if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden blurry or distorted vision
- Eye pain, redness, or irritation
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Floaters or flashes of light
- Double vision
These symptoms can indicate conditions that require prompt attention.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter Beyond Vision
Eye exams do more than check your prescription. Your optometrist can detect early signs of serious health conditions during a routine exam, including:
- Diabetes — changes in the blood vessels of the retina
- High blood pressure — visible in the eye’s blood vessels
- Glaucoma — increased eye pressure with no early symptoms
- Macular degeneration — leading cause of vision loss in seniors
- Multiple sclerosis — optic nerve changes can be an early indicator
Many of these conditions have no obvious symptoms in their early stages — which is exactly why regular exams are so important.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam If You Wear Glasses?
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you should get an eye exam at least once a year. Prescriptions can change gradually and wearing an outdated prescription can cause eye strain, headaches, and difficulty focusing.
Book Your Eye Exam in Brampton
At Eyeonox, we provide comprehensive eye exams for patients of all ages — from infants to seniors. Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or experiencing vision changes, our team is here to help.
📍 115 Yellow Avens Blvd Unit #1, Brampton, ON L6R 0M5
📞 905-458-9111
🕐 Monday–Saturday: 10am–8pm | Sunday: 11am–4pm