How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam? Expert Advice from Optometrists
Regular eye exams are one of the most essential yet overlooked aspects of preventive healthcare. In 2025, as screen time, aging populations, and eye-related conditions continue to rise in both the United States and the United Kingdom, understanding how often to get an eye exam has become a vital part of maintaining lifelong vision. Eye specialists across the UK and US emphasize that consistent eye checkups not only help detect vision problems early but can also reveal signs of systemic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and neurological disorders.
Whether you live in London or Los Angeles, Manchester or Miami, knowing the right frequency for eye tests can make a significant difference in long-term eye health and vision quality.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams in 2025
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA) and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth), millions of adults skip annual eye exams even though many vision issues develop without early symptoms. In the UK, nearly 2 million people live with sight loss, while in the US, over 12 million adults aged 40 and older have some form of visual impairment. These numbers are projected to increase sharply due to longer screen exposure, poor eye care habits, and age-related conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Regular eye exams serve as early warning systems. Optometrists can detect refractive errors, retinal changes, or optic nerve damage before patients experience noticeable symptoms. For this reason, experts recommend routine eye health checks as part of a comprehensive healthcare plan, especially for people working long hours on digital screens.
Recommended Eye Exam Frequency by Age and Risk Group
The frequency of eye examinations depends on several factors, including age, health status, and vision history. According to optometrists in both the UK and US, here’s a general guideline for 2025:
Children (Ages 5–18): Every 1–2 years. Early eye exams ensure proper vision development and help detect issues like amblyopia or myopia before they affect learning.
Adults (Ages 18–40): Every 2 years. For adults with no vision problems, biennial exams are usually sufficient. However, those who spend extensive time on digital screens should consider annual checkups.
Adults (Ages 40–60): Every 1–2 years. This is when presbyopia (age-related farsightedness) begins to appear, and the risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration increases.
Seniors (Ages 60+): Annually. Older adults are more prone to cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, which can be detected early with yearly comprehensive exams.
High-Risk Individuals: People with diabetes, hypertension, a family history of eye disease, or previous eye surgery should schedule annual eye exams regardless of age.
These recommendations are recognized by both the NHS in the UK and the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) as best practices for maintaining long-term visual health.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A typical eye examination goes far beyond checking your prescription for glasses. In leading clinics across the United Kingdom and United States, eye exams now include high-tech imaging and advanced diagnostic methods that can identify health conditions before symptoms arise.
During your exam, an optometrist or ophthalmologist will usually:
- Measure visual acuity (using eye charts) to assess sharpness.
- Test refraction to determine if you need corrective lenses.
- Check eye muscle coordination to evaluate binocular vision.
- Conduct intraocular pressure tests to screen for glaucoma.
- Examine the retina and optic nerve using imaging tools like OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography).
These procedures help detect not only vision problems but also systemic diseases that manifest through the eyes — such as diabetes (via retinal changes) or high blood pressure (through vascular irregularities).
How Lifestyle and Technology Affect Eye Exam Frequency
With the rise of remote work, smartphones, and digital entertainment, digital eye strain has become one of the most common reasons for scheduling early eye exams in 2025. Studies from Harvard Health and NHS Digital reveal that adults in the US now spend over 7 hours daily on screens, while UK professionals average 6 hours.
Optometrists warn that prolonged exposure to screens can accelerate vision fatigue, dry eye syndrome, and even early myopia in younger adults. Because of this, professionals working in front of computers are encouraged to get their eyes examined annually instead of every two years.
Regular eye exams also help monitor changes caused by new lifestyle habits — such as increased use of contact lenses, reduced outdoor time, and longer exposure to artificial lighting — all of which influence ocular health.
Cost of Eye Exams in the UK and US
Eye exam costs can vary depending on location and type of service. In the UK, NHS eye tests are free for certain groups, including children, seniors over 60, and individuals with specific health conditions. Private optometry practices, such as Specsavers and Vision Express, typically charge between £25 and £45 for standard exams.
In the US, the average eye exam cost ranges from $75 to $200, depending on whether it’s performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Vision insurance plans like VSP or EyeMed often cover one annual exam, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs. Many clinics also offer package deals for families or corporate wellness programs.
Signs You Need an Eye Exam Sooner
Even if your last eye checkup was recent, certain symptoms indicate you should schedule another eye exam right away:
- Frequent headaches or blurred vision when reading
- Sensitivity to light or sudden vision fluctuations
- Difficulty focusing on screens or small print
- Double vision or visual distortions
- Eye pain, redness, or dryness lasting more than a few days
In both the UK and US, optometrists advise not to delay appointments if any of these symptoms occur — early detection prevents long-term complications.
How Regular Eye Exams Prevent Future Vision Problems
Early detection through routine eye exams can prevent glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — four of the leading causes of blindness in adults. Optometrists emphasize that most eye conditions progress silently, and by the time symptoms appear, vision loss may already be irreversible.
In the UK, public awareness campaigns by the NHS and charities like Fight for Sight stress the importance of annual exams for high-risk groups. Similarly, in the US, organizations such as the CDC’s Vision Health Initiative are promoting accessible vision care and tele-optometry services to make routine exams easier to schedule.
Conclusion
In 2025, eye health is more than just having good vision — it’s an essential part of your overall wellness. Regular eye exams help identify not only vision problems but also underlying health conditions that affect the eyes. Whether you’re in the United States or United Kingdom, experts recommend making eye checkups a yearly priority, especially for adults over 40 or anyone with chronic health risks.
By taking proactive steps and scheduling routine exams with certified optometrists or ophthalmologists, you protect your eyesight and preserve your quality of life. Remember — your eyes deserve as much attention as the rest of your health.