Do You Need an Eye Test Every Year? Recommended Schedule by Age Range

When life gets busy—which it often does here in Spring Branch—it’s easy to overlook the little things, like scheduling your annual eye exam. But those yearly visits aren’t just a formality—they’re a key part of protecting your long-term vision and overall health. Let’s break down the recommended eye exam schedule by age group and why staying consistent matters more than you might think.

Children (Ages 3–18)

If you have kids, you already know how much they rely on their vision to learn, play, and grow. But what many parents don’t realize is that kids often don’t complain about vision problems—because they may think what they’re seeing is normal.

Annual eye exams help catch issues like:

• Nearsightedness (myopia)

• Lazy eye (amblyopia)

• Eye coordination problems

• Focus or tracking difficulties

We recommend scheduling your child’s first comprehensive eye exam by age 3 and continuing yearly after that. If they wear glasses or contacts—or are in myopia management—those visits become even more important.

Teens and Young Adults (Ages 18–39)

Between school, work, and social life, this age group often experiences digital eye strain from heavy screen use. Even if your teen or young adult doesn’t need glasses, an annual exam checks for changes in vision, eye health, and overall eye comfort. Contact lens wearers should always be seen annually to ensure their lenses are fitting properly and not harming their eyes.

Adults (Ages 40–64)

Many adults in our community believe they only need an eye exam if they notice a problem. But the truth is, many serious eye conditions—including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy—don’t show symptoms early on. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, yearly eye exams are a must. Even if you’re healthy, an annual check-in helps keep your prescription accurate and your eyes monitored for any early signs of trouble.

Seniors (65+)

As we age, our eyes go through a number of changes. Blurry vision, difficulty with night driving, and dry eye are common complaints. But regular eye exams help us go deeper—monitoring for cataracts, glaucoma, and other age-related changes that may affect independence and quality of life. For many of our older patients, an eye exam every 6 to 12 months are recommended based on individual health needs and existing conditions.

Take Care of Your Vision at Texas State Optical Bulverde

No matter your age or stage of life, regular eye exams are one of the simplest and most effective ways to take care of your health. From catching issues early to keeping your vision clear and comfortable, annual visits help you stay ahead of potential problems before they impact your daily life.

Whether it’s your child’s first eye exam or your own yearly check-up, Texas State Optical Bulverde is here to make the process smooth, informative, and worthwhile. Visit our office in Spring Branch, Texas, or call (830) 215-4540 to book an appointment today.