How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked? (Kids, Adults & Seniors)
Educational information from RarePlus pharmacists — not a diagnosis. Contact the pharmacy for personalised advice about medicines.
Many people only think about eye tests when their vision becomes blurry. But the truth is, regular eye exams are essential at every stage of life — even when your eyes feel perfectly fine.
Your eyes can change quietly over time, and some eye conditions show no early symptoms. That’s why knowing how often to check your eyes can help protect your vision long-term.
Let’s break it down by age group
Eye Check Frequency for Children
Children’s eyes develop rapidly, and undetected vision problems can affect learning, reading, and confidence.
Recommended schedule:
- First eye test: before age 5
- School-age children: every 1–2 years
- Immediately if a child shows signs like:
- Squinting or sitting too close to screens
- Frequent headaches
- Poor reading performance
- Rubbing eyes often
Early eye exams help catch issues like refractive errors and lazy eye before they affect development.
Healthy eyes support better learning and growth.
Eye Check Frequency for Adults
Even if you can see clearly, your eyes may still be under strain — especially with long screen hours, driving, or digital work.
Recommended schedule:
- Ages 18–39: every 2 years
- Screen users or contact lens wearers: every year
- Earlier checks if you experience:
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Blurry or fluctuating vision
- Headaches after screen use
Routine eye exams help detect vision changes and manage digital eye strain early.
Eye Check Frequency for Seniors
As we age, the risk of eye conditions increases — often without pain or obvious warning signs.
Recommended schedule:
- Age 40–60: every 1–2 years
- Age 60+: every year
- More frequent checks if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Family history of eye disease
Regular eye tests help monitor age-related conditions and maintain independence and quality of life.
Early detection makes a big difference.
Why Regular Eye Tests Matter (Even Without Symptoms)
- Some eye conditions develop silently
- Vision changes may be gradual and easy to ignore
- Eye exams also check overall eye health, not just clarity
Prevention is always better than treatment.
Book Your Eye Test in Lekki Today
At Balija Eye Care, we provide affordable, advanced, and premium eye care for children, adults, and seniors.
Ready for a check? Book an eye exam at Balija Eye Care in Lekki or Enugu.