How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam as You Age? Key Milestones for Eye Health

Your eyes do a lot of heavy lifting every day, whether you're navigating the bright lights of the Las Vegas Strip, taking in the scenic beauty of Red Rock Canyon, or spending long hours in front of a screen. But how often do you give your vision the care and attention it deserves? Regular eye exams are a crucial part of maintaining eye health, and as you age, the frequency of those exams becomes even more important.

At Optic Gallery Hualapai, we believe that eye care should be as personalized as your lifestyle. Whether you're a busy professional, a retiree enjoying the Vegas sunshine, or a parent keeping up with your child's changing vision, here’s what you need to know about how often you should schedule an eye exam.

Children & Teens

Children’s eyes develop rapidly, and early detection of vision problems is key to their academic success and overall well-being. The American Optometric Association recommends:

• A first eye exam at six to 12 months old

• Another comprehensive exam at three years old

• Annual exams starting at age five and continuing throughout childhood

Children who experience frequent headaches, squinting, or difficulty focusing in school may need more frequent exams. With so many digital screens in kids’ lives, early detection of eye strain, myopia (nearsightedness), and other issues is more important than ever.

Young Adults

If you have healthy vision and no underlying conditions, an eye exam every one to two years is generally recommended. However, with the increase in screen time, digital eye strain, and lifestyle factors unique to Las Vegas—like prolonged sun exposure and dry air—many people in this age group benefit from annual exams to monitor changes in vision and detect early signs of eye conditions.

Middle-Aged Adults

Around age 40, many people begin to notice changes in their vision, particularly with close-up tasks. This is often due to presbyopia, a normal age-related change that makes reading small print more difficult. At this stage, annual eye exams become even more important to:

• Monitor for early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration

• Address issues like dry eye syndrome, which is especially common in the Las Vegas climate

• Update prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses

If you have a family history of eye disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, more frequent exams may be necessary.

Seniors 

Once you reach your 60s, yearly eye exams are non-negotiable. The risk of age-related eye diseases increases significantly, and conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and macular degeneration can develop with little to no early symptoms. Routine exams allow for early detection and treatment, helping to prevent vision loss and maintain independence.

Who Needs More Frequent Eye Exams?

While general guidelines are helpful, certain people should have eye exams more often, including:

• Individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure – These conditions can affect the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems if left unchecked.

• Those with a family history of eye diseases – Genetics play a role in conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

• People who wear contact lenses – Contacts can increase the risk of eye infections, requiring more frequent monitoring.

• Anyone experiencing vision changes, discomfort, or frequent headaches – Sudden changes in vision should never be ignored.

Why Annual Eye Exams Matter in Las Vegas

Living in Las Vegas comes with unique challenges for your eyes. The dry desert climate can cause irritation and worsen dry eye symptoms. Prolonged exposure to UV rays increases the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. And for those who work long hours on computers, digital eye strain is a real concern.

Annual eye exams at Optic Gallery Hualapai ensure that your eyes are in top shape, whether you're driving down the Strip at night, enjoying outdoor activities, or simply wanting to maintain clear, comfortable vision.

Schedule Your Eye Exam at Optic Gallery Hualapai Today

Your vision plays a vital role in your quality of life. No matter your age, staying on top of regular eye exams is one of the easiest ways to protect your eyesight for years to come.

If it’s been more than a year since your last exam or if you’re experiencing any vision changes, schedule your next appointment at Optic Gallery Hualapai. Visit our office in Las Vegas, Nevada, or call (702) 873-2121 today.