If you’re wondering whether it’s time for your next eye exam, there’s a good chance the answer is yes. Regular eye exams are one of the most important steps you can take to protect your vision and eye health.
At Magnolia Eye Care, we offer comprehensive eye exams in King for adults and children ages 5 and up. Eye exams are essential not only for clear vision but also for detecting eye conditions early, before they cause long-term issues. How often you should have an exam depends on your age, risk factors, and whether you already wear prescription glasses or contact lenses.
How often should you get an eye exam?
The American Optometric Association (AOA) offers general guidelines1 for how often you should see an eye doctor. While these recommendations start from infancy, Magnolia Eye Care begins seeing pediatric patients ages 5 and older.
Children (6 months to 18 years old):
- First eye exam around 6 months of age
- Another at age 3
- A comprehensive eye exam before starting school
- Annual eye exams throughout the school years
Although we begin seeing children at age 5, these earlier pediatric eye exams are still important. If your child hasn’t had an eye exam before starting school, we recommend scheduling one as soon as they’re eligible with us. Regular yearly checkups help detect vision issues that could impact learning and development.
Adults (18–39 years):
- Every two years if you have no vision issues or risk factors
- Annually if you wear glasses or contacts or have eye health concerns
Your 20s and 30s are key years for establishing a strong foundation of eye health. Routine exams can catch subtle changes before they become bigger problems.
Adults (40–64 years):
- Every two years if you are low risk
- Every year if you wear corrective lenses or have risk factors
As you reach your 40s, age-related conditions like presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close) and early signs of glaucoma may begin to appear. Staying consistent with exams helps protect your long-term vision.
Seniors (65 and older):
- Annual exams are recommended
Older adults are at higher risk for eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Annual eye examinations allow for early detection and effective management.
When you may need more frequent eye exams
Some individuals should be seen more often due to specific risk factors or symptoms. You may need more frequent visits if you:
- Have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other systemic health conditions
- Have a family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases
- Experience frequent headaches, eye strain, or blurry vision
- Spend extended periods on digital screens or in visually demanding environments
Why are eye exams important?
It’s a common myth that eye exams are only necessary when you notice vision changes. In reality, many eye conditions develop gradually and painlessly. Glaucoma, for instance, often shows no symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. A comprehensive eye exam can detect these issues early when they’re most treatable.
Why you should schedule an eye exam at Magnolia Eye Care
At Magnolia Eye Care, we go beyond basic vision checks. Here’s what sets our practice apart:
- Experienced, compassionate care for adults and children ages 5 and up
- Personalized exams tailored to your vision, lifestyle, and health needs
- Advanced diagnostic technology, including Optomap® digital retinal imaging for a wider, more detailed view and early eye disease detection
- Comprehensive services for the whole family, from routine eye exams to complex vision care
- Specialty care, including:
- Myopia management to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children
- Low vision rehabilitation to help you maintain independence and daily function
- Neuro-optometric rehabilitation for patients recovering from concussions, strokes, or other neurological conditions
- Nearly 300 Google reviews and a 4.8-star average rating from happy patients
- Easy online scheduling for added convenience
You don’t have to travel far for high-quality, full-scope eye care. Magnolia Eye Care offers everything you need right here in King.
Schedule your next eye exam today
Don’t wait until you notice a problem; protect your vision before permanent damage occurs. Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or your child needs an updated prescription before school starts, Magnolia Eye Care is ready to provide trusted, thorough care.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today and keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
References:
- (n.d.). Comprehensive eye exams. American Optometric Association. Retrieved July 1, 2025, from https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams