Many eye diseases cause no symptoms until vision is already damaged. A simple guide to how often children, adults and older people should have their eyes examined.
Most people book an eye appointment when they cannot see clearly. But some of the most serious eye conditions, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, cause no pain and no early symptoms. A regular eye examination finds them while treatment can still protect your sight.
A simple guide
Children: a vision check before starting school, then whenever a teacher or parent notices a problem. Children who wear glasses need a check every year
Adults under 40: every two years, or sooner if your vision changes
Adults over 40: every one to two years. This is when reading glasses are often needed and when glaucoma becomes more common
Over 60: every year, because cataract, glaucoma and macular degeneration become more common
People who need checks more often
Diabetes: a dilated eye check at least once a year, even when vision seems perfect
Family history of glaucoma: start pressure and optic nerve checks earlier, usually from 35 to 40
High myopia: regular retina checks, because the risk of retinal tears is higher
Long-term steroid medicines: these can raise eye pressure and cause cataract
Contact lens wearers: a yearly check of the cornea and your lens fit
What happens at a full eye examination
A vision test and, if needed, a glasses prescription
Eye pressure measurement
A microscope (slit-lamp) examination of the front of the eye
A look at the retina and optic nerve, often after dilating drops
Further scans, such as OCT, only when the findings suggest they are needed
Dilating drops blur vision for a few hours, so bring sunglasses and do not drive for four hours afterwards.
Do not wait for your next check if you notice
Blurred vision that does not clear with blinking
New difficulty reading or seeing at night
Wavy or distorted lines
When to seek urgent care
Get same-day eye care for sudden loss of vision, a curtain or shadow over your vision, a shower of new floaters or flashes, a painful red eye or an eye injury.
