Healthy eyes at every stage of life: How often should you be having an eye test?

children eye care, eye care, Eye Health

Healthy eyes at every stage of life: How often should you be having an eye test?

Wondering how often to get your eyes tested? Here's what's recommended for different age groups to help keep their vision in tip-top shape. 

Eye health across the generations: What's recommended for each age group?

Eye tests help to make sure you’re seeing the world in all its glory. They help to prevent, detect, and manage all kinds of eye conditions. But how often should you get your eyes checked? And are eye tests really necessary across all age groups? Spoiler Alert! The answer is
YES. Here’s a breakdown of why eye tests are important for people of all ages. 
 
 

Babies and Toddlers (0-5 years) 

Have you booked an eye test for your little one yet? We know you’re likely juggling a million things, but fitting in an eye test is a key step in giving your child the best start in life! 
 
Usually a baby’s vision will be checked at birth, but a more thorough eye test should be done by age 3. Catching things like amblyopia (lazy eye) early can make all the difference. Plus, an early eye test means we can tackle any potential problems before they become bigger concerns! 

Recommended: First eye test by age 3 and then as advised by our experts.  
  

School-Aged Children (6-18 years) 

When kids start school, their eyes really get put to work! It’s often when we notice things like squinting at the board or getting tired from too much screen time. Spotting things like myopia (short-sightedness) early means we can manage them properly, keeping your child’s eyes in tip-top shape for both learning and fun! 
 
Recommended: Every 1 to 2 years, or more frequently if your child experiences anything such as squinting, frequent headaches, or difficulty concentrating.  

Note: Your child may be eligible for free NHS-funded eye tests - speak with our team to find out more! 

 
 

Adults (20s to 40s) 

As an adult, eye health is about more than just correcting vision. Regular eye tests can spot early signs of conditions like glaucoma, which often have no symptoms in earlier life. So even if everything looks sharp now, do your future self a favour and get that eye test on the calendar! 
 
Recommended: Every 2 years, or more regularly if your health calls for it or if a condition like if glaucoma runs in the family. Chat with one of our experts to figure out what’s best for you! 

  

Older Adults (60 years+) 
 
60 and up? Those bi-yearly eye exams are a must! Conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma are more common with age. Regular eye tests help keep tabs on these conditions, allowing for timely solutions to keep you seeing clearly. 

Recommended eye tests: Make sure to come see us every two years - unless advised otherwise by our optometrists - so we can look after your vision and keep everything in check!  
 
Note: You may be eligible for free NHS-funded eye tests - speak with our team to find out more! 
 

Eye health is a lifelong priority. So, when was the last time you booked an eye test? Whether it’s for your little one or just checking in on your own vision, regular eye tests are key to keeping your vision sharp. We only get one pair of eyes, so let’s give them the TLC they deserve.

For National Eye Health Week we’re offering everyone the opportunity to experience our industry-leading eye care with a FREE eye test until 19th October 2024. 

Book your next appointment with Eye Emporium today!

 

Medically reviewed by
Emily Hancock
Optometrist
Working in Eye Emporium's Kent practices for 3 years, Emily specialises in emergency acute eye care and post cataract surgery assessments and has a special interest in children's visual stress and colorimetry, using coloured filters to help children read. With a passion for her profession and giving back, Emily found reward in charity work, performing eye test and glasses services in remote communities in Malawi. Dedicated to providing even better care for her patients, Emily is expanding her skills further by completing an independent prescribing course in optometry.
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