Eye exams
Eye Exam Schedule by Age: How Often Adults Over 40 Should Go
Adults with no symptoms or risk factors should get a baseline eye exam at 40. After that, go every 2 to 4 years from 40 to 54, every 1 to 3 years from 55 to 64, and every 1 to 2 years from 65. People with diabetes need a dilated exam at least once a year. No supplement replaces these visits.
Written by the VisiFlora editorial teamUpdated · 7 min read
The schedule
How often should adults get an eye exam?
It depends on your age. With no symptoms or risk factors, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests a baseline exam at 40, then shorter gaps as you age.
| Age | How often | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | Baseline comprehensive eye exam | (AAO: how often adults need eye exams) |
| 40 to 54 | Every 2 to 4 years | (AAO: how often adults need eye exams) |
| 55 to 64 | Every 1 to 3 years | (AAO: how often adults need eye exams) |
| 65 and older | Every 1 to 2 years, even without symptoms | (AAO: how often adults need eye exams) |
| Any age, with diabetes | A dilated eye exam at least once a year | (NEI: diabetic retinopathy) |
These are the minimums for people with healthy eyes. Your eye doctor may ask you back sooner.
Start at 40
Why get a baseline eye exam at 40?
Because some eye diseases cause no symptoms until damage is done. A baseline exam gives your doctor a record to compare against later.
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, usually with no early symptoms. About half of people with it do not know they have it (NEI: glaucoma). Diabetic retinopathy also usually has no early symptoms (NEI: diabetic retinopathy). Treatment cannot reverse glaucoma damage, but it can stop it from getting worse (NEI: glaucoma), which is why finding it early matters.
Decade by decade
What changes at each age after 40?
The risks shift with age, so the schedule tightens. Here is what the cited sources flag at each stage.
- 40
Baseline exam
Start the record. African Americans over 40 are in a higher-risk group for glaucoma (NEI: glaucoma).
- 55
Macular degeneration risk rises
People 55 and older are more likely to have AMD (NEI: AMD basics). Exams move to every 1 to 3 years (AAO: how often adults need eye exams).
- 60
Glaucoma checks every 1 to 2 years
NEI advises a dilated exam every 1 to 2 years for people over 60 (NEI: glaucoma).
- 65
Every 1 to 2 years for everyone
Even without symptoms (AAO: how often adults need eye exams).
- 80
Cataracts are common
More than half of Americans 80 or older have cataracts or have had them removed (NEI: cataracts).
Higher risk
Who needs eye exams more often?
People with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or a diagnosed eye condition. Their doctor will set a shorter schedule.
- Diabetes: a dilated exam at least once a year. Keeping blood sugar in range is the best way to lower risk (NEI: diabetic retinopathy).
- Glaucoma risk (over 60, African American over 40, or family history): every 1 to 2 years (NEI: glaucoma).
- Macular degeneration: your eye doctor sets the timing and decides whether an AREDS2 formula fits (NEI: who AREDS supplements help).
The exam itself
What is a dilated eye exam, and why does it matter?
In a dilated exam, drops widen your pupils so the doctor can see the back of the eye. NEI calls it the single best thing you can do for your eye health (NEI: everyday ways to keep eyes healthy).
It is how glaucoma, diabetic eye disease and AMD are found before you notice them.
Try VisiFlora for 60 days1 capsule a day with food · from $49 a bottle · free U.S. shipping on 3 or 6 bottles
Order nowBefore you go
How should you prepare for an eye exam?
Bring a list of what you take and what you notice. Scroll through four simple steps.
- 01
List what you take
Write down every medicine and supplement, including any eye vitamin. Supplements can interact with medicines.
- 02
Bring the bottles
A photo of each Supplement Facts panel lets the doctor check doses, such as zinc or beta-carotene.
- 03
Note your symptoms
Write down blur, dryness, glare or headaches, when they happen and how long they last.
- 04
Ask about next time
Before you leave, ask when to come back and whether you have any early signs to watch.
Tell your providers about every supplement you take (NCCIH: using supplements wisely). If you use VisiFlora, bring the bottle: the seller publishes only the zinc amount, so the panel on your bottle is the best record. Our guide to choosing an eye supplement lists label questions to ask.
Do not wait
Which eye symptoms cannot wait for your next exam?
A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a dark shadow or curtain over part of your vision. These can signal retinal detachment, which NEI calls a medical emergency (NEI: urgent warning signs).
Go to an eye doctor or an emergency room the same day. Do not wait for a scheduled visit, and do not try a supplement first.
Exams and capsules
Can an eye supplement replace an eye exam?
No. A supplement cannot find glaucoma, diabetic eye disease or AMD, and supplements cannot prevent AMD (NEI: who AREDS supplements help). Eye symptoms need an exam, not a supplement.
Even AREDS2, the formula with the best trial data, only helps people whose exam shows intermediate or late AMD (NEI: who AREDS supplements help). Read what AREDS2 means, and see our eye health guide for the full plan.
FAQ
Eye exam questions, answered
How often should I get an eye exam after 40?
Get a baseline exam at 40, then every 2 to 4 years until 54 if your eyes are healthy and you have no risk factors (AAO: how often adults need eye exams). The gap shrinks to every 1 to 3 years at 55 to 64, and every 1 to 2 years from 65.
Do I need an eye exam if my vision seems fine?
Yes. Glaucoma usually has no early symptoms, and about half of people with it do not know they have it (NEI: glaucoma). Diabetic retinopathy is also silent early on (NEI: diabetic retinopathy). Regular exams find these problems before you notice them.
How often should people with diabetes see an eye doctor?
At least once a year for a dilated eye exam, according to NEI (NEI: diabetic retinopathy). Diabetic retinopathy usually has no early symptoms. Keeping blood sugar in range is the most effective way to lower the risk.
Is a dilated eye exam necessary every time?
Ask your eye doctor, who decides based on your age and risks. NEI calls a dilated exam the single best thing you can do for your eyes (NEI: everyday ways to keep eyes healthy), and it advises one every 1 to 2 years for people over 60 (NEI: glaucoma) and yearly with diabetes (NEI: diabetic retinopathy).
Should I tell my eye doctor about supplements?
Yes, every one. Supplements can interact with medicines, and natural does not always mean safe (NCCIH: using supplements wisely). Bring the bottles or photos of the labels, so your doctor can check doses such as zinc or beta-carotene.
What eye symptoms are an emergency?
A sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow or curtain over your vision. These can signal retinal detachment, which NEI calls a medical emergency (NEI: urgent warning signs). Go to an eye doctor or emergency room right away.
Can VisiFlora replace my yearly eye exam?
No. VisiFlora is a dietary supplement, not a test or a treatment, and supplements cannot prevent AMD (NEI: who AREDS supplements help). Keep your exams on schedule (AAO: how often adults need eye exams), and bring the VisiFlora bottle so your doctor can read its label.
Who wrote this
Written and reviewed by
Plain-language pages built from what the seller publishes and from linked eye-health sources.
Last updated . Read our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is run by a USA authorized VisiFlora retailer, not by the manufacturer. We earn money when you buy through our order links.
Keep reading
More about VisiFlora
Eye health guide
Exams by age, urgent warning signs, AREDS2, foods and screen habits: the eye care steps with the strongest evidence.
Read more
Eye health guides
All our eye health guides in one place: exams by age, warning signs, AREDS2, labels and where a capsule fits.
Read moreWhat AREDS2 means
The AREDS2 formula in plain words: the six doses, who it helps, and why a label without amounts cannot match it.
Read moreUSA authorized VisiFlora retailer
Ready to try VisiFlora?
Pick a pack. Every pack covers at least the 60-day money-back window at one capsule a day.
- Secure BuyGoods checkout
- 60-day money-back window
- Ships from the U.S. with tracking