Understanding the Importance of Annual Eye Exams

Why Should You Get an Eye Exam Every Year?

A yearly exam keeps you proactive, not reactive. Even small changes in prescription can add up over time, affecting comfort and clarity, especially when you drive at night, work on screens, or notice more squinting and headaches than usual.

Annual visits also give your eye doctor the chance to track changes year over year, so subtle shifts are easier to spot. Annual eye exams also support long-term eye health. Many serious conditions, including glaucoma and cataracts, can progress slowly and without noticeable symptoms early on. Routine exams allow your optometrist to look beyond the eye chart by checking your eye structures and screening for issues that can threaten your vision if left untreated.

Finally, frequency recommendations can vary by age and risk factors. We recommend that adults over 20 have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, and yearly exams are recommended for adults over 65 or for anyone with certain genetic risk factors. Many patients still choose to come in every year because it is an easy cadence to stay ahead of vision changes and eye health concerns, and your eye doctor can confirm what schedule fits you best.

How Annual Eye Exams Help You Maintain Clear Vision

Annual eye exams do more than confirm whether you still read the eye chart clearly. They help your eye doctor fine-tune your prescription so you can see comfortably throughout the day, whether you are driving at night, working on screens, or shifting between near and far tasks. Even small prescription changes can impact clarity and reduce the strain that builds when you compensate without realizing it.

Yearly visits also create a consistent baseline, so your doctor can compare results over time and spot changes earlier. Many eye conditions develop gradually and may not cause obvious symptoms at first. Comprehensive exams, including dilation when recommended, give your provider a wider view of what is happening inside the eye and support earlier detection and treatment planning.

What to Expect at a Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam at Clarkson Eyecare typically includes a mix of vision testing and eye health evaluation. Your appointment often starts with a few questions about your health history, medications, current eyewear or contact lenses, and any vision concerns you have noticed.

From there, you can generally expect:

• Vision Testing and Prescription Checks: Measuring how clearly you see and determining whether you need an updated prescription.

• Eye Health Testing: Evaluating the structures of your eyes and screening for signs of disease.

• Dilation: When recommended, your eye doctor will use eye drops to widen your pupils so they can get a clearer view of the inside of your eye. After dilation, temporary blurriness and light sensitivity are common, so sunglasses can help, and you may want to be cautious about driving right after the exam.

Before you leave, your eye doctor will review what they found, confirm next steps, and discuss timing for your next exam based on your age, overall health, and risk factors.

How to Prepare for Your Annual Exam

A little preparation can make your visit smoother and help your eye doctor get the most accurate picture of your vision and eye health. Start by bringing your current glasses, and if you wear contact lenses, bring those details too, including the brand and prescription information if you have it.

You should also plan to share a quick health and vision snapshot at the beginning of your exam, jotting down:

• Recent symptoms like blurry vision, trouble with close-up reading, or dry eyes

• A list of medications you are currently or have recently taken, including eye drops, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications

• Any other vision concerns you have like eye fatigue after using screens or night driving glare

If your appointment may include dilation, plan ahead for a few hours of light sensitivity and temporarily blurry vision afterward. Sunglasses can make the drive or walk back outside more comfortable, and you should always arrange a ride home to avoid driving until your vision feels normal again.

Who Especially Benefits from Yearly Exams?

Annual eye exams are a smart routine for most people, and they are especially important if you have higher risk factors for vision changes or eye disease. Adults 65 and older are encouraged by the American Academy of Ophthalmology to have an eye exam every one to two years even without symptoms, and many people in this age group choose yearly visits to stay ahead of changes.

Yearly exams can also be a strong fit for:

• Adults 18-39

• Anyone with a family history of eye disease or personal risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes

• Contact lens wearers who benefit from ongoing evaluation of eye health and fit

• Kids and teens, because vision changes can affect learning and sports and often happen quickly during growth years