Do You Need a Routine Eye Exam Every Year?

Protecting Your Vision Starts with a Simple Visit

Many people assume they only need to visit the eye doctor when something goes wrong, but this misconception can put their long-term vision at risk. Whether you’re noticing vision changes or everything seems perfectly fine, scheduling a regular eye exam is a key part of protecting not just your eyesight but your overall health.

At Brandywine Eye Center, we believe proactive care leads to better outcomes. Let’s explore why making your eye doctor appointment an annual event can truly make a difference.

What Is a Routine Eye Exam?

A routine eye exam is a comprehensive check-up designed to assess the health of your eyes and the quality of your vision. Unlike a quick vision exam or school screening, a full eye exam evaluates:

Visual acuity (how clearly you see)

Eye muscle coordination

Eye pressure (for signs of glaucoma)

Retinal health through dilation or imaging

Whether you need a glasses exam, a contact lens eye exam, or a general check-up, it’s all part of a thorough evaluation.

Who Should Get Annual Eye Exams?

Everyone benefits from yearly exams, but certain groups should be especially diligent:

Children & Teens: To catch early issues that affect learning

Adults: Even without glasses, age-related changes can develop silently

Seniors: To monitor for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration

People with Diabetes or a Family History of Eye Disease: More frequent monitoring is often needed

So, next time you’re thinking “I need an eye exam,” don’t put it off—especially if you fall into a higher-risk category.

What Can Eye Exams Detect (Beyond Vision Problems)?

An annual eye examination does more than update your prescription. Eye doctors can detect early signs of:

Diabetes and high blood pressure

Neurological disorders

Autoimmune conditions

Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration

Your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall health—sometimes even before symptoms appear elsewhere in the body.

The Risks of Skipping Eye Exams

Delaying or skipping your eye doctor appointment can result in:

Worsening vision due to untreated conditions

Eye strain and headaches from outdated prescriptions

Missed diagnoses of silent eye diseases

A simple visit now can prevent complex treatments later.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

General guidelines recommend:

Children (ages 6–18): Every year

Adults (18–60): Every 1–2 years (generally vision visits)

Seniors (60+): Annually (generally medical visits)

Your eye care provider may recommend a more personalized schedule, especially if you're experiencing any vision changes or have existing health issues.

Signs You Shouldn’t Wait Until Your Next Exam

Don’t wait for your next scheduled exam if you experience:

Sudden blurry or double vision

Eye pain or pressure

Flashes, floaters, or vision loss

Frequent headaches

Squinting or straining to see

If you're searching for an “eye exam near me” or even a walk-in eye exam, Brandywine Eye Center has flexible scheduling to accommodate urgent needs.

What to Expect During a Routine Eye Exam

Your full eye exam at Brandywine Eye Center includes:

Medical history review

Visual acuity test (eye chart)

Refraction test (to update prescription)

Eye pressure check (for glaucoma)

Dilated eye exam (to check retina and optic nerve)

An optional contact lens eye exam or glasses exam, if applicable

All testing is painless and performed using the latest diagnostic technology.

Can Eye Exams Improve Long-Term Eye Health?

Yes. Regular monitoring allows early intervention, which:

Preserves your vision

Slows the progression of eye diseases

Ensures timely prescription updates

Reduces the risk of complications from undiagnosed conditions

Skipping exams now can lead to vision loss later, especially for conditions like glaucoma, which may have no early symptoms.

How to Prepare for Your Eye Exam

To get the most out of your visit:

Bring your current glasses or contact lens prescription

List your medications and health conditions

Write down any vision concerns or symptoms

If you’re getting a dilated exam, consider bringing a driver with you.

Why Choose Brandywine Eye Center for Your Eye Exam?

Located in Wilmington, Delaware, Brandywine Eye Center provides:

Experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists

State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment

Personalized vision care plans

A warm, patient-centered environment

From your very first eye doctor appointment to long-term vision management, we’re here to help you see clearly—now and in the future.

Conclusion

Whether you wear glasses or not, scheduling an eye exam every year is one of the best things you can do for your health. At Brandywine Eye Center, we make it easy, convenient, and thorough.

Don’t wait until you notice a problem—schedule your full eye exam today and take the first step toward a lifetime of clear, healthy vision.

FAQs

How long does a routine eye exam take?  Usually 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the tests needed.

Can I get glasses the same day? In many cases, yes! Prescriptions are available right after your glasses exam.

Do I need to be dilated? Often, yes. Dilation allows a better view of your retina and optic nerve, especially for patients with risk factors. Patients can opt for retinal screening imaging and defer dilation if needed.

Can I bring my child for a vision check?  Absolutely! We offer pediatric eye care from age 12 to monitor development and detect issues early.