How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Tested?

Key Takeaways

• Most adults should have an eye test every two years, even if vision feels fine.

• Adults over 40 and seniors should test every one to two years.

• Children benefit from regular eye tests from age three.

• Blurry vision, headaches, night vision issues and eye strain are common signs that you need eyeglasses.

• Eye tests can detect eye disease and other health conditions, not just vision problems.

• In Australia, eye tests are often covered by Medicare for eligible patients.

The importance of eye tests in maintaining eye health cannot be overstated. Not only can it help you determine the state of your vision, but it’s also crucial for detecting several common medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and more. Through eye exams, you’ll also know if you need to start wearing glasses or change your prescription. In this guide, we’ll explain when to have an eye test, how often you should go and how to know if you need glasses.

How often should you get your eyes checked and tested?

In Australia, it’s generally advisable for adults to have an eye test at least every two years. Individuals over 40 and seniors should consider testing every one to two years, depending on their eye health and risk factors. Children should have their first comprehensive eye examination around age three, again before starting school and then every one to two years throughout their school years or more frequently, if advised by an optometrist.

However, anytime you can detect changes in your vision, it’s best to get an eye exam immediately. Many comprehensive eye examinations are bulk billed through Medicare for eligible patients in Australia, making regular testing accessible and affordable.

Below is a simple guide outlining how often eye examinations are typically recommended at different stages of life.

How do you know if you need glasses?

You may need glasses if you notice changes in your vision or experience discomfort when focusing on objects. Common signs include blurred or double vision, difficulty seeing at night, frequent headaches, eye strain, squinting or trouble reading small text or seeing distant objects clearly.

If you find yourself holding screens or books closer (or further away) than usual, struggling to see road signs or feeling tired after visual tasks, it’s worth booking an eye test. An optometrist can assess your vision and determine whether you need glasses.

10 signs you might need an eye test

If you’re wondering "Should I get an eye test?", know that a thorough eye exam every two years helps ensure your vision remains clear — with or without prescription lenses. If you’re 65 or over, a yearly eye test is recommended.

However, even if you aren’t due for an eye test, certain symptoms and indicators should prompt you to visit your eye doctor sooner rather than later. They are:

1. Hazy or blurry vision

Symptoms:

Difficulty seeing fine details, reading text or recognising faces.

What it may indicate:

Refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism.

What to do:

Book an eye test to assess whether prescription lenses are needed.

2. Visual disturbances

Symptoms:

Seeing spots, flashes of light, halos around lights or sudden floaters.

What it may indicate:

Retinal changes, eye strain or underlying eye conditions requiring urgent assessment.

What to do:

Seek immediate advice from an optometrist — do not delay testing.

3. Squinting a lot

Symptom:

Constantly squinting to sharpen focus.

What it may indicate:

Uncorrected vision issues or outdated prescriptions.

What to do:

Schedule an eye test to check whether your prescription needs updating or if corrective lenses are required.

4. Frequent headaches

Symptom:

Headaches after reading, screen use or driving.

What it may indicate:

Eye strain or uncorrected vision problems.

What to do:

Book an eye test to rule out vision-related causes.

5. Sensitivity to light

Symptom:

Discomfort in bright light or glare.

What it may indicate:

Eye inflammation, dry eye or refractive issues.

What to do:

An eye exam can identify the cause and recommend solutions, including prescription or protective eyewear such as sunglasses.

6. Eye pain, strain or fatigue

Symptoms:

Tired, sore or strained eyes after extended screen use or driving.

What it may indicate:

Digital eye strain or focusing difficulties.

What to do:

Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and book an eye test as soon as possible.

7. Eye infection

Symptoms:

Redness, swelling, discharge or itchiness.

What it may indicate:

Infection or inflammation.

What to do:

Avoid touching the eye area. Book an appointment with an optometrist promptly to prevent complications.

8. Watery eyes

Symptom:

Persistent tearing without irritation.

What it may indicate:

Blocked tear ducts, dry eye or allergies.

What to do:

An eye test can determine the underlying cause.

9. Trouble seeing at night

Symptoms:

Difficulty driving at night or adjusting to low light.

What it may indicate:

Night blindness, cataracts or refractive errors.

What to do:

Schedule an eye test to assess night vision and safety.

10. Distorted vision

Symptoms:

Straight lines appearing wavy or seeing double.

What it may indicate:

Serious eye or neurological issues.

What to do:

Seek urgent eye care.

Outside of these factors, there are other factors to consider in deciding how often you should have an eye test in Australia.

Why eye test frequency matters as you age

Age is a key factor in your vision. While all people experience vision problems at some point in time, some people may be more vulnerable to developing issues with their eyesight than others. Certain age groups, for example, are more likely to develop vision problems and require prescription eyewear.

Young children

Since some childhood learning difficulties are associated with undiagnosed vision problems, it’s recommended for kids to have their first eye test at the age of 3. This way, early detection and correction are possible.

Also, since eye health is important to your child’s growth and development, regular eye tests are advised. Aside from helping identify and manage vision problems early on, the test will also help your child feel at ease with eye exams.

Teens

Kids typically develop myopia once they hit puberty. The onset of myopia or near-sightedness during this stage would require most teenagers to use prescription eyewear.

This is why teenagers must get comfortable getting regular eye exams. When teenagers have untreated vision problems, these can affect various aspects of their life, including their ability to participate in athletic activities, work or study.

Over 40s

As people grow older, the human body's cells lose their ability to regenerate, including those in the eyes. The lenses lose their elasticity and ability to change shape inside the eye. This condition is known as presbyopia, resulting in a loss of the capacity to focus effectively on objects close to one’s line of sight.

People with this ailment must hold objects farther from their eyes to see the items clearly, which often becomes apparent among people in their mid-40s.

This is why it’s crucial to have regular eye exams once you reach this age. Most age-related disorders can be addressed effectively with an early diagnosis.

Family history

Routine eye exams are also important for people with a family history of eye conditions. There are many hereditary eye diseases, such as:

• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Albinism
• Cataracts
• Colour-blindness
• Glaucoma
• Night blindness
• Retinitis pigmentosa

Among adults, the two leading causes of blindness are glaucoma and AMD. With regular eye tests, you’ll be able to avoid developing severe eye conditions or, at the very least, learn to manage them as early as possible.

Pregnancy and eye care

During pregnancy, the body undergoes a series of changes that can affect the eyes. Fluctuations in hormone levels, in particular, can lead to dry eye syndrome, blurry or distorted vision and the appearance of floaters and spots.

While these are usually temporary and tied to hormonal changes during pregnancy, it’s better to get them checked by your healthcare provider or optometrist to be sure. If you have questions about eye health or want to book an eye test, contact 1001 Optometry today!

Enjoy clear vision with 1001 Optometry

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above or it’s been more than two years since your last check, booking an eye test is the best next step. Regular eye examinations play an important role in maintaining clear, comfortable vision and identifying potential concerns early.

You can prepare confidently by reading our guide on getting ready for your eye test, then use our store locator to find your nearest 1001 Optometry practice. Book your eye test today and take a simple step towards protecting your vision.

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