Why Do Eye Doctors Recommend Exams Every 2 Years - Is It Just Routine?

When was your last eye exam? Many people assume that scheduling a check-up every couple of years is simply following a routine suggestion from their eye doctor. However, there’s a lot more to this advice than meets the eye. At 20/20 Optometric of Fresno, our recommendation for regular exams is rooted in protecting your vision, detecting health issues early, and helping you maintain your quality of life.
 

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam is much more thorough than a basic vision screening. During your exam, our optometrists don’t just check how clearly you can see; they also assess the overall health of your eyes and look for early signs of eye diseases. This typically includes:

• Visual acuity testing to check how well you see at various distances

• Eye movement tests to evaluate how your eyes work together

• Refraction to determine your exact lens prescription

• Slit-lamp examination to inspect the front of your eyes

• Retinal exam to examine the back of your eyes

• Eye pressure testing for conditions like glaucoma
   

This full evaluation helps us catch issues early - sometimes before you even notice symptoms.
 

Why We Recommend Annual Eye Exams

While many people believe every two years is enough, we often recommend annual eye exams for the best possible care. Eye health can change more quickly than you might expect, and some conditions develop silently. Diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease can progress with few noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Early detection and intervention are essential for protecting your vision long-term.
 

Regular exams also ensure your prescription is always up to date, helping you avoid headaches, eye strain, and difficulty seeing clearly.
 

Who Might Need More Frequent Eye Exams?

Some individuals should be seen more often than every two years. This includes:

• Children and teenagers: Their eyes can change rapidly as they grow.

• Adults over 60: Age increases the risk for eye diseases.

• People with chronic conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease can mean more frequent monitoring.

• Contact lens wearers: Regular checks are crucial for eye health and comfort.

• Anyone experiencing vision changes: If you notice blurriness, double vision, or discomfort, don’t wait for your next scheduled exam.
   

Keep Your Eyes Healthy at 20/20 Optometric of Fresno

Eye exams aren’t just a routine task - they’re a proactive step toward maintaining healthy vision and detecting potential problems early. Whether it’s been a year or two since your last visit, staying on top of your eye health is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
 

Contact 20/20 Optometric of Fresno to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and keep your vision and eye health at its best. Visit our office in Fresno, California, or call (559) 221-8900 to book an appointment today.