Why You Need to Schedule Annual Eye Exams

Why Do You Need an Eye Exam Every Year?

Seeing your eye doctor on a regular basis helps you stay ahead of vision changes instead of reacting after problems become noticeable. Even small shifts in your prescription can affect how comfortable your vision feels over time, especially if you drive at night, spend long hours on digital devices, or find yourself squinting or developing headaches more often. Yearly exams also give your eye doctor a clear record to compare from one visit to the next, making subtle changes easier to detect.

Routine exams are also important for protecting long-term eye health. Many serious eye conditions, including glaucoma and cataracts, can progress slowly and quietly, without obvious symptoms in the early stages. Regular visits allow your optometrist to look beyond basic vision screening, examine the internal structures of the eye, and monitor for concerns that could threaten your sight if they are not treated promptly.

How often you should be seen can depend on your age, medical history, and family risk factors. In general, adults over 20 should 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 or health-related risks. Many patients still choose to come in once a year because it offers a simple, consistent way to stay ahead of vision changes and eye health concerns. Your Nationwide Vision doctor can help you decide on the exam schedule that is right for you.

How Regular Eye Exams Protect Your Vision

An annual eye exam does more than confirm whether you still see “well enough.” It gives your eye doctor the opportunity to fine-tune your prescription so you can see clearly and comfortably throughout your day, whether you are driving after dark, working on a computer, or shifting between near and far tasks. Even minor prescription adjustments can sharpen clarity and reduce the eye strain that builds when your vision is slightly off.

Consistent yearly visits also create a dependable baseline for your eye health. By comparing exam results over time, your provider at Nationwide Vision can identify gradual changes earlier and address them sooner. Comprehensive testing, including dilated exams when recommended, offers a wider view inside the eye and supports earlier diagnosis and treatment planning for many conditions that might not cause noticeable symptoms until they are more advanced.

What to Expect at Your Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam at Nationwide Vision typically includes both vision testing and an in-depth evaluation of your eye health. Your visit usually begins with a brief conversation about your medical history, current medications, any previous eye conditions, and whether you wear glasses or contact lenses. You will also have an opportunity to discuss any vision changes or concerns you have noticed.

From there, you can generally expect:

• Vision Testing and Prescription Checks: Your eye care team will measure how clearly you see at different distances and determine whether you need glasses or contact lenses, or if your current prescription should be updated.

• Eye Health Testing: Your doctor will examine the internal and external structures of your eyes, looking for signs of eye disease or other health concerns that can sometimes be detected during an eye exam.

• Dilation: In some cases, your Nationwide Vision doctor may use eye drops to gently widen your pupils. This allows for a more detailed view of the back of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve. After dilation, it is common to experience temporary blurry vision and light sensitivity. Wearing sunglasses afterward can help you feel more comfortable, and you may want to be cautious about driving until your vision returns to normal.

Before you leave, your eye doctor will review the results, explain any findings, and talk through recommended next steps. They will also suggest how often you should return for future exams based on your age, overall health, vision needs, and individual risk factors.

How to Prepare for Your Next Eye Exam

A bit of planning before your visit can make your appointment smoother and help your eye doctor get the most accurate picture of your vision and eye health. Bring your current glasses with you, and if you wear contact lenses, bring the boxes or write down the brand, prescription details, and how often you replace them so you can share that information with your Nationwide Vision provider.

It is also helpful to arrive with a brief overview of your health and vision, including:

• 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 exam may include dilation, plan for a few hours of increased light sensitivity and mildly blurry vision afterward. Bring sunglasses to wear when you leave the office and consider arranging a ride to and from your appointment, so you do not need to drive until your vision feels back to normal.

Who Should Have Yearly Exams?

Annual eye exams are a smart habit for many people, and they are especially important if you have a higher risk for vision changes or eye disease. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that adults 65 and older have an eye exam every one to two years, even if they are not noticing symptoms, and many choose yearly visits for added peace of mind.

Yearly exams can be particularly beneficial 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