Your vision is one of your most important senses, and taking care of your eye health should be a top priority, regardless of whether or not you currently wear glasses or contact lenses. But how often should you really get your eyes checked? At Patel Vision Group, we believe routine comprehensive eye exams are the key to maintaining healthy vision and detecting potential issues early.

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond a simple vision screening. While a screening might check if you can read letters from a chart, a comprehensive eye exam assesses your overall eye health and visual acuity. During this exam, your eye doctor will:
 

• Measure your prescription for glasses or contact lenses

• Check for eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts

• Evaluate how your eyes work together

• Examine your retina, optic nerve, and other internal structures using specialized tools

• Discuss any symptoms or changes in your vision

This full-scope evaluation helps catch both vision problems and health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that may first present with signs in the eyes.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

For most adults, an annual eye exam is recommended - even if you have perfect vision. Eye health can change subtly over time, and many eye diseases develop without obvious symptoms in their early stages. By having your eyes checked every year, your optometrist can monitor for changes, update your prescription if needed, and provide preventive care to protect your vision.

Who Might Need More Frequent Eye Exams?

Some individuals may need to schedule eye exams more often than once a year. You may benefit from more frequent visits if you:
 

• Have a chronic health condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure

• Have a family history of eye disease

• Are over the age of 60

• Have a prescription that changes frequently

• Wear contact lenses

• Experience symptoms like blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain

• Work in a visually demanding environment or spend long hours in front of screens

Children should also have regular eye exams starting at an early age, as vision plays a critical role in learning and development.

Protect Your Vision with Expert Care 

Your eyes deserve regular care, just like the rest of your body. We make it easy to stay on top of your eye health with compassionate care and advanced diagnostic tools. Whether it's your first visit or you’re due for your yearly exam, we’re here to support your vision at every stage of life.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Patel Vision Group and take the next step in protecting your sight. Visit our office in Visalia, Redding, Roseville, Monterey, Salinas, Sacramento, Fresno, or Fair Oaks, California. Call (559) 739-8550, (530) 221-6557, (916) 788-2960, (831) 375-7755, (831) 443-5250, (916) 629-8033, (559) 538-1567, (916) 966-4700, or (559) 500-7685 to book your appointment today.