For some people, knowing how often you should have an eye test is essential for maintaining eye health. While an eye test may be an annual appointment for some, others may leave it off their schedule entirely. If you’re unsure how often you should get an eye test, here are some compelling reasons to make it a priority.

Wondering how often you should get your eyes tested? The frequency of an eye test depends on factors such as age and overall eye health. Generally, it’s recommended that both children and adults have their eyes tested every two years. However, knowing how often you should get an eye test is crucial, especially if you have specific eye or medical conditions .However, if you have an eye condition or a medical condition that can affect your eyes, it’s recommended that you have an eye test more regularly.

• Short-sightedness (myopia) – difficulty focusing on objects in the distance
• Long-sightedness (hyperopia) – difficulty focusing on close-up objects
• Astigmatism – blurred or distorted vision at all distances
• Macular degeneration – a loss of vision in the centre of your field of view
• Glaucoma – increased pressure in the eye that can cause loss of vision
• Retinal detachment – the back layer of the eye (retina) separates from the layer of blood vessels
• Cataracts – clouding of the lens of the eye.

Most importantly, don’t wait to get your eyes tested if you have any concerns about your eyesight. If you notice your vision has changed, book an eye test. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, book an eye test or see your GP as soon as possible.

Understanding how often you should have an eye test is crucial because the purpose of an eye test goes beyond just assessing your vision. Regular eye tests are vital for detecting early signs of eye conditions, ensuring that any issues are caught and treated promptly. An eye test is also essential to check for eye conditions, diseases, or damage. A regular test means you’re more likely to detect the early signs of a rising issue rather than picking it up when it’s well advanced. If available, an early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and serious vision loss.

The type of eye test you have depends on your age, general health and eye health. For those people who only need a standard eye test, you should expect your optometrist to complete the following:

• Ask about any vision problems and health in general
• Test your ability to see at a range of distances
• Check how well your eyes react to light and movement
• Check how well you see colours
• Measure the pressure inside your eyes
• Examine the surface of your eyes with a microscope.

If you’re an Australian resident with a Medicare card, you might wonder how often you should get your eyes tested under Medicare, you’re eligible for an eye test by an optometrist (that’s bulk-billed), so there is no out-of-pocket expense. For people aged under 65, they can have a bulk-billed eye test every three years. For those over 65 years, a bulk-billed test is available yearly. Check if your optometrist bulk bills or charges any additional fees at the time of booking. Medicare doesn’t cover any cost of glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.

First, if you’re experiencing vision changes or if you’re unsure how often you should get your eyes checked, it’s time to book a consultation. Regular eye tests are essential, especially if it’s been over two years since your last one. Don’t let more time go by. Your eyes will be grateful.

Hopefully, your eyes are healthy, but knowing how often you should get your eyes tested can help catch any potential issues early. If your optometrist raises concerns about your test results, you may need to consider corrective options like glasses, contacts, or even laser eye surgery. Before committing to any treatment or procedure, you may like to discuss your options and research the best solution for your case. Feel free to contact us to find out more about laser eye surgery.