When to go for an eye exam and why is it important?
that you only spot traffic signs while driving at the last moment? Maybe you feel that after a day at the computer, your eyes are tired, dry, or even sore. If any of these situations feel familiar, you’ve probably already thought about getting your eyes checked. But often, it just stays a thought. Interestingly, people rush to the doctor for a toothache, yet eye exams are often postponed, even when problems are already noticeable.
In fact, an eye exam is just as important as any other health check-up. Regardless of age or whether you usually wear glasses, it’s a good idea to have your vision checked by a specialist from time to time. Let’s now talk about how often you—or someone in your family—should have an eye exam.
What is an eye exam?
During an eye exam, an optometrist checks how well you see and how your eyes work together. They also assess eye movement, your visual field, and, if needed, an eye doctor may measure your eye pressure. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, their fit and prescription are also evaluated. Sometimes, just a small adjustment to your glasses prescription is enough to restore clear vision.
Many of our clients have later said that before the exam, they thought it would be complicated and time-consuming. In reality, the whole process is quick, clear, smooth, and even surprisingly simple.
During the exam, you’ll also get advice on which lenses might suit you best, how to relieve dry eyes, or how to set up your workspace to prevent eye strain—especially if you work a lot at a computer.
Regular eye exams are important because many eye conditions develop slowly and without obvious symptoms. For example, glaucoma, which can cause irreversible vision loss, often shows no early signs. A thorough eye exam can detect such problems early.
Eye exams for adults
How well and comfortably you see largely depends on how carefully you take care of your eyes. An eye exam doesn’t always mean that something is wrong. Rather, it’s an opportunity to maintain eye health and notice changes before they start affecting your daily life.
General recommendations for how often to have an eye exam:
- Ages 20–39 – An exam every 2–3 years is sufficient if you have no eye problems.
- Ages 40–64 – We recommend an exam once every two years, as many people begin to notice changes in their vision at this age (a natural age-related change).
- Ages 65+ – Every year, since the risk of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration increases at this age.
Of course, every person is different. If you have a family history of eye diseases, wear contact lenses, or suddenly notice changes in your vision (blurry text, double vision, or flashing spots), don’t wait—schedule an exam right away.
During an eye exam, you can also get advice on eye fatigue (for example, if you work a lot at a computer), discuss lens coatings, or simply learn how to take better care of your eyes. Our optometrists explain things clearly, without complicated medical jargon.
Eye exams for children
Good vision plays a major role in children’s development. It affects learning, concentration, and even everyday confidence. Children themselves may not always notice or say that they have trouble seeing. That’s why it’s important to have a child’s vision checked regularly.
Our optometrists often note that many parents later admit: “We thought the child just didn’t feel like reading, but the real issue was that they couldn’t see properly.”
We recommend checking children’s vision as follows:
- 0–3 months: Initial eye check (usually performed by a family doctor or pediatrician).
- 6–12 months: Second check to monitor early eye development.
- 3 years old: First thorough optometrist visit, assessing visual acuity and how well the eyes work together.
- 5–6 years old: Vision should be rechecked before starting school to ensure the child is ready.
- School age: If everything is normal, an annual eye exam helps keep eyes healthy throughout the school years.
How to tell if a child might have a vision problem?
Children may not be able to say that their vision is blurry or that their eyes get tired—if they have never seen more clearly, this feels “normal” to them. Here are some signs to watch for:
The child squints or rubs their eyes frequently
Holds books or screens very close
Tilts their head or closes one eye while reading
Complains of headaches or tired eyes
Has a short attention span for reading or close-up work
If you notice any of these signs—or even if everything seems fine—it’s worth scheduling an eye exam. Children’s eye exams are completely painless and age-appropriate. For young children, playful and picture-based tests are used to reliably assess both eye coordination and visual acuity.
Our goal is to support every child so they can develop with full confidence—whether that involves glasses or other aids. Detecting a problem early doesn’t always mean it’s serious, but addressing it can make a huge difference for the child’s future.
“Many people postpone eye exams until serious problems arise. In fact, everyone, regardless of age, should have their eye health checked at least once every two years. If you notice that your eyes tire more quickly or that you’ve started squinting more, it’s a clear sign that you should visit an optometrist.”
A personal story: A mother and daughter at an eye exam
“We went for an eye exam together at Mustamäe Keskuse Pere Optika—my mom hadn’t had her eyes checked in over five years and said she was managing just fine. However, during the exam, it turned out her vision had changed more than she thought! It was only then that she realized how well she could actually see. The optometrist was friendly, explained everything clearly, and helped find the right lenses for her glasses. A big thank you from us!”
Summary
Have you recently noticed that text appears blurry or that your eyes get tired more quickly? Regular eye exams help detect changes before they start affecting daily life. Good vision is important at every age. For children, it supports learning; for adults, it reduces eye strain; and in older age, it helps detect more serious issues early.
If you bring the whole family to Pere Optika for an eye exam, you only pay for one person. Our experienced optometrists make the exam quick and easy, and help find the best solutions for you or your child. Book your appointment today—your vision deserves attention.