Eye exams by age
The bodies differ on eye checks. The USPSTF found too little evidence to recommend for or against vision and glaucoma screening in primary care, while the American Academy of Ophthalmology advises regular exams by an eye professional, with a baseline screening by 40. Your doctor or eye doctor decides what you need. (USPSTF, 2022) (USPSTF, 2022) (AAO, 2026)
How often, by age (no eye problems or risk factors)
| Age | AAO and NEI | USPSTF (primary care screening) |
|---|---|---|
| 18 to 39 | A complete exam every 5 to 10 years (AAO, 2026) | No statement |
| By 40 | A baseline eye disease screening, because early signs of disease and vision changes often begin at this age (AAO, 2026) | Glaucoma screening from 40: evidence insufficient (I) (USPSTF, 2022) |
| 40 to 64 | On the schedule your ophthalmologist gives after the baseline exam (AAO, 2024); a dilated exam every 1 to 2 years for African American adults over 40, people over 60, and anyone with a family history of glaucoma (NEI, 2025) | Glaucoma: I |
| 65 and older | Eyes checked every year or two, for cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and glaucoma (AAO, 2024) | Vision (visual acuity) screening from 65: evidence insufficient (I) (USPSTF, 2022) |
An I statement means the evidence is insufficient to weigh benefits and harms; it is not advice against an eye exam. More: USPSTF grades explained.
When to go sooner or more often
- At any age, with symptoms or risk factors of eye disease, such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease: see an eye professional now, and they set how often. (AAO, 2026)
- Most people with diabetes or high blood pressure need a dilated eye exam at least once a year. (NEI, 2025)
- An eye infection, injury, eye pain, or sudden floaters and flashes of light: call your ophthalmologist. If you wear contact lenses, see an eye specialist every year. (AAO, 2024)
Eye exams with diabetes
The ADA advises a first dilated eye exam at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and 5 years after onset of type 1, then every 1 to 2 years if exams show no retinopathy and glucose is in range, and at least yearly if any retinopathy is present. (ADA, 2026) The full list: screenings if you have diabetes.
What Medicare covers
- Routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses: not covered; you pay all costs. (Medicare.gov)
- Diabetic eye exam: once a year if you have diabetes. (Medicare.gov)
- Glaucoma screening: once every 12 months at high risk (diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, African American and 50 or older, or Hispanic and 65 or older). (Medicare.gov)
Questions people ask
How often should an adult get an eye exam?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says every 5 to 10 years before 40 if your eyes are healthy, a baseline eye disease screening by 40, and every year or two from 65. Between 40 and 64, your ophthalmologist sets the schedule after the baseline exam. (AAO, 2026) (AAO, 2024)
Why does the USPSTF not recommend eye screening?
It looked at screening done in primary care for adults without symptoms: vision testing from 65 and glaucoma screening from 40. For both it found the evidence insufficient to weigh benefits and harms (I statements, 2022). That is not advice against seeing an eye doctor. (USPSTF, 2022) (USPSTF, 2022)
How often do people with diabetes need an eye exam?
The ADA advises a first dilated eye exam at diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and 5 years after onset of type 1. Then every 1 to 2 years may be considered if exams show no retinopathy and glucose is in range; at least yearly if any retinopathy is present. (ADA, 2026)
Does Medicare cover eye exams?
Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. It covers a diabetic eye exam once a year if you have diabetes, and a glaucoma screening every 12 months if you are at high risk. (Medicare.gov) (Medicare.gov) (Medicare.gov)