Most adults should get an eye exam every one to two years, but the right interval for you depends on your age, eye health, and medical history. If you're over 50, have glaucoma risk factors, or manage a condition like diabetes, Dr. Shlivko will likely recommend annual exams. Regular exams catch problems early, before they affect your vision or cause lasting damage.
Key Takeaways
- Adults under 50 with healthy eyes: every 2 years
- Adults 50 and older: every year
- Those with glaucoma risk, diabetes, or family history: every year
- Contact lens wearers: annual fitting exam plus regular eye exams
- At Nostrand Optical in Crown Heights, we'll recommend the schedule that fits your needs
Why Eye Exam Frequency Matters
Your eyes change over time, and some of the most serious conditions don't announce themselves. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and early cataracts often develop without pain or obvious symptoms. By the time you notice vision loss, irreversible damage may have already occurred. That's why a regular schedule of comprehensive eye exams is one of the best preventive steps you can take.
An eye exam does far more than update your glasses prescription. Dr. Shlivko evaluates your eye pressure, examines the retina, checks for signs of systemic disease (diabetes and high blood pressure show up in the eye), and screens for age-related conditions. The earlier these issues are found, the more options you have for treatment and management.
If you're not sure when you last had an exam, or you've been putting it off, now's the time to call. We're open Mon–Fri 11am–7pm and Saturdays 11am–5pm at 1018C Nostrand Ave in Crown Heights. Call us at (718) 773-9391 to book your appointment.
Eye Exam Frequency for Adults Under 50
If you're under 50 and your eyes are healthy with no risk factors, you can typically space exams two years apart. "Healthy" means no diabetes, no family history of glaucoma, no significant vision problems, and no chronic eye conditions.
That said, two years isn't a hard rule. Some adults benefit from more frequent exams even if they're young. If you wear contacts, spend hours at a screen, or notice any change in your vision, annual exams are smarter. Screen time (from work, phones, or gaming) can contribute to digital eye strain and may accelerate myopia progression in some people.
Also consider your job. If you work in a dusty environment, use protective eyewear, or do detailed visual tasks, more frequent exams help catch irritation or changes early.
Eye Exam Frequency for Adults 50 and Older
Once you reach 50, annual eye exams become the standard recommendation. At this age, the risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration rises significantly. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends annual exams for adults 65 and older, but starting at 50 is wise preventive practice.
Glaucoma is particularly common after 50. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, glaucoma affects about 3 million Americans, and many don't know they have it because early stages have no symptoms. The National Eye Institute lists a family history of glaucoma, being African American and over 40, and being over 60 (especially for Hispanic/Latino adults) as higher-risk groups. If any of those apply to you, annual screening matters even more.
Cataracts also develop gradually in your 50s and 60s. Dr. Shlivko can spot early cataracts on slit-lamp exam and let you know what to expect. Many people don't need surgery for years, but knowing where you stand helps you plan.
If you're 50 or older, schedule your annual exam with Dr. Shlivko at Nostrand Optical. Call (718) 773-9391 or visit our contact page to book. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most major plans—coverage varies by plan, so we can verify yours before your visit.
Increased Exam Frequency for Specific Conditions
Several conditions call for more frequent exams, sometimes every 3 to 6 months:
Diabetes: High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can develop without symptoms, so diabetic patients need annual exams at minimum—sometimes more often if retinopathy is already present.
Glaucoma or Glaucoma Risk: Once glaucoma is diagnosed, exams may be every 3 to 6 months to monitor eye pressure and catch any progression. Even if you don't have glaucoma but have risk factors (high eye pressure, family history, African-American ancestry, older age), annual screening is essential.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): If you have early signs of AMD, Dr. Shlivko may recommend more frequent monitoring to catch progression before central vision declines.
Severe Dry Eye: Chronic dry eye can damage the cornea and needs regular assessment. Some patients benefit from exams every 6 months to check healing and adjust treatment.
Recent Eye Injury or Surgery: Post-operative exams follow a specific schedule set by your eye surgeon. Follow-ups might be at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months.
If you have any of these conditions, don't wait for symptoms to worsen. Regular exams with Dr. Shlivko ensure we catch changes early and adjust your care plan as needed.
Contact Lens Wearers: A Different Schedule
Contact lens wearers need two types of exams: the regular comprehensive eye exam and the contact lens fitting exam.
Your comprehensive exam should follow the same schedule as anyone else (every 1–2 years for younger adults, annually at 50+). But contact lens fittings are separate. A proper fitting takes time—Dr. Shlivko evaluates your cornea shape, eye moisture, tear film, and lens comfort. If you wear daily contacts, an annual fitting exam is standard. If you wear extended-wear or specialty lenses (for dry eye, astigmatism, or presbyopia), you may need fitting exams more often or whenever you switch lens types.
New contact lens wearers typically have follow-up exams at 1 week and 1 month to ensure the fit is stable and your eyes are healthy. If you've worn contacts for years without problems, the interval can stretch—but don't skip exams just because your contacts feel fine. Dr. Shlivko specializes in contact lens fittings at Nostrand Optical, including fits for difficult cases like dry eye and high astigmatism.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam takes about 45 minutes and covers your vision, eye health, and overall health as it relates to your eyes. Dr. Shlivko will:
- Measure your visual acuity (how clearly you see)
- Check your eye pressure (tonometry, a painless puff of air)
- Test your peripheral (side) vision
- Examine the front of your eye with a slit lamp microscope
- Dilate your pupils to see the retina and optic nerve
- Ask about your medical history, family history, and any vision concerns
- Discuss any changes in your eyesight or eye comfort
This isn't just about your glasses prescription. Dr. Shlivko is looking for early signs of disease, checking for complications if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, and evaluating how your eyes age. If anything worrisome shows up, he'll explain what it means and what comes next—whether that's treatment at the practice, a referral to a specialist, or more frequent monitoring.
Signs You Need an Eye Exam Before Your Next Scheduled Appointment
Don't wait for your scheduled exam if you notice:
- Blurred or distorted vision (different in one eye or both)
- Sudden eye pain or severe discomfort
- Flashing lights or a sudden increase in floaters
- A dark shadow or curtain in your peripheral vision
- Redness, discharge, or swelling
- Difficulty driving at night
- Trouble seeing distant objects or reading up close (new or worsening)
- Halos around lights
- Loss of peripheral vision
These can be signs of serious conditions. Call Dr. Shlivko right away if any develop. We're at 1018C Nostrand Ave in Crown Heights and open six days a week. Call (718) 773-9391 to reach us.
How Insurance Affects Exam Frequency
Many insurance plans cover eye exams on a set schedule. Medicaid in New York often covers annual exams for adults, though coverage varies by plan and age. Medicare covers glaucoma testing and other medical eye exams for those at risk, but original Medicare doesn't cover routine exams or eyeglasses. Medicare Advantage plans often include routine vision coverage.
If you have a commercial plan through UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Healthfirst, Fidelis, or a union plan, most cover annual or biennial exams. The best approach is to verify your coverage before your visit. Visit our insurance page or call (718) 773-9391 and we'll check what your plan covers. Coverage varies by plan, so asking ahead saves surprises at the desk.
Sticking to Your Eye Exam Schedule
The hardest part of regular eye care is remembering to book. Life gets busy, and if your eyes feel fine, it's easy to let years slip by. But that's exactly when problems can develop silently.
Here's a simple system: mark your next exam date on your calendar right after you finish this one. If you wear contacts, use your annual fitting as your reminder for the comprehensive exam. Talk to friends and family about their exams—often, hearing that someone you know had an unexpected finding makes the importance real.
At Nostrand Optical, Dr. Shlivko knows many families in Crown Heights. We see adults and children (ages 7 and up) regularly, and we make it easy to book an appointment. We accept Medicaid, Medicare, UnitedHealthcare, Anthem, Healthfirst, Fidelis, and union plans. Same-day glasses are available for most prescriptions, so there's no reason to delay.
Ready to schedule your exam? Call us at (718) 773-9391 or visit our contact page to book with Dr. Shlivko at Nostrand Optical. We're located at 1018C Nostrand Ave in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Hours are Mon–Fri 11am–7pm and Sat 11am–5pm.
Your eyes are too important to neglect. Whether you're due for a routine checkup or haven't had an exam in years, Dr. Shlivko will evaluate your eye health and recommend the schedule that's right for you. Come see us on Nostrand Ave—we've been part of this neighborhood since 2001, and we look forward to helping you maintain clear, healthy vision.