Many people only think about their eyes when something goes wrong, but regular eye exam is one of the easiest ways to protect your vision long-term. In a country like Nigeria, especially in Lagos where dust, sunlight, screen exposure, and busy lifestyles are common, routine eye exams are even more important.
So how often should you actually check your eyes? Let’s take it step by step.
Recommended Eye Checkup Frequency
Children (0–15 years)
- First check: From 6 months to 3 years old.
- Then: Every year
Why this is very important:
Children may not realize they have vision problems. Poor eyesight can affect learning, reading, and confidence. If Poor vision goes undetected at this age, it can go ahead to cause some more damage to the eyes.
Adults (16–39 years)
- Every 1-2 years (if no symptoms and no family history of Eye disease)
But check sooner if you notice:
- Frequent headaches
- Blurred vision
- Eye strain from screens
Adults (40–59 years)
- Every year
Why more frequent?
This is when conditions like presbyopia (difficulty seeing close objects) begin to appear, and retinal age-related changes begin to manifest.
Seniors (60+ years)
- At least every year
Why it matters:
Risk of eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma increases with age.
When You Should NOT Wait for Your Next Checkup
Regardless of age, visit an eye doctor immediately if you experience:
- Sudden blurred or double vision
- Eye pain or redness that doesn’t go away
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Flashes of light or floaters
Special Cases: You May Need More Frequent Checks
You should check your eyes more often if you:
- Use screens for long hours daily
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Wear glasses or contact lenses
- Have a family history of eye problems.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
Eye problems often develop slowly and without pain. By the time symptoms appear, the condition may already be advanced.
Regular eye exams help:
- Detect problems early
- Prevent vision loss
- Keep your prescription up to date
- Protect long-term eye health
Final Thoughts
Your eyes are essential for everything you do, from reading and working to navigating daily life. Don’t wait until there’s a problem before taking action.
Make eye checkups part of your routine health care. It’s a simple step that can protect your vision for years to come.
You can visit us for your comprehensive eye exam at Elite Eyes and Opticals Lekki or contact us with your enquiries.