Optical Prescriptions

Why Do I Need an Eye Exam If My Vision Seems Fine and My Prescription Isn’t Expired Yet?

Even if you haven’t noticed any changes in your vision, optometrists recommend regular eye exams before your prescription expires for several important reasons:

1. Gradual Vision Changes

Eyesight can deteriorate slowly, making it hard to perceive day-to-day differences.
You may unconsciously adapt (squinting, moving closer/farther) without realizing your prescription is no longer ideal.

2. Eye Health Screening

Many serious eye conditions (glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts) develop without obvious early symptoms.
Exams can also detect systemic health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.

3. Comfort & Visual Performance

Small prescription adjustments can reduce eye strain, headaches, or fatigue—especially with prolonged screen use.
Changes in lighting (night driving) or near/far focus may reveal subtle vision needs.

4. Prescription Expiration Rules

Most eyeglass prescriptions are valid for 1–2 years (varies by region).
An expired prescription cannot legally be used to order new glasses or contacts.

5. Lens Wear and Technology Updates

Scratches, lens yellowing, or outdated coatings can degrade vision quality over time.
New lens options (blue light filters, progressives, anti-fatigue designs) may better suit your current lifestyle.

6. Binocular Vision & Eye Coordination

Even if clarity seems stable, your eyes’ ability to work together (focusing, alignment) can change, affecting comfort.

Bottom Line

Regular eye exams ensure your prescription is still accurate, your eyes are healthy, and your glasses work optimally—even if you don’t yet notice a problem. Think of it like a routine dental checkup: prevention is key!

How Often?

Adults (20–40, no issues): Every 2 years
Adults (40+ or high risk): Annually
Children/Teens: Early 6-12 months (vision changes rapidly)

"How Often Should Your Child’s Eyes Be Checked? A Parent’s Guide

Vision is your child’s primary learning tool—yet 1 in 4 school-aged kids has an undiagnosed eye problem. Here’s when to get their eyes checked:

🩺 Schedule:

👶 Newborns: Quick check shortly after birth by a pediatrician (for major issues like cataracts).
🍼 Infants (6–12 months): A full exam by age 1 by a paediatric optometrist (like us) or ophthalmologist if risk factors exist (family history of eye disease, premature birth, or noticeable abnormalities).
🧒 Toddlers (2–3 years): Basic screening at their pediatrician’s office.
📚 Before Kindergarten: A full eye exam to catch “lazy eye” or focusing problems.
✏️ School-Age Kids: Every 6-12 months if they wear glasses, annually if vision seems fine.

🚩 Red Flags Parents Miss:

Sitting too close to the TV, screens or books
Skipping lines while reading
Short attention span for books
Frequent eye rubbing or headaches
Saying “my eyes are tired”
Covering one eye or tilting head
Poor school performance or avoiding reading

💡 Why It Matters:

Amblyopia (“lazy eye”) can only be fully treated before age 7–9.
25% of kids with learning difficulties actually have a vision problem—80% of learning is visual.
Kids rarely complain—they assume blurry vision is "normal."
School screenings miss 40% of issues—they don’t test eye teaming or focusing. A comprehensive exam with a paediatric optometrist is gold standard.

📅 Pro Tip: Book back-to-school eye exams in July/August—optometrists get busy in September!

👀 Share this with a parent! Many kids don’t realize they can’t see well.

How Often Should Children Have Vision Checks?

Recommended Schedule:

Newborns
- First screening by a pediatrician shortly after birth (checks for major issues like cataracts).
Infants (6–12 months)
- First comprehensive eye exam by a paediatric optometrist (like us) or ophthalmologist if risk factors exist (family history of eye disease, premature birth, or noticeable abnormalities).
Toddlers (2–3 years)
- Vision screening during paediatric well visits (tests for alignment, basic acuity).
- Full eye exam if problems are suspected (squinting, eye rubbing, or developmental delays).
Preschoolers (3–5 years)
- At least one comprehensive exam before kindergarten to check for amblyopia ("lazy eye"), strabismus (crossed eyes), or refractive errors.
School-Age Kids (6+ years)
- Every 6-12 month checkups if they wear glasses/contacts or have vision issues.
- Annually if no known problems (though kid's vision changes rapidly).

Why So Frequent?

80% of learning is visual. Undetected issues can mimic ADHD or reading struggles.
Kids rarely complain—they assume blurry vision is "normal."
Conditions like amblyopia must be treated early (before age 7–9) for full correction.

Warning Signs Needing Immediate Checks:

Sitting too close to screens/books
Frequent headaches
Covering one eye or tilting head
Poor school performance or avoiding reading

Pro Tip:

Many schools offer screenings, but these miss 30–40% of vision problems. A comprehensive exam with a paediatric optometrist is gold standard.

Glory Eyecare Optometrists

Ph (08) 9343 0278 or 0422 710 020