How Often Should You Get an Eye Test? Signs It’s Time to Check Your Vision

Many people only think about getting an eye test when their vision becomes obviously blurry.

But your eyesight can change gradually, and sometimes the first signs are not simply “I can’t see clearly anymore.”

You may still be able to read signs, use your phone and work normally while experiencing eye strain, headaches, squinting or difficulty seeing clearly at night.

So how often should you have your eyes checked, and how do you know when it is time for another eye test?

Here are some common signs to look out for.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Test?

There is no single schedule that is perfect for everyone.

How often you should have your vision checked depends on factors such as:

• Your age
• Your current prescription
• Whether your vision has been changing
• How much time you spend using digital devices
• Your daily visual demands
• Whether you wear glasses or contact lenses
• Any existing eye or general health conditions

For many adults with stable vision, regular eye examinations every one to two years are commonly recommended.

However, some people may need more frequent checks, especially if their prescription changes often or they notice new visual symptoms.

Children, older adults and people with certain health or eye conditions may also require a different examination schedule.

The important point is this:

You do not need to wait until your glasses feel “completely wrong” before checking your vision again.

1. Your Vision Is Starting to Look Blurry

This is the most obvious sign.

You may notice that:

• Road signs are harder to read
• Small text looks less sharp
• Faces at a distance are not as clear
• You need to move closer to see properly
• One eye seems clearer than the other

Blurred vision may mean your prescription has changed.

If you have been wearing the same glasses for several years and things are no longer as sharp as before, it may be time for another eye test.

2. You Find Yourself Squinting More Often

Squinting can temporarily make things appear clearer by reducing the amount of scattered light entering the eye.

But if you are constantly narrowing your eyes to read signs, watch television or look at something in the distance, your current prescription may no longer be giving you the clearest vision.

People often do this without noticing.

If family members or friends keep asking why you are squinting, that can be a useful sign that it is time to check your eyesight.

3. Your Eyes Feel Tired Even When You Are Wearing Glasses

Your glasses may still allow you to see clearly, but that does not necessarily mean your prescription or fitting is still ideal.

Eye fatigue can feel like:

• Heavy or tired eyes
• Difficulty focusing
• Eye discomfort after screen use
• Needing frequent breaks
• Feeling like your eyes are “working too hard”

This can happen for many reasons, including long hours of near work, dry eyes, screen habits or changes in your prescription.

An eye examination can help determine whether your current glasses are still suitable for your daily visual needs.

4. You Are Getting More Frequent Headaches

Headaches do not automatically mean that you need new glasses.

However, if headaches frequently happen after:

• Reading
• Using a computer
• Working on your phone
• Driving
• Focusing for long periods

it may be worth having your vision checked.

An outdated prescription, uncorrected astigmatism or visual strain may sometimes contribute to discomfort.

If headaches are persistent, severe or unusual, you should also consult an appropriate healthcare professional rather than assuming they are caused by your glasses.

5. Night Driving Is Becoming More Difficult

Some people first notice changes in their vision when driving at night.

You may experience:

• Difficulty reading road signs
• More effort focusing on distant objects
• Increased discomfort around headlights
• Less confidence seeing in dim conditions

Night-time vision can feel more demanding because there is less light available.

If night driving feels noticeably harder than before, it is a good reason to have your vision checked.

6. You Keep Moving Your Phone or Screen Closer or Further Away

Pay attention to how you use your phone.

If you constantly adjust the distance of your screen to make text clearer, your eyes may be telling you something.

You may also notice yourself:

• Increasing text size
• Holding your phone further away
• Bringing objects closer
• Changing your computer viewing distance
• Taking longer to refocus between near and far objects

These changes can become more noticeable as your vision or focusing needs change.

7. Your Glasses Are Several Years Old

Even if you can still see reasonably well with your current glasses, it may still be worth having your eyes checked if you have not done so for a long time.

Vision changes can happen gradually.

Because you adapt slowly, you may not notice the difference until you try an updated prescription.

An eye test does not automatically mean you need to buy new glasses.

It simply gives you updated information about your current vision.

“But I Can Still See Clearly With My Glasses”

This is something we hear often.

Being able to see clearly is a good sign, but clarity alone does not tell you everything.

For example, your prescription may have changed slightly while your eyes are still compensating.

You may still see the letters on a sign, but it could take more effort than before.

That extra effort may show up as:

• Eye fatigue
• Squinting
• Headaches
• Slower focusing
• Discomfort after long periods of visual work

This is why regular eye examinations can still be useful even when you do not feel that your vision has changed dramatically.

Do Children Need Regular Eye Tests?

Children are especially important to monitor because they may not realise that their vision is blurry.

A child may assume that the way they see is normal.

Possible signs that a child may need a vision check include:

• Sitting very close to the television
• Holding books or devices unusually close
• Squinting frequently
• Complaining of difficulty seeing the board
• Losing concentration during visual tasks
• Frequently rubbing their eyes

If parents, teachers or caregivers notice changes in a child's visual behaviour, it is worth arranging an eye examination.

What About Contact Lens Wearers?

Contact lens users should also have their eyes checked regularly.

Your spectacle prescription and contact lens prescription are not always exactly the same.

Contact lens wear also involves additional factors such as:

• Lens fit
• Base curve
• Diameter
• Corneal health
• Wearing comfort
• Dryness
• Wearing schedule

If your contact lenses suddenly become uncomfortable, vision becomes inconsistent or your eyes frequently feel irritated, do not simply continue wearing the same lenses without checking the cause.

Does Screen Time Mean You Need a New Prescription?

Not necessarily.

Long hours on phones, computers and tablets can contribute to eye fatigue even when your prescription is correct.

Common habits that may help include:

• Taking regular visual breaks
• Looking into the distance occasionally
• Blinking more frequently
• Keeping an appropriate working distance
• Adjusting screen brightness and text size
• Avoiding excessively long periods of uninterrupted near work

However, if screen-related discomfort is persistent, an eye test can help determine whether your prescription may also be contributing.

What Happens During an Eye Test?

A routine vision examination may include checking:

• Distance vision
• Near vision
• Spherical power (SPH)
• Astigmatism or cylindrical power (CYL)
• Axis
• How well both eyes work together
• Other measurements depending on your visual needs

The exact examination may vary depending on the individual and the optical practice.

After the test, you can compare your current results with your existing glasses prescription.

Do You Need New Glasses Every Time You Get an Eye Test?

No.

Getting your eyes checked does not automatically mean you have to replace your glasses.

If your prescription remains suitable and your current glasses are comfortable and in good condition, there may be no need to change them immediately.

The purpose of an eye test is first to understand your current vision.

From there, you can decide whether an update is necessary.

When Should You Get Your Eyes Checked Earlier?

You do not need to wait for your usual routine examination if you notice a noticeable change.

Consider arranging an eye examination sooner if you experience:

• Sudden or increasing blurred vision
• Frequent squinting
• Persistent eye strain
• Difficulty seeing at night
• A noticeable difference between the two eyes
• Regular headaches during visual tasks
• Difficulty focusing
• Your existing glasses no longer feel comfortable

Some sudden or severe visual symptoms can require medical attention rather than a routine optical check, especially sudden vision loss, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters, severe eye pain or other unusual symptoms.

When Was Your Last Eye Test?

It is easy to keep wearing the same pair of glasses year after year, especially when they still seem to work.

But vision can change slowly.

A simple eye examination can help you understand whether your current prescription is still suitable for your everyday needs.

At 68°C Optic, you can have your vision checked and receive guidance based on your current prescription, eyewear and lifestyle.

If it has been a while since your last eye test — or your vision simply does not feel as comfortable as before — it may be a good time to check again.