If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, you’re not alone. Between work, family, and everything else life in Newport Beach throws at you, it’s easy to push vision care to the bottom of the list, especially if your eyesight seems “fine.” But eye exams aren’t just about updating your prescription. They’re about protecting your long-term eye health.
At SALT. Optometry, we take a preventive approach to vision care, designed to meet you where you are, whether you’re in your 20s, juggling screens and sunglasses, or helping your child keep up with their classroom vision.
The Importance of Getting Regular Eye Exams
Many people think eye exams are just for updating a prescription, but the truth is, they’re a vital part of your overall health care. Your eyes can reveal early signs of conditions that don’t cause symptoms right away, like glaucoma, macular degeneration, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
At SALT. Optometry, we assess the health of your retina, track subtle changes over time, and look for signs of digital eye strain, dry eye, and early disease, even if your vision still seems sharp.
For kids and teens, eye exams are just as important. Blurry vision, difficulty focusing, or skipping lines while reading can all go unnoticed at school, especially if your child doesn’t know what “normal” vision should feel like. We often catch signs of myopia progression, eye-teaming issues, and visual fatigue before they become bigger concerns.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
Adult Eye Exams
For most healthy adults, a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years is a good baseline. But depending on your age, lifestyle, and vision needs, annual exams might be the smarter choice.
You may benefit from yearly eye exams if you:
- Wear contact lenses or prescription eyewear full-time
- Experience frequent screen fatigue, blurry vision, or headaches
- Spend long hours outdoors (think sun, salt air, and glare in coastal living)
- Have a personal or family history of eye conditions like glaucoma or macular degeneration
- Have a systemic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure
- Are over age 40 and beginning to notice changes in reading or near vision
Exams for Kids & Teens
For children, regular eye exams are essential to support healthy development, learning, and confidence. The American Optometric Association recommends:
- A first exam between ages 3–5 to catch early visual or developmental issues
- An exam before starting kindergarten
- Annual eye exams throughout school years, especially as screen time increases
Even if your child had a vision screening at school, it’s not the same as a comprehensive eye exam. Screenings may miss issues like myopia progression, eye tracking disorders, or binocular vision problems, which can impact reading, focus, and learning.
Vision and Eye Health Milestones by Age
Just like the rest of your health, your eyes change with time, and your care should evolve with it. Here’s a quick guide to how vision needs shift by decade:
Children & Teens (Ages 5–18)
- Annual exams recommended
- Key time to detect myopia progression, tracking issues, or visual fatigue
- Supports learning, sports performance, and confidence
- We offer kid-friendly exams and proactive myopia management
Young Adults (Ages 20–39)
- Exams every 1–2 years, or annually for contact lens wearers
- Lifestyle-related strain (screen time, driving, glare) becomes more noticeable
- Great time to explore blue light filters, anti-fatigue lenses, and prescription sunglasses
- Regular care helps establish a healthy vision baseline
Middle Age (Ages 40–59)
- Annual exams recommended
- Presbyopia often begins—difficulty seeing up close
- Increased risk for dry eye, digital fatigue, and eye disease
- Early detection is key for conditions like glaucoma and cataracts
Seniors (60+)
- Annual or bi-annual exams, depending on health status
- Higher risk for macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts
- May need more frequent monitoring, especially for chronic conditions
- Vision changes can happen gradually—routine exams help keep care on track
Whether you’re 7 or 70, SALT. Optometry offers vision care that meets you where you are today and in the years ahead.
When Was Your Last Eye Exam?
Whether it’s been a year or a few, there’s no better time to prioritize your vision. Our Newport Beach eye doctors make eye care feel personal, unrushed, and designed around your lifestyle, whether you’re booking for yourself, your child, or your whole family. Schedule your eye exam and see the difference thoughtful care can make.