Routine eye exams are one of the most important ways to protect your vision and overall eye health. At iCare of Hanford, serving Hanford and the surrounding area, we often get asked: “How often should I get my eyes checked?”
The answer varies by age, health status, and vision needs. Here are general eye care recommendations for each stage of life—plus local insights on accessing professional eye care right here in Hanford.
At iCare of Hanford, our optometrist provides routine eye exams to help patients in Hanford maintain healthy vision at every age.
Infants and Toddlers (6–12 Months)
Your child’s first eye exam should take place between 6 and 12 months of age. During this visit, our team at iCare of Hanford assesses eye alignment, tracking, and early signs of vision issues that could impact development.
Why it matters in Hanford: Many childhood vision problems go undetected without a professional exam. Don’t wait for school screenings—early detection is key.
Learn more about our Eye & Vision Exams for young children.
Children and Teens (Every 1–2 Years)
From age 3 through the teen years, children should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years—even if no symptoms are present.
In Hanford, many children rely on school vision screenings, which often miss key concerns such as:
- Eye teaming problems
- Focusing difficulties
- Near-vision deficiencies
These issues can affect reading, learning, and sports performance. A comprehensive eye exam at iCare of Hanford helps ensure your child is seeing clearly and comfortably.
Explore our approach to Myopia Management for children in Hanford.
Adults Aged 20–39 (Every 2 Years)
If you're in your 20s or 30s and don’t have vision correction or underlying health conditions, an eye exam every two years is typically sufficient.
However, lifestyle factors such as extended screen time, digital eye strain, or contact lens wear may require more frequent visits. At iCare of Hanford, we offer Contact Lens Exams to help ensure your lenses fit properly and support long-term eye health.
Adults Aged 40–64 (Every 1–2 Years)
Beginning in your 40s, age-related vision changes—such as presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close)—become more common. Eye exams should occur at least every 1–2 years to monitor for:
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Macular degeneration
- Dry eye
We use advanced diagnostic technology to detect early signs of eye disease, often before noticeable symptoms appear.
Seniors 65 and Older (Annually)
Annual comprehensive eye exams are essential for seniors, even if vision seems stable. Aging significantly increases the risk of eye conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss if not detected early.
If you're over 65 in Hanford, your exam at iCare of Hanford may include screenings for:
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Diabetic eye disease
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
Schedule your eye exam today with our experienced team.
More Frequent Exams May Be Needed If You
Some individuals should see their eye doctor more often than general guidelines suggest, including those who:
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Wear contact lenses
- Have a family history of eye disease
- Take medications with vision-related side effects
- Have had eye surgery or eye trauma
If you’re unsure how often you should schedule an appointment, our team can help. Our eye care services are tailored to your individual needs.
Protect Your Vision—Book an Eye Exam in Hanford
No matter your age, routine eye exams help maintain healthy vision and detect problems early—when they’re most manageable.
Located in the heart of Hanford, iCare of Hanford provides complete eye and vision care for patients at every stage of life. We are currently accepting new patients and offer convenient appointment scheduling.
Want to learn more about our practice? Visit our About Us page and meet Dr. Lian Johnston, O.D..
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should kids get their eyes checked?
Every 1–2 years, or more frequently if vision problems are suspected.
Are eye exams covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover routine eye exams. Visit our insurance page to see accepted plans or contact us with questions.
Can I get an eye exam if I don’t wear glasses or contacts?
Yes. Even if you have clear vision, eye exams are important for detecting eye health issues such as glaucoma, diabetes-related changes, or high blood pressure.
Explore More Eye Health Topics
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