How often should you get a check-up for presbyopia?

If you're over 40 and starting to notice that reading or using your phone up close isn’t as easy as it used to be, you may be dealing with presbyopia—a normal part of ageing that affects near vision.

But once presbyopia begins, how often should you have your eyes checked? Is it a one-time adjustment, or something that needs ongoing care?

In this blog, we explain what presbyopia is, why regular check-ups matter, and how often you should be seeing an eye care professional to manage your vision as your eyes change with age.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is the gradual loss of the eye’s ability to focus on near objects. It usually starts to affect people in their early to mid-40s and continues to progress until around age 60.

It’s caused by the hardening of the natural lens in your eye, which makes it harder to shift focus between distances. Common signs include:

• Holding reading material farther away
• Eye strain when reading
• Blurry near vision
• Needing brighter light for close-up work.

If you’re noticing these changes, it’s time for an eye check-up.

How is presbyopia managed?

Presbyopia can’t be reversed, but it can be managed with:

• Reading glasses
• Bifocals or multifocals
• Contact lenses (including multifocal)
• Laser blended vision
• Lens replacement surgery with premium IOLs

The right option depends on your eyes, your lifestyle, and your vision goals.

Why are regular eye check-ups important?

Even though presbyopia is age-related and expected, your eyes can continue to change as you get older. Regular check-ups are essential because:

1. Your Prescription May Change
   • The reading addition you need typically increases over time. Glasses that worked at 45 may not work at 50.
2. Other Eye Conditions Can Develop
   • Regular exams can detect early signs of cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
3. You Might Be Ready for a Longer-Term Solution
   • Some patients choose to switch from glasses to premium lens surgery later on. Regular exams help you explore those options at the right time.

How often should you get your eyes checked?

Here’s a simple guide based on age and symptoms:

Ages 40–54: Every 1–2 Years

• If you’re newly diagnosed with presbyopia or managing with glasses, yearly or biennial exams are usually sufficient.
• If you wear contact lenses, yearly visits are recommended.

Ages 55–64: Every Year

• Vision changes tend to accelerate, and your risk for other eye diseases increases.
• Annual exams ensure your prescription is up-to-date and your eyes are healthy.

Over 65: Every Year (or as advised)

• Even if your vision seems stable, yearly checks are crucial for maintaining long-term eye health.

Your optometrist or ophthalmologist might recommend more frequent visits based on your specific needs.

What happens during a presbyopia check-up?

A typical check-up includes:

• A review of your symptoms
• A visual acuity test (how well you see at near and far distances)
• A refraction test to update your prescription
• An examination of the front and back of your eyes.

If you’re exploring surgical options, further imaging and measurements will be taken.

What if I already wear reading glasses?

Even if you’ve found a pair of over-the-counter reading glasses that work for now, it’s still important to get your eyes checked professionally.

• Your eyes may not be equal in strength
• You may be overlooking underlying issues
• Glasses might not provide the clearest or safest correction

When to book a check-up sooner

You should schedule an eye exam promptly if you:

• Experience sudden vision changes
• Have frequent headaches
• Notice glare, halos, or double vision

Have a family history of eye disease.

Presbyopia is a natural part of growing older—but regular check-ups help ensure that your vision stays comfortable and your eyes remain healthy.

If you’re over 40 and haven’t had an eye exam recently, or if you’re considering your options for managing presbyopia long-term, now’s the perfect time to take the first step.

Start with our quick self-test to see what treatment options might suit your lifestyle and visual needs.