"When was your last eye exam?" If you have to think hard about the answer, this post is for you. Comprehensive eye exams aren't just about updating a prescription — they're one of the few painless, non-invasive ways a doctor can look directly at your blood vessels and nerves, which is why exams routinely catch conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure before other symptoms appear.
Recommended exam schedule by age
Children: a first exam by age 1, again before kindergarten, then every year during school years.
Adults 18–64: every one to two years — annually if you wear glasses or contacts.
Adults 65+: every year, since the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration rises with age.
Diabetics and those with a family history of eye disease: at least annually, regardless of age.
What happens during an exam at Anderson Family Vision
A typical visit at our Bozeman office takes about 30 minutes. We review your history, measure your vision and prescription, check eye pressure and how your eyes work together, and examine the health of your eyes inside and out. With digital retinal imaging, your doctor can photograph the back of your eye in seconds — no dilation needed for most patients, so you can drive straight back to work.
Don't wait for blurry vision
Many serious eye diseases, including glaucoma, have no early symptoms at all. By the time you notice a change, vision loss may already be permanent. An annual exam is cheap insurance for the one pair of eyes you get.
Due (or overdue) for an exam? Call Anderson Family Vision at (406) 587-8333 — same-week appointments are often available.
