How often do children need eye exams and replacement glasses?

Glasses need to be replaced if they are poorly fitting or markedly scratched, not really on the basis of the calendar. Similarly, older children and teenagers who wear glasses do not necessarily need examinations linked to the calendar.

Periodic examinations for a change in the prescription are required whenever there are symptoms of reduced vision or when a patient has had visual acuity measured and determined to be abnormal. For teenagers who wear glasses, the prescription does often change until they are about 20 years of age. Therefore, it is best to have the vision measured at least every 18 months, and if there is a decrease, undergo a complete eye examination.