You probably know it’s important to keep your family’s vision clear with regular comprehensive eye exams. However, it’s not always clear when it’s time to get new glasses. After all, life gets busy, and it’s easy to push an eye appointment to the back burner. But prioritizing annual eye exams is key to long-term health. Preventative care is the best care.
Most eyeglass prescriptions are valid for one year, but your family’s needs depend on several factors. Your age, lifestyle, and even subtle changes in your vision play a role in how often you should update your eyewear. A regular check-in with your optometrist is the best way to keep your vision sharp and your eyes comfortable.
Key Signs It’s Time for an Update
Your body often tells you when your prescription is no longer a perfect fit. If you or a family member notice any of these changes, it might be time to schedule a visit with your optometrist. Paying attention to these signals can help you stay ahead of digital eye strain and discomfort.
Noticeable Vision Changes
You may start to realize that things just don’t look as sharp as they used to. Even small shifts can make a big difference in your daily life. Keep an eye out for these common signs.
- You experience blurry or fuzzy vision
- You find yourself squinting to see clearly
- You have trouble with glare, especially at night
- Your eyes feel tired or strained after simple tasks
Physical Discomfort
Sometimes, the clues that you need new glasses aren’t about your vision at all. An outdated prescription can cause physical symptoms you might not connect to your eyes. Discomfort is a clear sign that something needs to be adjusted. Here are some signs that your glasses might need updating:
- You get frequent headaches or dizziness
- You feel a sense of relief when you take your glasses off
- You notice you’re holding books or your phone farther away to read
The Professional Guideline for Eye Exams & Prescriptions
Regular eye exams are about more than just a new prescription—they’re a key part of your family’s health routine. An eye exam checks the overall health of your eyes, not just how well you see, so these visits can help detect underlying conditions early on.
How Long Is a Glasses Prescription Good For?
Most glasses prescriptions are valid for one year. This expiration date exists because vision can change gradually over time. An updated exam makes sure your lenses provide the clearest and most comfortable vision correction.
Why Regular Checkups Matter
You may not notice small shifts in your vision because your brain works hard to adjust. A comprehensive eye exam can detect these changes before they cause discomfort. Scheduling routine appointments, which typically take 30-60 minutes, helps keep your entire family’s vision on track. Seeing 20/20 is great, but remember it’s even more important to have the health of your eyes checked every year. There are many sight-threatening conditions that have no symptoms.
How Age & Lifestyle Affect Your Needs
How often you need new glasses changes throughout your life. Your family’s daily activities and age play a large role in your eyewear needs. What works for you may not be the right fit for your child or teen.
Eyewear for Children & Teens
A child’s eyes grow and change quickly. Because of this, kids and teens often need prescription updates more frequently than adults—sometimes every year. Regular exams are important to support children’s vision for school and play, as well as to help manage myopia progression.
Glasses for Adults
In your 20s and 30s, your vision might stabilize, with fewer prescription changes. However, your lifestyle—like long hours on a computer—could mean you benefit from lenses to reduce eye fatigue.
Vision Needs After 40
After age 40, it’s common to experience changes in near vision, and most people begin to develop presbyopia. This often leads to needing multifocal lenses or a separate pair of glasses for reading. Your prescription may change more often during this time.
When to Replace Frames & Lenses
Sometimes, you need new glasses even if your prescription hasn’t changed. The physical condition of your glasses is just as important as the prescription. Damaged eyewear can be just as problematic as outdated eyewear.
Scratched Lenses & Peeling Coatings
Even small scratches can distort your vision and cause eye strain. If you notice scratches or that the protective coatings on your lenses are peeling, it’s time for a replacement. This also applies to sunglasses, as worn-out UV coatings may not offer proper protection.
Damaged or Poorly Fit Frames
Frames can become bent, loose, or uncomfortable over time. A pair of glasses that constantly slides down your nose or feels crooked isn’t just annoying—it can also affect how well you see through your lenses. One of the many benefits of buying glasses from your optometrist is ensuring a perfect fit.
An Updated Style
Wanting a new look is a great reason to get new glasses. Your eyewear is an accessory you wear every day, so it’s perfectly fine to choose a new pair that better fits your personal style. Our optical boutique offers a variety of handcrafted frames to match your look.
The Importance of a Current Prescription
Wearing an outdated prescription can make your eyes work harder than they need to. This can lead to unnecessary eye strain and discomfort that affects your daily life. An up-to-date prescription helps your eyes work efficiently and comfortably.
If it’s been over a year since your last visit, or if you recognize any of the signs we’ve discussed, it may be time to see your optometrist. A simple checkup can determine if a new prescription or new frames could make a world of difference. Your comfort and clarity are always worth the visit.
At Eyes on Westlake, we’re passionate about providing a warm and friendly eye care experience you can trust. Dr. McPherson and our team are here to answer all your questions and help you find the perfect eyewear for your whole family. Book your appointment with Westlake Optometry today and see the difference for yourself.
