How Often Do I Need a New Eyeglass Prescription?

Your prescription is a crucial piece of information that you need to ensure your glasses or contact lenses will adjust your vision correctly. But you may wonder how frequently you need to update your prescription. The answer to this issue depends on your individualized needs.

Symptoms of Vision Changes

It may be time for a new prescription if you are experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision, eyestrain, or headaches. These symptoms can result from various factors, but an outdated prescription is a common cause.

Also, remember that if you are experiencing sudden changes in your vision, such as flashes or floaters, you should seek medical attention immediately. These could be symptoms of a more serious condition.

Age and Eye Health

Age is one of the most significant factors in determining how often you need a new eyeglass prescription. As you get older, your eyes will naturally change. As such, your prescription will need some updating accordingly. Children and teenagers tend to have rapidly changing prescriptions, while adults may need updates every few years.

You may need to have your prescription updated more frequently if you have any underlying eye conditions, such as glaucoma or cataracts. Your optometrist can determine the best schedule for your individual needs.

Contact Lenses

If you wear contact lenses, your prescription may need to be updated more frequently than if you wear glasses. This is due to the fact that contact lenses rest directly on your eye's surface are more susceptible to change than glasses. Fortunately, your eye doctor can advise you on the best schedule for updating your contact lens prescription.

Regular Eye Exams

The best way to ensure your eyeglass prescription is up to date is to schedule regular eye exams. Most eye doctors recommend having an exam every one to two years. If you have any underlying eye conditions or are experiencing symptoms of vision changes, you may need to have them more frequently.

During an eye exam, your eye doctor will perform various tests to determine your prescription and check for any underlying eye conditions. They may also check the health of your eyes and the surrounding structures, such as your eyelids and pupils.

Conclusion

How often you need a new eyeglass prescription can vary with your age, eye health, and symptoms of vision changes. Regular eye exams are the best approach to ensure your prescription is up to date and that your vision is properly corrected.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of vision changes or have any underlying eye conditions, you should consult your eye doctor right away. Your eye doctor may check for common eye problems to determine whether you need additional correction or treatment. So, if you are having difficulty seeing clearly or your vision changes, visit your eye doctor and let them know your symptoms.

For more on how often to get your eyeglass prescription updated, contact Eye Care North at our Cave Creek, Arizona office. Call 480-781-4446 to book an appointment today.