Having clear vision is essential to our daily lives; for some of us, glasses are the key to achieving it. Regular eye exams can help preserve your eyesight by checking for eye diseases and conditions that don’t always show symptoms.
At McCulley Optix Gallery, our optometrists recommend that you get new glasses and have your eyes examined once every year. If you notice vision changes or eye discomfort between your annual eye exam, you should schedule an appointment with your optometrist.
Signs You May Need New Glasses
Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses, can help correct refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness. Your eyes and vision can change, and because of this, the same glasses prescriptions can become outdated and stop working. Here are several common signs that can indicate you need new glasses to continue seeing clearly and comfortably:
- Blurred vision: If you have difficulty seeing objects clearly or strain your eyes to focus, you might need an updated prescription.
- Headaches: Headaches may be a sign of improperly fitted glasses.
- Eye strain: Eye strain is a common symptom of an outdated prescription.
- Double or distorted vision: Double vision can result from incorrect prescriptions or problems with the muscles that control your eyes.
- Poor night vision: An updated prescription and anti-reflective coating can help reduce glare at night.
- Squinting: You shouldn’t need to squint to see correctly with glasses. It could be a sign you need to update your prescription.
- Halos around lights: Visit your eye doctor if you suddenly start seeing halos to rule out other serious eye problems.
Clear vision is essential for healthy brain development and plays a key role in how they experience and interact with the world around them. Clear vision allows kids to gather visual information and understand their environment, recognize faces, read and write, play sports, and more.
Uncorrected vision problems, like myopia (nearsightedness), can lead to issues with learning and delayed developmental milestones. Myopia is easily corrected with glasses, but children’s eyes grow so quickly that they may need more frequent prescription changes.
Myopia gets progressively worse as your child grows, but myopia management can help slow its progression so children won’t have as many vision changes or need as many prescription changes as they get older.
When Should I Get New Glasses?
Our optometrists recommend you have an eye exam every year, and update your glasses accordingly. If you experience frequent vision changes or have a higher risk of rapid eye changes, you may require more frequent updates to your glasses prescription.
Style
No rule says you can only have one pair of glasses! Whether you want a different pair of glasses to wear to the office, or you want a pair of prescription sunglasses for summertime, new frames are a great way to expand your wardrobe.
Damaged Glasses
You may need new glasses if your current ones are damaged or have significant wear and tear. Scratched lenses or bent frames can impair your vision and make seeing difficult. Broken frames can be a safety hazard if not repaired or replaced.
If you notice any lens damage, take your glasses to your optician for an assessment. They can repair them or recommend new glasses.
Using a Computer for Extended Periods
You may need new glasses when you change jobs and work in front of a computer for most of the day. Prolonged exposure to computer screens can cause digital eye strain, which is a condition that can affect your eyes.
Symptoms of digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome can include:
- Dry eyes
- Headaches
- Eye strain
- Blurry vision
One way to reduce the impacts of digital eye strain is by using blue-light-blocking glasses.
Factors That Influence the Lifespan of Glasses
The lifespan of glasses depends on several factors, including the quality of the frames and lenses, wear and tear, prescription age, how well you take care of them, and how often you wear them.
Quality of Frames & Lenses
The quality of your frames can determine how long your glasses last and if you need a new pair. High-quality frames are more durable and won’t break or scratch as easily. It’s worth investing in high-quality frames from your trusted optician to make them last as long as possible.
Quality lenses, made with the latest technology, offer thin and light lenses customized to your measurements and can work with almost any frame to provide comfort, clarity, anti-glare, and anti-scratch coating.
Care of Glasses
How well you take care of your glasses can also influence their lifespan. Your optician can provide information on how to care for your frames and lenses. To help your glasses last, store them in a protective case when you’re not wearing them. Also, remember to use a microfiber cloth and an approved cleaning solution to keep your lenses clean and scratch-free.
Frequency of Use
How often you wear your glasses can also impact their lifespan. If you wear them daily, they may wear out faster than if you only wear them occasionally. And if you participate in sports activities, your glasses are at risk of sustaining some damage.
Eye Exams in West Fargo to Protect Your Vision
McCulley Optix Gallery always recommends annual eye exams, and a new pair of glasses each year. If it’s been a while since you’ve gotten a new pair of frames, contact us to book an appointment in West Fargo. Our experienced optometrists will evaluate your needs and our amazing optical team can help you pick out the perfect pair of glasses!
