Eyeglasses from an optometrist are a sound investment, with one pair lasting up to three years on average. However, it is important to update the prescription regularly. Doing so ensures supreme vision correction, as well as alleviates eye strain and other symptoms of an incorrect prescription.
According to recommendations from the American Optometric Association (AOA), patients who use vision correction should visit their optometrist annually for an eye examination. During this exam, the optometrist will perform visual acuity and refraction tests to determine whether they need to update their glasses prescription. If significant changes in vision or the shape of the lens of either eye (such as for patients with astigmatism) are present, new glasses will likely be necessary to preserve vision.
An incorrect prescription is either too strong or too weak. Unfortunately, wearing an incorrect prescription can damage vision and lead to other problems and symptoms. For instance, a too weak prescription causes the eyes to work harder, leading to eye strain and worsening vision. Getting new glasses — or at least a new prescription — can preserve vision, in part by preventing the following symptoms of eye strain:
A prescription that is too strong can damage vision in a similar way. Patients wearing glasses that are too strong typically report experiencing blurred or double vision, headaches, nausea, and poor depth perception. Note that these symptoms could also indicate a too-weak prescription. An optometrist will be able to discern which is the case and create a custom prescription for the patient.
It is important to note that what was once a perfect prescription can become incorrect as the eyes and vision change. Aging is a common cause of such changes. However, eye disease and environmental factors can contribute, as well. In some cases, the right prescription may relax the eyes and help vision improve over time — the patient may find they need to update their prescription to a weaker one.
An optometrist can catch vision changes and update one’s prescription at an annual eye exam. However, patients should also note any changes and symptoms so they can discuss them during the appointment. Sometimes, these changes may call for a slight alteration to the custom prescription. Examples include:
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