Like everything else in this world, your glasses won't last forever. If you're wearing older or worn-out glasses, you might be causing yourself unnecessary trouble with your vision. Getting new glasses keeps your look up to date and your vision properly corrected and in good shape.
Factors influencing glasses replacement
Why would you get new glasses? Here are three of the biggest reasons to at least consider some new lenses and/or frames.
Changes in perception
The point of glasses is to correct your vision, so if it's not correct anymore, that's a pretty strong sign it's time to upgrade. If you started wearing glasses to correct a vision problem like nearsightedness, but you've recently started noticing the problem is there even when you're wearing them, the condition might be progressing.
Evolving eye health
Speaking of changes, your eyes can naturally just change over time, independent of any existing vision problems you have. You could, for instance, wear glasses for astigmatism, but after a few years, you start to lose focus in the center of your field of vision. That could be macular degeneration and is more common in older people. You might need an adjustment to your prescription to handle this new issue (macular degeneration, not age. Glasses can't fix that.).
Lifestyle changes
You might need new glasses even if your old ones are still working fine. A change to your lifestyle, like taking a job outdoors, becoming a world-famous windsurfer, or taking up welding as a hobby all make it hard to stay with your old glasses. Consider switching whenever external conditions call for a change.
Signs your glasses need replacing
You don't have to guess when you need new glasses; your eyes will tell you. Well, not literally, but they'll toss off signs that are hard to ignore. Here are some of the most obvious signs it may be time to get to your eye care professional for an eye exam.
Frequent squinting or eye strain
You're supposed to see well through your glasses. If you're squinting and straining, or you have to do that old guy thing of moving a printed page back and forth to see it clearly, your glasses aren't getting the job done.
Blurred or distorted vision
Again, glasses are supposed to make you see well. Blurring vision despite your glasses or contacts shouldn't be happening. A quick adjustment could totally fix the problem for you.
Visible wear and tear
Assuming you can see without your glasses well enough to spot scratches and other damage, you should periodically look your glasses over for visible (again, assuming you can see them) signs of wear and deterioration. If your eyes aren't up to looking over your glasses without your glasses, you can take advantage of money-saving coupons to get a second pair while you decide whether to replace your first.
Recommended timeframe for new glasses
You should get new glasses when you need them, which your eye care professional can help you decide. As a rule, your prescription will be good for 1 year, but that's a matter of state law, not the laws of physics. If nothing has changed and you're still happy with your glasses, no need for a switch. You should, however, seriously think about an upgrade if your prescription has changed even a little bit. This keeps you seeing well and helps slow further degeneration that could be caused by looking through the wrong lenses all day.
Consulting an eye professional
If your vision is normal and doesn't need correction, you should check in with an eye care professional every 1-2 years to get the good news that things are still going well. If you have diabetes, are a lady or gentleman of a dignified age, or have a condition that can affect eyesight, plan for annual checks to stay on top of everything. Once a year is also a good baseline if you have myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, macular degeneration, or any other vision condition. These can easily get worse without you consciously noticing it because your eyes will automatically strain to see through the worsening vision. A proper eye exam can identify these issues.
Schedule an eye exam outside your regular schedule if you notice any signs or symptoms of declining vision. Even if you just got an eye exam last month, a loss of clarity or noticeable decline in vision quality is a warning sign that you need to at least rule out a vision problem as part of your treatment. Don't hesitate to contact your eye care team for an exam if you notice:
Blurred vision
Tunnel vision
Loss of color perception
Squinting a lot more than you used to
Otherwise unexplained headaches
Double vision
Long delays in your eyes adjusting to light
Some of these can be signs of other medical issues. At the very least, a quick eye exam should rule in or out problems located in your eyes. You can also mention these symptoms to your regular health care provider, who might just recommend an eye exam anyway.
How often should you get new glasses?
Keeping your prescription for glasses and contacts up to date is part of good ocular health. Like flossing, but for your eyes. Okay, forget that imagery; we're sorry we said that. Anyway, did you know you can find an eye care professional in your area through 1-800 Contacts? It's true! Also, try ordering your contacts online from us, where you're covered by our Gajillion percent promise.
FAQs
Can I update my glasses without changing my prescription?
You totally can, and there's no limit to how often you do it. Basically, you can get new glasses or contacts with your old prescription whenever you want for as long as that prescription is working for you. You really only need a new eye exam when it's time to get it done or when you think you might need your prescription altered.
Should I wait for visible signs of wear before replacing glasses?
You can replace your old glasses whenever you like, even if they're still in mint condition. Sir Elton Hercules John has replaced his glasses on average once every 18 hours for the last 45 years, and he's a world-famous musician. Your own schedule might be different, but basically, you're free to wear what you like on your face. (Offer not valid in North Korea)
How can lifestyle changes affect my need for new glasses?
Your glasses do more than just help you see; they also go entire days without shattering into pieces. If you're doing something new that risks breaking or losing them, like watersports, Olympic sprinting, normal sprinting, or the liberation of modern dance, a new set of more robust glasses may be in order.
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