If you’ve been holding onto the same pair of glasses or contacts for years, it may be time for an update. Your vision can change over time, and an optometrist can help make sure your prescription keeps up with your lifestyle and eye health needs. From reducing eye strain to improving clarity and comfort, here are four key reasons to visit your optometrist and get new glasses or contacts:
Your Vision Has Changed
Vision changes occur naturally as you age, but they also happen due to various health conditions or lifestyle factors. Blurry vision is an obvious sign that your prescription needs updating. You might notice difficulty reading text at your usual distance or trouble seeing objects clearly across the room.
Eye strain develops when your eyes work harder to focus with an outdated prescription. This strain often leads to headaches, especially after reading, using a computer, or doing close work. Squinting becomes more frequent as your eyes attempt to compensate for changes in your vision.
Night vision problems also indicate the need for prescription changes. You might struggle to see clearly while driving at night or have difficulty adjusting to different lighting conditions. These changes require evaluation by an optometrist to determine if new glasses or contacts are needed.
Your Lenses Are Damaged or Outdated
Physical damage to your glasses or contacts affects their effectiveness and your eye health. Scratched lenses scatter light, reducing visual clarity and making it harder to see clearly. Deep scratches interfere with your vision and create glare problems.
Bent or broken frames may cause glasses to sit improperly on your face. This misalignment alters how the lenses correct your vision, creating uncomfortable pressure points. Contact lenses also become less effective over time, even when properly cared for.
Outdated lens technology limits your visual experience. Newer lens materials often offer better clarity, lighter weight, and improved scratch resistance. Anti-reflective coatings and blue light filters provide more benefits over older lenses.
Your Lifestyle Needs Have Shifted
Changes in your daily activities often require different types of eyewear. Starting a new job that involves extensive computer work might necessitate glasses with blue light filtering or computer-specific prescriptions. Active lifestyles may require sports glasses or durable contact lenses.
Presbyopia makes it difficult to focus on close objects. This condition requires bifocals, progressive lenses, or multifocal contacts to address both distance and near vision needs. Your optometrist will determine the best option for your specific requirements.
Fashion preferences and comfort needs also influence eyewear updates. Newer frame styles might better suit your face shape or personal style. Advances in contact lens materials offer greater comfort for extended wear, particularly beneficial for individuals with sensitive eyes or dry eye conditions.
Your Eye Health Has Changed
Regular eye exams can reveal changes in your eye health that may require prescription updates or adjustments to your eyewear. Conditions like astigmatism, glaucoma, or cataracts affect how your eyes focus light and may require specialized lenses or treatments.
Systemic health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure also impact your vision. These conditions require frequent monitoring and potential prescription changes. Your optometrist works with your other healthcare providers to address these interconnected health issues.
Contact Your Local Optometrist Today
Getting new glasses or contacts when needed helps protect your vision and maintain your well-being. Regular eye exams help detect changes early, preventing serious complications from developing. Your eye doctor provides personalized recommendations based on your specific vision needs and lifestyle requirements. Schedule an appointment with your local optometrist to evaluate your current eyewear and discuss any changes in your vision you’ve noticed.
Leave a Reply