How Often Should You Update Your Eye Prescription?

Your eyeglasses or contact lenses may seem like they’re still working perfectly, but they probably aren’t if you’ve had them for a while. In today’s post, Lumen Optometric discusses how often you should have your eye prescription updated.

How Often Should You Update Your Eye Prescription?

People have different eye care needs. Some need to have their eye prescription changed annually, while others won’t need to update theirs every three years. If you’ve been keeping up with routine appointments with your eye doctor, you’d already have an idea of how often you should update your eye prescription.

Some factors affect how often a person should see their eye exam doctor and have their prescription updated. For many people, age and genetics are two such factors: if you have a family member who needs to update their prescription regularly, chances are you’ll be needing the same. Lifestyle is also another factor. For example, if you have a job that requires constantly facing a screen, eye strain can affect your vision over the long term.

Signs That You Need to Update Your Eye Prescription

Regular visits to your eye doctor can help determine how often you should update your prescription. The pandemic has made it difficult for people to see their eye doctor, but if you haven’t had an eye exam even before the quarantines began, then you should see one as soon as possible — even more so if you’re experiencing one or more of the following:

• You’re having frequent headaches. Pain behind or around the eyes is a warning sign that your brain is trying to compensate for the change in your vision. While resting your eyes and taking pain medication can provide temporary relief, updating your eye prescription is a better long-term solution.

• You’re often squinting. Squinting can help focus your vision and bring clarity. However, you shouldn’t have to — not with an updated eye prescription.

• You’re having trouble reading signs from a distance. If your daily routine includes tasks that depend on clear vision such as driving, then an outdated prescription may put you at risk.

Lumen Optometric provides eye care services, including corneal reshaping, to clients in Sierra Madre, CA, and the surrounding communities in Los Angeles County. Give us a call at (626) 921-0199, or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.