Eyeglasses can be a wonderful way to maintain clear, sharp vision. However, your vision is likely going to change throughout your life, and you’ll need to book an eye exam to make sure your prescription is up to date. So what are the signs that it’s time for a new pair of glasses?
6 signs that it’s time for new glasses include:
- Blurry vision
- Double vision
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Poor night vision
- Damaged glasses or frames
Why Are Eye Exams So Important?
Eye exams are about more than just checking your vision or reading a chart on the wall. They provide your optometrist with the opportunity to monitor your overall eye health, check for potential issues, and update your prescription so you can keep your vision sharp and clear.
Throughout a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist will be looking for:
- Changes in your glasses or contact lens prescription
- Signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration
- Other health issues that could affect your eyes, such as diabetes and high blood pressure
This way, they can intervene before symptoms become a significant problem.
How Often Should You Schedule an Eye Exam?
So how often should you schedule an eye exam? This depends greatly on your age, personal health, and whether or not you’re experiencing any irregularities in your vision.
If you’re experiencing anything unusual, you should visit your optometrist as soon as you can. They’ll be able to determine if this is a temporary symptom or possibly an indication of something more concerning.
If you’re not experiencing any changes, then try to follow these guidelines:
- For children under the age of 18, at least 1 exam per year
- For adults between the ages of 18-60, at least 1 exam every 2 years
- For adults over the age of 60, at least 1 exam per year
- For people living with diabetes, at least 1 exam per year, or per your optometrist’s recommendations
Following this rough calendar can be an excellent way to stay on top of your eye health., all while making sure your glasses are up-to-date!
What to Expect from an Eye Exam
During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist is going to work through a series of different tests and observations, all designed to evaluate your vision, eye health, and more. These tests can include:
- Visual acuity test to measure how clearly you can see
- Refraction test to determine your glasses prescription
- Eye muscle test to check how well your eyes work together
- Glaucoma test to measure the pressure inside your eye
- Pupil dilation to examine the back of your eye
This isn’t just about checking whether or not your prescription has changed. It’s about examining the physical structure of your eye and how it operates to determine whether or not you’re at risk of certain problems.
If you’re experiencing anything unusual, your optometrist is going to be looking for the cause of your problems; this way, they can design a proper treatment plan to help you preserve your eye health and vision. Then, at the end of the exam, they’ll be able to provide you with an up-to-date prescription so you can keep your vision clear with a new pair of eyeglasses.
6 Signs It’s Time to Schedule an Eye Exam
Throughout your life, your eyes are going to undergo plenty of different changes. This is perfectly natural! However, there are some key signs that it’s time for your next eye exam—and a new pair of eyeglasses:
- Blurry vision. This is a sign that your eyes are struggling to focus and could be a result of an outdated prescription or underlying eye condition.
- Double vision. Seeing two images instead of one isn’t normal and should be addressed by an optometrist immediately.
- Eye strain. If you find yourself squinting, experiencing headaches, or feeling fatigued after prolonged periods of reading or using screens, it could be a sign that your glasses prescription needs to be updated.
- Headaches. Frequent headaches can be a sign of eye strain or an incorrect prescription.
- Poor night vision. Difficulty seeing in low light, glare, or halos around lights could indicate a need for new glasses.
- Damaged glasses or frames. If your glasses are scratched, bent, or broken, it’s time to schedule an exam and get a new pair! Not only do damaged glasses affect your vision, but they can also be a safety hazard.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s crucial to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. Your vision and overall eye health are a crucial part of your quality of life, and they should always be prioritized!
Book Your Next Eye Exam
If you’re experiencing anything unusual with your vision, or any changes in your eyes, it’s time to reach out to your optometrist. So come talk to our team at McCauley Celin Eyecare Associates! We can examine your eyes, diagnose the cause of your problem, and get you your new prescription. Bring your vision back into focus; book an appointment with our team today.
