Your eyeglass prescription is key to maintaining clear vision and overall eye health. But how often should you update it? Whether you’ve recently noticed changes in your vision or are simply curious about how frequently updates are needed, understanding the timeline for prescription changes can help you stay on top of your eye care needs.
 

Why Eyeglass Prescriptions Need Updates

Our eyes change over time, and these changes can impact the accuracy of your prescription. Factors such as age, health conditions, and lifestyle habits can contribute to shifts in vision, necessitating a prescription update to ensure optimal clarity and comfort. Even minor inaccuracies in your glasses can lead to:

• Eye strain

• Blurred vision

• Headaches

• Difficulty focusing
   

Recommended Frequency for Prescription Updates

Here’s a general guideline for how often you should check your prescription:

• Adults (Ages 18–64): Most adults should have an eye exam every year, even if they don’t notice significant vision changes. Regular exams help ensure your prescription is accurate and allow your optometrist to monitor for early signs of eye conditions.

• Seniors (Ages 65 and Older): For older adults, annual exams are often recommended. Vision changes can occur more frequently with age due to conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.

• Children and Teens: Kids and teenagers should have their eyes examined annually to accommodate their rapidly changing vision, especially during school years when vision is critical for learning.

• Individuals with Eye or Health Conditions: If you have a condition such as diabetes, astigmatism, or a history of eye surgery, your optometrist may recommend more frequent exams to manage your prescription and monitor overall eye health.
   

Signs It’s Time to Update Your Prescription

While regular eye exams are essential, you should also watch for signs that your prescription might need an update, such as:

• Difficulty reading small print

• Squinting to see clearly

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Feeling your glasses no longer "work"

• Trouble focusing at certain distances
   

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
 

Why Regular Eye Exams Matter

Updating your eyeglass prescription isn’t just about seeing clearly—it’s also about your long-term eye health. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check for signs of eye diseases like glaucoma, which can develop without noticeable symptoms. Catching these conditions early can prevent vision loss and improve treatment outcomes.
 

Stay Ahead of Vision Changes with Optometry Medical Group

Keeping your eyeglass prescription up-to-date is essential for maintaining clear vision and overall eye health. Annual eye exams not only ensure your prescription is accurate but also help detect potential eye conditions early. By staying proactive and scheduling routine check-ups, you can avoid discomfort and preserve your visual clarity for years to come.
 

Don’t wait to update your prescription, schedule your next eye exam with Optometry Medical Group today. Contact our offices in Seattle, Washington by calling (206) 322-6915 for our Rainier office, or (206) 395-2285 for our Madison office.