If you wear glasses, you know how essential clear vision is to your daily life. But when was the last time you updated your prescription? Many people wait until their vision becomes noticeably blurry or uncomfortable before considering a change. However, regularly updating your glasses prescription is vital for more than just crisp sight - it’s about protecting your overall eye health, too.

How Vision Changes Over Time

Vision changes are a natural part of life. Children and teenagers often experience changes as their eyes develop. Adults may notice shifts due to screen time, lifestyle habits, or medical conditions. As we age, the likelihood of developing presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close), cataracts, and other eye conditions increases. Regular updates to your glasses prescription ensure you’re always seeing as clearly and comfortably as possible, no matter your stage of life.

A correct prescription does more than help you see better. It reduces eye strain, headaches, and even the risk of accidents caused by poor vision. An outdated prescription can cause you to squint, strain your eyes, and miss out on details that matter.

How Often Should You Update Your Prescription?

The American Optometric Association recommends that adults have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year, even if you don’t notice any changes in your vision. For children, seniors, or anyone with existing eye conditions, more frequent exams may be necessary.

An annual comprehensive eye exam is more than a quick vision screening. At Raleigh Eye Center, our optometrists perform a thorough evaluation of your eyesight and the health of your eyes. These exams can detect early signs of conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration - sometimes long before you notice any symptoms.

Your prescription might change subtly over time, and only a comprehensive exam can catch those changes early. Staying current with your eye exams helps you keep your vision at its best and ensures you’re wearing the right lenses for your needs.

Signs You Might Need an Updated Prescription

While annual exams are recommended, watch for these signs between visits:
 

• Frequent headaches or eye strain

• Blurry vision or double vision

• Difficulty seeing at night or in low light

• Squinting to see clearly

• Holding reading materials closer or farther away

If you notice any of these symptoms, book an appointment right away.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Keeping your glasses prescription up to date is essential for both your vision and your long-term eye health. Annual comprehensive eye exams ensure you’re seeing clearly, help catch potential eye issues early, and keep your quality of life high.
 

Don’t wait until blurry vision or headaches get in the way of your daily life. Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Raleigh Eye Center to update your prescription. Contact our office in Raleigh, Durham, Reidsville, Henderson, North Carolina, or South Hill, Virginia. Call (919) 899-2472, (919) 876-2427 or (252) 492-8021 to book an appointment today.