How Often Do I Need New Eyeglasses?

In a way, eyeglasses are like shoes — sometimes you want new ones, and sometimes you need new ones. Find out how to tell the difference so you can keep your prescription and your style up to date.

Do you need new glasses, or do you just want them? Either way, we can help.

Dr. Sophia Barnes and our team of eye experts here at Vision Corner in Houston, Texas, can help you determine if and when you need to change your prescription. We can also help you choose stylish frames to go with a new look or select a spare pair to keep on hand in case of an emergency.

We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing new eyeglasses, which is why we go the extra mile to deliver a positive and personalized optometry experience. We’re a small, local, independent practice, which means we value our community and consider our patients as our friends and neighbors.

If you’re wondering about whether it’s time for new glasses, here are some practical tips to help you decide. And when you’re ready, we invite you to check out our expansive collection of top brands at competitive prices.

Signs that you might need new glasses

Generally, your eyeglass prescription should last about a year. That’s why it’s important to see us annually to make sure things haven’t changed.

Of course, your vision may change in between visits and warrant a new prescription. Here are some signs that you should come see us even if your annual appointment is months away.

You’re squinting

If you’ve ever caught yourself squinting to see better, you may be wondering why that works. When you narrow your eyes by squeezing them partially shut, you’re concentrating the amount of light that gets into your eyes. It’s a temporary fix for a bigger problem — you need new glasses.

You’re getting frequent headaches

Vision problems and headaches go hand in hand. Specifically, eye strain makes your head hurt. If you’re wearing glasses that aren’t strong enough to correct your vision, your eyes and brain work extra hard to focus on and process the images.

Headaches are complicated and may stem from some other medical conditions, but if you’re in otherwise good health, it may be time to check your eyeglass prescription.

You have blurry vision

As long as you’re wearing clean, smudge-free glasses, blurry vision may mean you need new glasses. Your eyes continue to change over time, and you can expect to need an updated prescription every once in a while. Double or blurry vision is a good indicator that your two eyes aren’t working well with one another, and a new pair of glasses may be just the ticket.

It’s tough to see things close up or far away

If you find yourself holding a menu at arm’s length or you bring your phone right up to your eyes to read a text, you may need new glasses. These habits are signs that your vision has changed.

Make sure you monitor your child’s behaviors, too. For example, sitting close to the TV may be a clue that they need to get glasses or get newer ones.

You have certain health conditions

Some health conditions can affect your eyesight, which means you may need new glasses more frequently than others. For example, diabetes puts you at risk for diabetic retinopathy, because sustained high blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your eyes.

If you haven’t changed your lens prescription for a few years, and you have diabetes or other health conditions, you may be in need of an updated pair.

Even if you’re perfectly healthy, annual eye exams may be able to detect some health conditions — including some heart problems — before you exhibit symptoms. That’s another good reason to keep your yearly checkups.

Your glasses are damaged

Scuffs and scratches on your lenses compromise their ability to correct your vision. If you can’t see clearly, you may begin compensating by squinting and straining, which can cause eye fatigue and headaches. Get a new pair.

Other reasons to get new glasses

Even if you don’t need new glasses, there are many reasons to get a new pair anyway, such as:

Color-matching your favorite outfits
Activity-specific needs: sports, crafts, computer work
Various functions: bifocals, single focus, multifocal, transitions
Style-shifting: casual, work wear, evening glamor
Sunglasses
Spare pairs for emergencies
A pair everywhere: house, car, office, purse, briefcase, backpack

If you’re due for a new pair of glasses, schedule an eye exam to find out if you need a new prescription or just a fresh frame. And if you need help choosing a frame, here are some tips for making the right choice for your face.

Call our friendly staff today to set up your appointment at Vision Corner, or book your visit online. We’ll see you soon!