Your eyes are critical to your daily life, and taking care of them should always be a priority. Clear vision supports everything you do, from reading a book to working on your computer and simply enjoying the beauty of nature. While regular eye exams are essential for keeping your prescription up to date, they go far beyond just getting a new pair of glasses.
We recommend getting your eyes checked at least once every year to help your vision remain clear and healthy. This allows you to upgrade your glasses while also managing any potential eye health concerns promptly.
What to Expect at Your Eye Exam
An eye exam is about so much more than just checking if you need glasses or updating your prescription. It’s a chance to look after your eye health and your overall well-being. During your visit, your optometrist will chat with you about your medical history, any changes in your vision, or any concerns you might have. This helps us focus on what matters most to you, and all typically under an hour!
You’ll go through a series of tests to check things like how sharp your vision is, how well your eyes move and work together, and even what’s going on inside your eyes. They’ll also check your eye pressure to screen for issues like glaucoma. These tests can catch potential problems early—even ones you might not notice yet.
While getting new glasses is a huge part of many eye exams, they aren’t just for people who wear glasses or contacts. They can spot serious issues like cataracts, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy that might not affect your vision right away but could down the line. Regular eye checkups are an easy way to stay on top of your eye health and take care of yourself overall.
How Often Should You Upgrade Your Glasses?
When you wear glasses daily, they’re more than just a vision aid. They’re integral to how you live and work. Naturally, your eyewear will undergo wear and tear over time, and your vision needs may change, too.
To keep your glasses effective:
- Schedule an annual eye exam with your optometrist. This is your opportunity to monitor any subtle changes in your vision and ensure your glasses meet your current needs.
- Pay attention to how you’re seeing with your current pair. If your vision becomes blurry or strained, it’s time for a new prescription.
- Stay proactive about adjusting your eyewear instead of waiting until discomfort or poor vision interrupts your day.
Why Do Glasses Prescriptions Expire?
Glasses prescriptions aren’t meant to last forever. Over time, your eyes can and will change due to natural development, aging, or evolving medical conditions. For some people, this means updating their prescription every year, while others may only see changes every few years.
Once your prescription becomes outdated, you might notice:
- Blurred vision, especially during tasks like reading or driving.
- Eye discomfort or strain after extended use.
- Headaches because you’re overexerting your eyes.
- Difficulty focusing or a subtle “off” feeling in your vision.
If you’ve experienced any of these signs, you don’t have to wait until your next eye exam to let your optometrist know. Schedule an appointment and let us know you’re worried about your vision. It could be as simple as updating your prescription, but we’ll only know for sure by checking.
Signs Your Glasses Are Worn Out
Grabbing your trusted pair of glasses each morning is second nature, but don’t ignore the signs that they’re reaching the end of their life. Glasses, like anything else you use daily, are prone to wear and tear. A quick inspection can reveal if it’s time to replace them.
Look out for:
- Scratches on the lenses that distort your view.
- Loose, bent, or uncomfortable frames.
- Missing or worn-out nose pads.
- Glasses that constantly slip out of place despite adjustments.
- Reduced clarity, even after cleaning the lenses thoroughly.
Compromised glasses can impact your comfort, and replacing them during an eye exam can make a noticeable difference in how you see and feel daily.
Maintaining Your Glasses Between Eye Exams
When you’ve invested in the right pair of glasses, simple habits can extend their life so they remain comfortable and effective for as long as possible.
Keep your favourite glasses in shape (and save yourself money in the long run) with these quick tips:
- Store your glasses in a sturdy case when not in use to avoid accidental damage.
- Clean your lenses regularly using a microfiber cloth and lens-friendly cleaning solution.
- Avoid placing glasses lens-side down to prevent scratches.
- Check for loose screws, and tighten them with a small screwdriver when needed.
- Use both hands when putting on or removing your glasses to maintain proper alignment of the frames.
Small actions like these can make a big difference. They’ll help you get the most out of your glasses while avoiding premature wear.
We Can’t Wait to See You
Don’t underestimate the power of regular eye exams and their impact on your vision. Keeping your eyewear updated and well-maintained can make you feel more comfortable wearing it while helping you see a world in focus. Your vision deserves the best care. Book your next appointment at Dr. Rehana Manji & Associates today and discover how we can help you protect and perfect your eyesight. Our supportive team is dedicated to keeping your view of the world as vibrant as you are!