Glasses not only help correct vision but also protect your eyes from strain and discomfort, while enhancing your sense of style. However, many people wonder: how often should you get new glasses? While there’s no fixed answer, the frequency depends on several factors, including changes in vision, the condition of the lenses and frames, and others.

Why Do You Need to Get New Glasses?

There are 2 most common reason: changes in vision and damage to the glasses.

1. Changes in Vision

Changes in your prescription are one of the most important reasons to replace your glasses. Over time, due to factors such as age, eye fatigue, or underlying health conditions, your vision can naturally fluctuate. It’s important to note that blurred vision caused by eye fatigue might be temporary and can be alleviated with rest or eye drops. However, as you age, your eyes undergo changes that may require new glasses.

Many people may develop presbyopia around age 40, where the lens of the eye becomes less flexible and has difficulty focusing on near objects. If you previously wore mainly myopic lenses, you may need to replace them with bifocals, progressive lenses or specialised reading glasses.  If you didn’t wear glasses before, you may need a pair of reading glasses now. It’s important to note that children and teenagers’ eyes are still developing, so they may need to replace their glasses more often than adults. Parents should take their children for regular eye examinations to ensure that their glasses are up to date with their vision needs.

As the age, conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration also become more common. Cataracts can cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy, leading to blurred or dim vision. If you have cataracts, you may need a stronger prescription or special lenses to reduce glare. With these eye conditions, it becomes necessary to have regular eye exams, usually 1 to 2 years, to measure and determine the specific cause of the change in vision or to update your prescription.

The side effects of wearing the wrong prescription eyeglasses can extend from minor discomfort to more serious health problems that affect your daily life and overall health. When you notice any of the following signs, it may be a reminder that you need to replace your glasses:

• Frequent headaches
• Squinting to see clearly
• Blurred vision or trouble focusing
• Eye fatigue, especially when using digital devices or reading
• Difficulty seeing at night

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment for an eye exam as soon as possible. Even if you don’t notice any obvious vision changes, your eye doctor might detect slight adjustments in your prescription that could significantly improve your comfort and vision.

2. Damage to Your Glasses

In addition to changes in your vision prescription, the physical condition of your glasses is an important factor in determining whether you need to get new glasses.

• Lenses Damage: Scratches, cracks, and general wear can all affect your vision. Even small scratches can scatter light, making it uncomfortable to drive at night or work in bright environments. Additionally, anti-reflective coatings may wear out over time, reducing the effectiveness of your lenses.
• Scratches: Over time, lenses may become scratched, affecting visual clarity. Improper cleaning methods or accidental drops can damage your lenses.
• Wear and Tear of Coatings: If your lenses have anti-scratch, anti-reflective, anti-glare or blue light filtering coatings, these coatings can wear down over time. Once the coating deteriorates, the lenses are much less effective and may result in insufficient protection for your eyes.
• Condition of Frames: Frames can become misaligned, bent, or broken, leading to discomfort while wearing them. Loose frames may constantly slide down your nose, while tight frames can cause headaches. In addition, frame styles can become outdated, leading many to opt for new glasses to match current fashion trends.

If the frames are beyond repair or no longer match your style or comfort level, it’s time to consider getting a new pair of glasses. Even high-quality frames typically last only 1-3 years, depending on how often they are used and how well they are cared for.

Other Reasons

In addition to vision changes and damage, other factors may lead you to replace your glasses, such as changes in your lifestyle or work habits, or simply wanting a fresh look. A new pair of glasses can protect your eyes more effectively or help you stay on-trend, giving you a fresh new appearance.

How Often Should You Get New Glasses?

So, how often should you get new glasses? While there’s no set timeline, here are some general recommendations:

1. Every 1-2 years: If you notice changes in your vision, damage to your lenses, or discomfort, replacing your glasses every 1-2 years is a good idea. Regular eye exams will help you stay updated on whether your prescription needs adjusting.
2. When your frames are damaged: If your frames are broken, bent, or uncomfortable, it’s best to replace them as soon as possible. New lenses can also greatly improve visual clarity if your current ones are scratched or the coating has worn off.
3. For children: Children’s eyes develop quickly, so they may need to get new glasses every 6 months to 1 year to keep up with prescription changes.
4. Lifestyle changes: If your work environment, hobbies, or screen time has changed, you may need to update your glasses to include blue light protection or switch to photochromic lenses.

Conclusion

Replacing your glasses isn’t just about switching out old frames and lenses. It’s about ensuring your prescription matches your current vision needs, your lenses are in good condition, and your glasses suit your lifestyle and personal style. Regular eye exams, proper maintenance of your lenses and frames, and staying aware of your changing needs are all key factors in determining when to get new glasses. By taking an active approach to eye care, you can ensure that your glasses always provide you with the best vision and comfort.