How Often Should I Get New Prescription Glasses?

Wearing the same pair of glasses year after year might be ok if your prescription doesn’t change.

But even if your prescription remains the same, normal wear and tear on your frame or lenses (or both) can affect the quality of your vision. Additionally, changes in your lifestyle or overall health may require more frequent updates to your prescription.

So, how often should you update prescription glasses? In general, you should aim to update them every couple of years on average depending on various factors. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at these factors so you can determine what’s appropriate for you.

By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of when to update your prescription glasses and how to keep your eyes healthy and vision clear.

(This page contains affiliate links. OGR may receive compensation if you click a link and make a purchase.)

Get Regular Eye Exams

Naturally, the best way to determine if you need new glasses is to schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist.

During these exams, your optometrist will check your vision and evaluate the health of your eyes. They can also update your prescription if necessary, which may indicate that it’s time to invest in a new pair of glasses.

As a general guideline, most optometrists recommend that healthy adults have their eyes checked at least once every two years, or more frequently if they have certain medical conditions or risk factors.

Take a Virtual Vision Test

Do Children Need To Change Glasses More Often?

Children’s eyes can change rapidly as they grow and develop, which means they may need to replace their glasses more frequently than adults.

It’s generally recommended that children have their eyes checked every year, especially if they wear glasses.

If your child complains of headaches, eye strain, or blurry vision, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam to ensure their glasses are still working effectively.

What Happens If You Wear Old Prescription Glasses?

Signs That You Should Get New Glasses

Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell if you need new glasses, especially if your prescription hasn’t changed dramatically.

However, there are a few signs to watch out for that may indicate it’s time to invest in a new pair of glasses. Here are some common indicators:

Noticeable Vision Changes or Eye Strain

If you’re experiencing vision changes, such as double vision or difficulty reading small print, it’s definitely time to schedule an eye exam to check your vision and eye health.

Your eyes may be working harder to compensate for an out-of-date prescription, which can cause discomfort and fatigue.

Additionally, if you find that you’re squinting or straining to see clearly, it’s highly likely that your current glasses are no longer the proper prescription for you.

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision can be a sign that your prescription needs to be updated. If you notice that objects (usually in the distance) look fuzzy or out of focus, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam to determine if you need new glasses.

Tired Eyes

If your eyes feel tired or fatigued after reading or working on the computer, it’s likely that your lenses aren’t working effectively for you anymore.

Eye strain can also cause headaches or neck pain if you’re craning your neck or tilting your head to see better. 

You Feel More Comfortable With Your Glasses OFF than ON

If you find yourself taking your glasses off frequently to rest your eyes, or feel relief after taking them off, it’s a good bet that your prescription needs to be updated.

When your prescription is working effectively, you should feel comfortable and be able to see clearly while wearing your glasses.

Warped, Damaged or Scratched Glasses

Lastly, lenses that are damaged or scratched can affect your vision and cause discomfort.

Lens treatments such as anti-glare or anti-scratch may wear off over time, making seeing through your lenses worse.

Warped or bent frames can also cause your glasses to sit improperly on your face, which can affect how well you see.

If your glasses are damaged or showing signs of wear and tear, it’s a good idea to get a new pair.

What If My Prescription Remains The Same?

If your prescription remains the same after an eye exam, you’re probably thinking “Great! I don’t need to get a new pair of glasses.”

And yes, while you don’t necessarily need to update your glasses if your prescription hasn’t changed, your current pair of glasses may not be correcting your vision as well as it should be.

Your frame might be bent out of shape, screws might be loose, and lenses dinged with micro scratches.

While each individual defect may be small, together they can contribute to worsening vision over time.

Additionally, updating your look may play a role in your decision to get new glasses.

While it’s not strictly necessary to update your glasses just for this, many people enjoy getting new glasses if they’ve gotten a new hairstyle or even a new job.

Will Vision Insurance Cover New Glasses Every Year?

Most vision insurance plans cover the cost of a new pair of glasses or contacts every one to two years. However, the exact frequency of coverage can vary depending on your plan and your individual needs.

Some plans may cover new glasses more frequently for children, for example, while others may offer more frequent coverage for people with specific vision needs or conditions.

How to Care for Your Glasses to Prolong Their Lifespan

Proper care can help prolong the lifespan of your glasses so you can get the most wear out of them. Here are some tips to keep your glasses in tip top shape:

Clean Your Glasses Regularly

Regularly cleaning your glasses can help remove dirt, smudges, and other debris that can build up over time.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth and a gentle cleaning solution to clean your glasses.

Avoid using abrasive materials that can scratch your lenses, and never use paper towels or tissues, as these can leave behind lint and debris.

Store Your Glasses Properly

When you’re not wearing your glasses, store them properly to prevent damage. Use a hard-shell case to protect your glasses from scratches and other damage.

Avoid leaving your glasses lying face down or tossing them into a purse or bag without protection.

Handle Your Glasses Carefully

Handling your glasses carefully can also help prolong their lifespan. Use both hands to put on and take off your glasses, and avoid bending or twisting the frames.

When cleaning your glasses, be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure to the lenses or frames.

Avoid Exposure to Extreme Temperatures

Exposing your glasses to extreme temperatures can cause damage to the frames or lenses. Avoid leaving your glasses in hot cars or exposing them to extreme cold.

If you need to leave your glasses in your car, store them in a hard-shell case and away from direct sunlight.

How Much It Costs To Replace Rx Lenses