Whether it’s for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, glasses play a vital role in ensuring clear and comfortable vision for everyday activities. However, the mistake many people make is sticking with the same prescription for years on end.
Research by the Association of Optometrists (AOP) suggests that up to 36% of people across all ages are wearing out-of-date prescriptions, with a third of people deliberately avoiding buying prescription glasses due to the cost of living crisis. Chief executive Adam Sampson stresses that decent vision is not an optional ‘extra’ and it’s “imperative that action is taken now to minimise the long-term damage to people’s eyesight.” Below, we take a closer look at four compelling reasons why it’s necessary to update your glasses prescription regularly.
Maintenance of clear vision
Some people’s eye prescriptions change yearly, whereas it can take more than two or three years to change for others. Nevertheless, your eyesight can change gradually over time without you even realising it, so regular eye check-ups ensure that you continue to enjoy sharp and clear vision. Updated glasses can significantly improve your daily life, whether you’re driving, working, or engaging in leisure activities.
If you’re experiencing symptoms like blurred vision, eye strain, and headaches, it might be a sign that your prescription is no longer accurate. This could also indicate ametropia, or refractive errors, that tend to result in migraines if left uncorrected.
Detection of underlying eye health issues
Optometrists do more than just determine your prescription strength. They also assess various eye health conditions. Regular eye exams can lead to the early detection of issues such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
Some of these conditions may not exhibit immediate symptoms, but regular check-ups help spot them early, enabling more effective treatment and management. For glaucoma, for instance, the NHS recommends undergoing an eye test at least every two years. By updating your glasses prescription, you get to have your eyes professionally and routinely checked before the development of any severe conditions.
Convenience of online services
Individuals used to have to drive down to the optometrist to have to update their glasses prescription. With the internet, however, this process is more convenient than ever. On Glasses Direct, customers with a preexisting prescription can effortlessly upload this to the website. The qualified in-house opticians will verify the prescription for accuracy, making it easy to confidently order your new glasses. You can then select from their catalogue of frames, from Arden’s Ivy to Ray-Ban’s RB5154-49, and have this shipped to your home directly with the prescription lenses intact.
Most online retailers also allow you to schedule an eye test in advance. This saves you the hassle of having to line up upon arrival at the optometrist so that you can receive your new prescription in a quick and hassle-free manner.
New technological advancements
New lens technologies, coatings, and materials have made wearing glasses more comfortable and beneficial than ever before. Regularly updating your glasses prescription allows you to take advantage of these innovations, ensuring that you receive the best possible vision correction and eye protection.
For instance, anti-reflective coatings reduce glare, which can be especially beneficial when using digital devices. Meanwhile, blue light filters can mitigate digital eye strain. Of course, blue light filters and other innovations will not replace healthy screen habits, such as taking a break and dimming a device’s brightness. A mindful collaboration between the two can provide the best care for your eyes so that you require less frequent prescription updates.
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