The frequency of getting new glasses depends on two factors: medical necessity (changes in vision correction determined by a doctor) and practical wear (the physical condition of the lenses and frames). Therefore, the replacement cycle is a personal calculation based on your eye health, age, lifestyle, and the physical state of the visual aid.
Standard Eye Exam Schedule
The official medical recommendation for a new prescription is directly tied to the schedule of a comprehensive eye examination. For most healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 64 who have stable vision, this comprehensive check-up is generally advised every one to two years. This exam involves a detailed assessment of your entire eye health, looking for early signs of disease in addition to determining refractive error.
The goal of this regular schedule is to catch subtle prescription changes or detect conditions like glaucoma or cataracts before they cause significant vision loss. Even if your eyes do not warrant a new prescription, the exam confirms the current correction is accurate for optimal vision. Many vision insurance plans align replacement coverage to this one- to two-year cycle.
Physical Deterioration of Lenses and Frames
Replacement is often necessary due to physical failure, even if the prescription remains stable. Lenses can suffer from deep scratches, particularly in the central visual field, which scatter light and introduce distortion regardless of the corrective power. This damage compromises clarity, causing eye strain as the brain attempts to compensate.
Frame deterioration can also necessitate replacement. Warped frames can shift the optical centers of the lenses away from your pupils, leading to a prism effect that causes visual discomfort and strain. Anti-reflective coatings can peel or craze over time, making lenses appear cloudy and reducing light transmission. Loose or broken hardware, such as hinge screws or nose pads, leads to an improper fit, affecting alignment and comfort.
Subjective Signs of Prescription Change
Subjective symptoms indicate your current glasses are inadequate and should prompt an earlier appointment with your eye doctor. Frequent headaches or increased eye fatigue, especially after reading or computer work, suggest the eyes are overworking. This strain is the brain’s attempt to force clarity through an outdated prescription.
Increased difficulty with night vision, manifesting as glare or halos around lights when driving, is another common sign. Squinting to see clearly, whether at distance or up close, indicates the need for an updated prescription. If you find yourself holding reading material farther away than before, this is a classic symptom of presbyopia progressing, which means your near-vision correction needs adjustment.
Replacement Frequency Based on Age
The standard one- to two-year frequency is modified depending on the wearer’s life stage, as vision stability changes across the lifespan. Children and teenagers require the most frequent monitoring, often needing annual or even more frequent checks, due to the rapid growth and development of their visual system. This frequent schedule ensures conditions like myopia are managed early for academic performance and long-term eye health.
For stable adults, typically between their 20s and early 50s, vision is usually stable enough to adhere to the every two-year recommendation, provided they have no underlying health concerns. However, once individuals reach age 55 and older, the frequency increases to an annual comprehensive examination. This increase is necessary because the risk of age-related eye conditions, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts, rises significantly and requires close observation. Individuals with high-risk systemic conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, should also have an annual eye exam regardless of age, as these diseases can cause rapid changes in vision and eye health.