Around three decades ago, glasses were not a pretty thing to have on your face. They came to be associated with many stereotypes that were not very attractive. People put up with wearing them, often at the cost of self-esteem. The times have changed. Today, glasses have become something more. They can now be a fashion piece, an expression of personality, or a statement piece on top of correcting vision. Now, many people look forward to getting new glasses.

Eye doctors recommend getting new glasses every one to three years, depending on your prescription. This is the conventional timeline for changing your glasses. But with all the things that glasses can do and mean, changing your glasses can happen many times.

How Often Should You Change Your Glasses?

The key word here is “should.” The timeline you must follow in changing your glasses is affected by the expiration dates of your prescription. Many eye doctors will recommend a time between one to three years. Also, they will recommend a comprehensive eye exam every two years to keep track of your eye health and prescription.

If you use glasses with an out-of-date prescription, you will experience some side effects. These may include:

• Eyestrain
   

• Headaches
   

• Distortion
   

• Poorer visual acuity
   

• Double vision
   

• Blurry distant vision

What Factors Influence Getting New Glasses?

Other than your prescription, why would you get new glasses? As mentioned earlier, glasses have become more than medical instruments. Here are some things that may coax you to get new glasses before your prescription is over.


 

Technology

The eye care industry is continually growing with new technologies. These improve the experience of wearing glasses. You have new coatings and enhancements to your glasses that can make life much better. Some increase the lifeline of your glasses and improve vision. Some popular new technologies and additions to glasses are:

 

Blue Light Control

With digital devices everywhere, we are constantly exposed to blue light. While there is blue light from the sun, blue light from our devices can have unwanted side effects. You can have eyestrain, fatigue, and poor sleeping patterns. Blue light control will significantly reduce these effects.

MAR

MAR is an acronym for multi-layer antireflective coating. With your glasses on, especially at night, you may notice being distracted by the reflection of the lights on your lenses. You may also notice a lot of glare when driving at night or watching a screen. MAR helps reduce these so you can see clearly with fewer distractions.

Anti-scratch

Is it not annoying when you put your glasses on, only to find a big ugly scratch right through the center of your vision? An anti-scratch coating will help minimize the chances of that happening.

Fashion

Another main reason to get new glasses is fashion. Glasses are now a fashion statement for many people. You can get new ones to improve your wardrobe or match your new outfit. You could also get a pair to wear on special events or occasions.

Sunglasses

Instead of switching your glasses out for sunglasses every time you go out, you can get a pair that does both. You can get lenses that darken when you go out and provide UV protection. These glasses are not only functional and practical but also trendy.

For more on how often you should change your prescription glasses, visit Sturgeon's Optical at our office in Barboursville, West Virginia. Call (304) 733-0101 to book an appointment today.