How Often Do I Need to Refresh My Eyeglass Prescription?

An eyeglass prescription is a written order from an optometrist or ophthalmologist that specifies the lens power needed to correct your vision. It includes measurements for myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia.

Understanding your eyeglass prescription can be a bit challenging, given the technical terms and numbers involved. But essentially, the key components of your prescription include sphere (SPH), which indicates the degree of your nearsightedness or farsightedness; cylinder (CYL), which pertains to the level of your astigmatism; and axis, which represents the orientation of your astigmatism.

How Often Do Eye Prescriptions Change?

The answer to this question can vary greatly from one person to another, as it depends on numerous factors such as age, overall health, and lifestyle. However, as a general rule, optometrists recommend having your eyes checked and your prescription updated every year.

For children and teenagers, whose eyes are still developing, eye exams should be conducted once a year. Meanwhile, for adults, especially those over the age of 40, the frequency of eye exams should also be increased due to the heightened risk of age-related vision problems.

Some individuals may need to have their eyeglass prescription updated more frequently, especially if they notice significant changes in their vision or if they have certain health conditions that can affect the eyes.

Factors Influencing Changes in Eyeglass Prescriptions

Various factors can influence changes in eyeglass prescriptions. One of the primary factors is age. As we age, our eyes naturally undergo changes that can affect our vision. These changes may necessitate frequent updates to our eyeglass prescription.

Another factor is the presence of eye conditions or diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. These conditions can cause significant changes in vision, thus requiring adjustments in eyeglass prescriptions.

Lifestyle factors can also play a role. For instance, if your work involves prolonged computer use, this can lead to computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain, which can impact your vision. Similarly, certain habits like smoking, poor nutrition, and lack of sleep can also affect eye health and vision, potentially necessitating changes in your eyeglass prescription.

Signs You May Need to Refresh Your Eyeglass Prescription

There are several signs that can indicate you may need to refresh your eyeglass prescription. These include frequent headaches, eye strain, difficulty focusing, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's best to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.

Keep in mind that while these signs can point to the need for a prescription update, they can also be symptomatic of other eye conditions or health issues. It's crucial to have these symptoms checked by a professional to ensure a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are vital not only for keeping your eye glasses prescriptions updated but also for maintaining overall eye health. They enable early detection of eye diseases and conditions, many of which may have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages.

Eye exams can also help detect general health issues, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which can manifest in the eyes before they show symptoms elsewhere in the body. Therefore, regular eye exams are an integral part of preventive healthcare.

Risks of Using Outdated Eyeglass Prescriptions

Using outdated eyeglass prescriptions carries several risks. First and foremost, it can result in suboptimal vision, which can affect your ability to perform daily tasks, such as reading, driving, and working on a computer. It can also increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Wearing glasses with an incorrect prescription can lead to eye strain, headaches, and other discomforts. In some cases, it can even worsen vision problems. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that your eyeglass prescription is always up to date.

Ensure Clear Vision Today

How often you need to refresh your eyeglass prescription depends on various factors, including your age, overall health, lifestyle, and the presence of any eye conditions or diseases. As a general rule, it's recommended to have your eyes checked and your eyeglass prescription updated once a year.


It's important to listen to your body and pay attention to any changes in your vision. If you notice any signs that your prescription may need to be updated, don't hesitate to schedule an eye exam.

If you are experiencing signs that you may need to refresh your eyeglass prescription, visit Alta Loma Optometric at our Rancho Cucamonga, California office. Call (909) 787-1760 to schedule an eye exam today.