How often should I change my glasses or contact lenses?
June 30, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Laura Bergmann
Dear ophthalmologist,
I am Valentina Gerdes and have been wearing glasses for a few years. Lately, I have noticed that my vision is not as good as it used to be and I wonder if it might be due to my glasses. I am wondering how often I should actually change my glasses or contact lenses to always have optimal vision.
I wear my glasses daily and use them for working on the computer, reading, and driving. However, lately I have been feeling that my eyes get tired more quickly and I have headaches more often. Reading has also become more difficult for me. I am worried that my glasses may not be the correct strength anymore and that my eyes have deteriorated.
So my question to you is: How often should I change my glasses or contact lenses to ensure that my vision is optimally supported? Are there any signs I should look out for to know when it is time to get a new pair of glasses? Are there other reasons for my current vision problems that I should consider?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice.
Sincerely,
Valentina Gerdes
Dear Mrs. Gerdes,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ophthalmologist. It is important that you take care of your eye health and react promptly to any problems that may arise. I understand your concerns and will try to answer you as comprehensively as possible.
First of all, it is normal for vision to change over time. This can be caused by natural aging processes, genetic predisposition, environmental influences, or incorrect use of vision aids such as glasses or contact lenses. If you feel that your vision has deteriorated recently, it is advisable to have it checked by an ophthalmologist.
Regarding the question of how often you should change your glasses or contact lenses, I can tell you that there are no fixed rules. It depends on various factors, such as the type of your vision impairment, the use of your vision aids, and your personal feelings. I generally recommend my patients to have a vision check-up every 1-2 years to ensure that the vision aid still fits optimally and has the correct strength.
There are certain signs to watch out for to know when it is time to get a new pair of glasses. These include frequent eye rubbing, headaches, blurred vision, eye redness, double vision, or the feeling that the glasses no longer provide the desired vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist.
In addition to incorrect vision aids, other causes can also lead to your current vision problems. These may include dry eyes, eye inflammation, eye muscle weakness, or other eye diseases. Therefore, it is important that you get examined by a specialist to determine the exact cause of your complaints.
I recommend that you make an appointment with an ophthalmologist near you to undergo a thorough examination and receive personalized recommendations for your vision aids. I hope that my response is helpful to you and I am available for any further questions.
Best regards,
Laura Bergmann, Ophthalmologist
