If you wear prescription eyeglasses, it is important to make sure that your prescription is up-to-date. An outdated prescription can lead to vision problems and even injuries. Join us as we discuss 8 signs that may indicate that your eyeglass prescription needs updating.
A History: Vision and Eyecare
Your eyesight is a precious commodity. Good vision helps you enjoy life to the fullest and stay safe in your everyday activities. Unfortunately, many people take their eyesight for granted and do not realize how important it is to have regular eye exams and update their eyeglass prescriptions as needed.
What to Expect From Regular Eye Exams
The best way to maintain healthy vision and ensure that your prescription is up-to-date is to have regular eye exams. Depending on your age, health, and family history, you should have an eye exam at least every two years. If you are over the age of 60, have diabetes or another chronic health condition, or have a family history of vision problems, you should have an eye exam every year.
Signs That Your Eyeglass Prescription May Need Updating
Even if you have regular eye exams, there are certain situations when you may need to update your prescription sooner than usual. Here are eight signs that indicate that your prescription may need to be updated:
- Your vision has changed suddenly or significantly.
- You are having difficulty seeing at night.
- You are having trouble reading or seeing things up close.
- You are experiencing headaches or eye strain.
- Your eyes feel dry, itchy, or watery.
- You are seeing double vision or halos around objects.
- Your eyeglasses feel uncomfortable or do not fit properly.
- You have suffered an injury to your eyes or head.
If you experience any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible to have your prescription updated. In some cases, these symptoms may be caused by a health condition that needs to be treated by a medical professional.
Other Ways to Practice Safe Eyecare
In addition to having regular eye exams and updating your prescription as needed, there are other things you can do to practice safe eye care. Here are a few tips:
Get a Prescription for Safety Glasses
If you work in a job that poses a risk to your eyesight, it is important to wear safety glasses or goggles. Many employers will require that you have a prescription for safety glasses before they will provide them. If your employer does not provide safety glasses, you can get a prescription from an eye care professional.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses are not just for looking cool; they also protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. When choosing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99% of UV rays. Wear them year-round, even on cloudy days.
Do Not Smoke
Smoking is bad for your overall health, including your vision. Smoking increases your risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision problems. If you smoke, the best thing you can do for your vision is to quit.
Eat Healthy Foods
Eating a healthy diet is good for your overall health, including your vision. Foods that are good for your eyesight include leafy green vegetables, fish, nuts, and fruits.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is important for your overall health, including your vision. When you are dehydrated, your eyes can become dry and irritated. Drink eight glasses of water per day to keep your eyes healthy and hydrated.
Keep Your Eyeglasses Clean and in Good Condition
It is important to keep your eyeglasses clean and in good condition. Clean your eyeglasses with a lens cloth or cleaning solution designed specifically for glasses. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can damage the lenses. If your eyeglasses are damaged, make an appointment with your eye care professional to have them repaired or replaced.
Take Breaks During Long Periods of Computer Use
If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, it is important to take breaks throughout the day. When using a computer, phone, or another type of screen, take a break every 20 minutes and focus your eyes on something else for at least 20 seconds. This will help to reduce eye strain and keep your vision healthy.
Conclusion
Your prescription is important for maintaining healthy vision. Be sure to have regular eye exams and update your prescription as needed. If you experience any symptoms that may indicate a change in your prescription, make an appointment with your eye doctor right away. You can also practice safe eyecare by wearing sunglasses and prescription safety glasses as needed, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking.
