According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), more than 105 million Americans have a refractive error. If you’re among this group, you know how expensive and time-consuming it can be to get a prescription and new glasses. More specifically, a JAMA study indicates that the median cost per pair of eyeglasses was $234 in 2019. This high cost, coupled with other barriers like lack of access to vision care services and limited insurance coverage, has led to more Americans delaying seeking medical care, such as getting a new prescription.
Though it may seem inconsequential, wearing outdated prescription glasses can have significant repercussions for your eye health and overall quality of life. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how incorrect prescriptions can harm your eyes and provide essential guidance on managing your vision health.
Can wearing the wrong prescription damage your eyes?
The simple answer is yes, wearing the wrong prescription can negatively affect your eyes. While it’s unlikely to cause permanent damage, incorrect prescriptions can lead to a range of symptoms, including eye strain, headaches (ametropia), blurred vision, and dizziness. As cataract and corneal surgeon Dr. Neda Shamie puts it, wearing the wrong prescription – either in contact lenses or glasses – forces the eyes to try to focus through that correction. This overexerts the focusing muscles in the eye as well as the muscles that help one squint to bring an image into focus, causing strain and headaches. These symptoms are generally temporary, but persistent use of the wrong prescription can exacerbate eye strain and other related issues.
Why does my prescription change?
Eyeglasses prescriptions change due to various factors, including the natural aging process, lifestyle shifts, eye conditions, health issues, and environmental factors. For example, children under seven years old have still-developing eyes. If they need glasses for vision correction, yearly eye tests are required to guarantee that their prescription meets their needs. Similarly, adults’ eyes also undergo changes, although more slowly.
As we age, the eye’s lens loses its flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. This condition, known as presbyopia, typically starts to affect people around the age of 40. It necessitates a change in prescription to include reading glasses or bifocals. Systemic health conditions such as diabetes can also significantly impact vision. Diabetic retinopathy, caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels, can alter vision and lead to frequent prescription changes.
When to upgrade your glasses prescription
Optometrists recommend updating your eyeglasses prescription every one or two years. This regular update ensures that your vision correction is accurate and that any changes in your eye health are addressed promptly. Fortunately, established online retailers have simplified the process of updating your eyeglasses. Take leading eyewear brand Ray-Ban, they offer a range of eyeglasses, from single-vision lenses correcting one field of vision to progressive lenses that provide a seamless transition between multiple prescriptions in one lens. Their wide selection ensures that you can find lenses tailored to your specific vision needs.
Additionally, the online platform makes it easy to order new glasses from the comfort of your home. By entering your prescription details and choosing from a variety of frames and lens options, you can ensure your vision is corrected accurately and stylishly. Moreover, this retailer accepts most major insurance networks and requires just a few details to identify your eligibility.
What to do before getting a new prescription
Before ordering your new glasses, it’s vital to first undergo an eye exam. These exams allow optometrists to detect changes in your vision and update your prescription as needed. They also play a vital role in identifying early signs of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, that can affect the type of eye care and vision correction you’ll require. To save money on eye exams without sacrificing quality, visit your local Costco. Some locations now have in-house optical services that are more affordable than other chain optical stores. Here, you can get a comprehensive eye exam without insurance for as little as $70.
The AOA recommends that adults aged 18 to 60 have a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years, and annually for those with risk factors such as diabetes or a family history of eye diseases.
Wearing the wrong prescription can lead to a range of discomforts and potential vision problems. Ensuring your prescription is current and accurate is essential for maintaining optimal eye health. With advancements in online eyewear shopping and affordable eye care services, updating your glasses has never been easier.
