The Effects of Outdated Eyeglasses or Contact from an Optometrist Near You

Have you been wearing the same pair of glasses or contacts for a while? You may be wondering if outdated prescription eyewear can damage your eyes over time. As an optometrist near you, I get this question a lot. Let's thoroughly discuss whether old glasses or contacts can harm your vision. For more information, contact us at Eyear Optical, serving Chattanooga, TN, Cleveland, TN, and Athens, TN.

How Prescriptions Change Over Time

First, it’s normal for your eyesight to change gradually as you age. An adult’s prescription can shift a small amount every 1 to 2 years. Kids’ eyes change even more frequently as they grow. This means your current lenses become slightly more outdated each year. The prescription is no longer optimized for your eyes.

Risks of Wearing Old Glasses

Wearing outdated eyeglasses strains your eyes. Trying to see clearly through lenses not matched to your current prescription forces your eyes to overwork. This constant strain leads to squinting, headaches, blurry vision, and fatigue. In children, improperly corrected vision can disrupt development and learning. Don’t hang onto old specs if you feel eye discomfort or vision problems.

Dangers of Using Outdated Contact Lenses

Reusing disposable contacts past their recommended replacement schedule or wearing expired contact lenses raises risks like eye infections, corneal ulcers, red eyes, and light sensitivity. Contacts only work their best when properly fitted and updated by an eye doctor. Old lenses simply won’t fit the shape of your eyes or correct your vision accurately anymore.

Signs You Need an Updated Prescription

How can you tell if your current eyewear is outdated? Here are some common signs it’s time to schedule an eye exam with an optometrist:

●             Squinting, eye strain, headaches, or fatigue when wearing your glasses

●             Blurry vision for reading, computer work, driving, etc.

●             Trouble seeing distances clearly

●             Frequently losing your glasses or rubbing your eyes

●             Redness or red eye, pain, irritation wearing contacts

●             Experiencing dry eye

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

To keep your eyes healthy and your vision optimized, have a comprehensive eye exam every 1 to 2 years. An eye doctor in Athens, Cleveland, Chattanooga or anywhere near you can check for subtle prescription changes and eye health issues. They can recommend when it’s time to update your eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Get Optical Services, Eye Doctor Services, Eye Care, and an Eye Exam from an Optometrist Near You for Red Eye and Dry Eye

Don't take chances with your eyesight. For crisp, comfortable vision, visit Eyear Optical, serving Chattanooga, TN, Cleveland, TN, and Athens, TN, for quality glasses and contacts fitted to your current prescription. Protect your eyes for years to come! Call us at (423) 805-7341 for optical services, eye doctor services, eye care, and an eye exam from an optometrist near you for red eye and dry eye.