Changing glasses is recommended every few years. If you feel your vision is changing, you should change your glasses as soon as possible for visual comfort.
This is why it’s important to get your eyes regularly checked so you can stay updated with your prescription.
Our guide below will take you through the lifespan of glasses, signs it's time to change them, the importance of regular eye exams, maintenance tips, and where to shop for the best eyewear.
Understanding The Lifespan Of Glasses
Glasses can last you anything from 1-2 years to longer depending on multiple factors such as material and lens coatings.
Material Quality
Plastic - This is lightweight and affordable but can scratch easily.
Metal - Durable and sturdy but can bend or corrode.
Titanium - Lightweight and highly durable, great for long-term use.
Lens Coatings
Lenses can get scratched, coatings can also wear off or frames can become misaligned, this can all affect your vision and comfort.
You can read more about removing scratches from your glasses here.
Signs It’s Time To Change Your Glasses
The time you decide to change your glasses comes down to several factors such as -
Symptoms Of Vision Changes
If you experience vision changes it is time to visit your optician for an eye exam, some symptoms you are due to are -
Blurry vision - Difficulty focusing on objects at varying distances.
Eye strain - Fatigue or discomfort after extended periods of visual tasks.
Headaches - Often after screen time or reading.
Double vision - This means you're seeing two images instead of one.
Light sensitivity
Physical Damage
Worn-out or damaged frames and lenses can lead to discomfort or poor vision. If you notice that your glasses have loose frames, screws are missing or the nose pads are worn down this can all be signs you need a pair of new glasses.
Technological Advancements in Eyewear
Modern glasses are getting excellent add-ons to help protect your eyes such as -
Progressive lenses - These provide a seamless transition between different lens strengths which eliminates the pair for multiple glasses making them more convenient.
Blue light filtering - Reduces eye strain from prolonged screen usage as it filters out blue light emitted by digital devices. Learn more about our blue light glasses here.
Photochromic lenses - These lenses automatically adjust their tint according to the changing light conditions, they offer convenience and protection.
Lightweight materials- Glasses are now made from materials like titanium and memory metal offering durability without compromising comfort.
Lifestyle Considerations
If you have a certain occupation or engage in certain hobbies, you might want to change your glasses -
Occupational needs - If your job involves extensive computer use or is something that needs precise vision you might need to update your prescription more frequently.
Hobbies and activities - Activities like sports or hobbies like crafting can require specialized eyewear.
Fashion & Comfort
Eyewear isn’t just a functional statement, it’s also a fashion statement, as trends evolve, you might want to change your style to stay up to date.
Regular Eye Exams - The Foundation Of Vision Health
If you're aged 18 to 60 and have no current vision problems then you should get an eye exam at least once every two years. Anyone over 60 should have annual check-ups due to age-related vision changes.
The recommended frequency of changing your glasses should be every 1 to 2 years if your prescription hasn’t changed and your glasses are in good condition. If you experience significant changes in your vision or have eye health problems then annually might be more appropriate.
For people who wear their glasses infrequently or for specific tasks like reading or driving we suggest changing them every 2 to 3 years.
Maintenance & Care Tips For Glasses
To help your glasses stay in good condition, we recommend following these maintenance and care tips -
Regular cleaning - Cleaning lenses daily with appropriate solution and microfibre cloths can get rid of scratches and improve clarity.
Proper storage - Use a protective case when you're not wearing your glasses to help prevent damage.
Handle with care - Avoid placing your glasses lens down on a surface and handle them gently to avoid bending and breaking.
Periodic adjustments - Get your frames adjusted by a professional to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Choosing Suitable Eyewear at GlassesShop
Established in 2004, the GlassesShop has an extensive range of glasses and frames on offer such as single vision, bifocal, and progressive lenses with over 1800 options.
We also have specialized frames to ensure a comfortable fit, our try-on services that allow you to try before you buy, virtual try-on tools, and our fit and quiz ensure you get the right glasses for your size.
We have numerous deals to save money on your glasses such as buy one get one free, clearance sales, and coupon codes. We also have a time-limited sale for new arrivals where you can get 50% off and a flash sale where all glasses are $7 and an extra $1 off for new customers.
All our glasses have free shipping for orders over $69 and a 365-day guarantee for buyer's confidence.