How Often Should You Update Your Prescription?

If your vision feels “good enough,” it’s easy to assume your glasses or contact lens prescription doesn’t need updating. But even subtle changes in vision can impact your comfort, eye health, and daily performance. That’s why most eye care professionals recommend updating your prescription every year, even if you aren’t experiencing obvious problems.
 

Vision Changes Can Happen Gradually

Many prescription changes occur slowly, making them easy to miss. Your eyes and brain are excellent at compensating, so you may not notice that you’re squinting more, experiencing eye strain, or struggling with night driving until the change becomes more significant. Regular yearly exams allow your optometrist to catch small shifts early, keeping your vision clear and comfortable before symptoms interfere with your daily life.
 

Outdated Prescriptions Can Cause Discomfort

Wearing an outdated prescription can lead to headaches, eye fatigue, blurry vision, and difficulty focusing - especially during tasks like reading, computer work, or driving. Children may struggle in school, while adults may notice decreased productivity or increased strain by the end of the day. Updating your prescription annually ensures your eyes are working as efficiently and comfortably as possible.
 

Eye Health Issues Don’t Always Have Symptoms

Some eye conditions develop without noticeable warning signs. During a comprehensive annual eye exam, your optometrist evaluates the overall health of your eyes - not just how well you see. Conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease can often be detected early through routine exams, even before vision changes occur. Catching these issues early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
 

Contact Lens Prescriptions Expire for a Reason

Contact lens prescriptions must be updated annually because they involve more than vision correction. Your optometrist also checks the health of your cornea, tear film quality, and lens fit. Changes in eye shape or dryness can make a previously comfortable lens unsafe over time. Annual contact lens exams help ensure your lenses remain healthy, comfortable, and appropriate for your eyes.
 

Your Lifestyle and Visual Demands May Change

Your visual needs aren’t static. Increased screen time, job changes, hobbies, or aging can all affect how your eyes perform throughout the day. An updated prescription allows your optometrist to recommend lens options tailored to your current lifestyle - such as blue light filtering, anti-fatigue lenses, or multifocal designs.
 

Ensure Clear and Healthy Vision with an Annual Exam

Even if your vision feels stable, updating your prescription every year is one of the best ways to maintain clear sight, prevent discomfort, and protect your eye health. Annual eye exams ensure your prescription is accurate and give your optometrist the opportunity to catch potential issues early - before they impact your vision or quality of life.

Schedule your annual comprehensive eye exam at Monroe Vision Clinic to make sure your prescription and your eye health are right where they should be. Contact our office in Monroe or Snohomish, Washington, by calling (360) 794-2020 to book an appointment today.