Your eyeglass prescription is a reflection of how well your eyes focus, and it’s natural for it to change over time. While these changes can vary in frequency and severity, understanding why they happen and how to manage them will help you maintain optimal vision. Taking advantage of proper eyewear is the best approach to mitigating the harmful effects of deteriorating vision health.
Why Prescriptions Change
Several factors contribute to changes in your eyeglass prescription:
Age. As we grow older, the lens inside our eye becomes less flexible. This is especially true after the age of 40, when many people experience presbyopia -- a condition where it becomes difficult to focus on close-up tasks. Younger individuals may see their prescription shift due to growth or lifestyle changes.
Eye-strain. Increased use of screens can cause digital eye-strain, leading to blurry vision, headaches, and even a prescription change. Spending long hours working at a computer or using a phone can affect the eye’s ability to focus.
Medical conditions. Conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure can affect vision by damaging the blood vessels in the eyes. Hormonal changes, such as those experienced during pregnancy, can also lead to temporary prescription shifts.
Genetics. Eye health and prescription changes often run in families. If your parents or siblings experienced frequent changes in their vision, you may too.
Lifestyle. Lack of proper eye care, poor nutrition, and habits like smoking can contribute to faster deterioration of vision over time.
How to Manage Prescription Changes
Frequent vision changes can be frustrating, but they can be managed effectively with a few proactive steps:
Regular eye exams. The most important step is to schedule annual eye exams. Catching changes early can prevent more serious vision problems and help ensure you have the right prescription to see clearly.
Eye protection. Whether it’s protective eyewear for sports, UV protection for the outdoors, or blue-light blocking lenses for screen use, protecting your eyes can reduce the strain that may accelerate prescription changes.
Healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking are all essential to maintaining eye health. Proper hydration and managing underlying medical conditions also play a role in preserving vision.
Resting your eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using digital screens -- every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple habit can help reduce strain and maintain healthy focusing ability.
Understanding that eyeglass prescriptions change naturally allows you to stay ahead of your vision care. By being proactive, you can manage these changes and maintain your visual clarity for years to come.
These materials are being issued with the understanding that J&S Sincere Vision Inc., and all of its brands, partners, and affiliates, is not engaged in rendering legal, medical, or other professional services and is providing these for informational purposes only. If legal or medical expert assistance is required, the services of a competent legal or medical professional should be sought.