Eye health resource
How Often Should You Get New Glasses?
There is no fixed schedule for replacing eyeglasses. Learn when prescription changes, damaged lenses or frames, fit problems, or changing visual needs may make a new pair worthwhile.
Reviewed for accuracy by Justin Bazan, OD on .
There is no medical rule that says you need a brand-new pair of glasses every year or every two years. The right time to replace your glasses depends on whether your prescription or visual needs have changed, whether the current pair still fits and functions well, and whether you simply want a different frame, lens feature, or backup pair.
1. Your Prescription Has Changed Enough to Matter
A new prescription does not automatically mean the old glasses are unusable. Small changes may make little practical difference, while a larger change can noticeably improve clarity or comfort.
Signs that your current glasses may no longer be doing the job include:
- new blur at distance or near;
- difficulty driving at night;
- needing to move reading material closer or farther away;
- squinting despite wearing the glasses; or
- a noticeable difference between your vision with the current glasses and the prescription measured at an exam.
Headaches or eye fatigue can have many causes, so those symptoms should not automatically be blamed on an outdated prescription.
2. Your Visual Needs Have Changed
Sometimes the prescription is stable but the way you use your eyes changes. Starting a job with extensive computer work, developing presbyopia and needing near help, taking up a sport, driving more at night, or wanting prescription sunglasses can make a different lens design useful.
Options may include single-vision or progressive lenses, higher-index materials for stronger prescriptions, photochromic lenses, polarized prescription sunglasses, sports eyewear, or other specialty designs. Not every feature is necessary for every patient.
3. Your Lenses Are Scratched or the Frame No Longer Fits Well
A prescription can be perfect while the physical glasses are no longer ideal. Deep scratches, damaged coatings, a warped frame, worn nose pads, loose temples, or a frame that no longer sits properly can interfere with comfort or usable vision.
Some problems can be repaired or adjusted rather than requiring a new pair. For eyewear purchased from Park Slope Eye, basic frame adjustments are available for the life of the eyewear. More complicated repairs may need to be sent out.
4. You Want a Backup Pair or a Different Style
Replacing glasses does not have to be driven by a medical problem. Many people like having a backup pair, separate prescription sunglasses, computer-specific eyewear, or simply a different frame for personal style.
Park Slope Eye's optical emphasizes independent frame brands and children's eyewear. Collections rotate, so current availability can change.
Eye-Exam Frequency Is Different From Glasses-Replacement Frequency
You can need an eye exam without needing new glasses, and you can want new glasses without needing a new prescription.
There is not one examination interval that fits every patient. Age, symptoms, contact-lens wear, family history, eye disease, diabetes or other systemic conditions, medications, previous eye surgery or injury, and high or changing prescriptions can all affect how often an examination is appropriate.
Your eye doctor can recommend an interval based on your examination findings and individual risk.
What Happens If I Order Glasses at Park Slope Eye?
Park Slope Eye sells prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses in the office. Many orders are typically ready in about 3–5 business days, although specialty prescriptions, lens designs, product availability, or laboratory work can take longer.
Prescription glasses are paid in full before lab work begins. Most prescription lenses have a one-year warranty, while some upgraded anti-reflective options carry a two-year warranty; exact coverage depends on the product selected.
What If the New Lenses Do Not Work for Me?
Custom prescription lenses are generally not refundable, but if a lens type does not work for you, Park Slope Eye will generally remake the lenses into another appropriate type and refund any applicable price difference. Doctor remakes for prescription or adaptation issues are typically available within about 30 days.
Prescription-frame purchases are refundable according to the practice policy.
Your Prescription Is Yours
If a refraction is performed, Park Slope Eye provides your eyeglass prescription and can email it to you. You do not have to purchase glasses from us to receive the prescription.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide a quote because we often offer very competitive optical pricing and rely on eyewear and contact-lens sales as part of the practice, but the choice of where to purchase is yours.
If your current glasses no longer feel clear or comfortable, learn about eye exams or see our eyewear options.
Originally published . Substantially updated .