Trying to decide when it’s time to swap out your glasses or contacts? As your neighborhood eye doctors in Chapel Hill, NC, we are here to help. The answer depends on a few factors, however, and may require an eye exam to get the full picture. For more information, contact us at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology.
Look for Scratches and Defects
Inspect your lenses regularly for small scratches and defects. Turn them in the light to check thoroughly. Even minor surface issues can make vision blurry or distorted. Defects may mean it’s time to replace the lenses or buy new frames.
Watch for Wear and Tear
Eyeglasses and contacts simply wear out over time. Metal frames can get dented and loose. Plastic frames or nose pieces crack or break. Signs of wear like clouding, warping, or flaking coatings clue you in that replacement is needed.
Mind the Prescription
Has it been more than 2 years since your last eye exam? Your vision prescription may have changed. Wearing outdated glasses strains your eyes, leads to headaches, and worsens vision issues over time. Schedule a new exam every 1 to 2 years as recommended by your optometrist. New lenses with your current prescription keep you seeing clearly.
Rely on the Expiration Date
Soft contacts have a shelf life because of the solution they rest in. Check the expiration date on your boxes. Wearing expired contacts raises infection risk and opened contacts should be replaced depending on your prescription.
Get Optometry Care, Ophthalmology Care, and Contact Lenses from an Ophthalmologist Near You or an Optometrist Near You
The bottom line? Stay on top of replacing scratched, damaged, or outdated eyewear. Trying to stretch glasses and contacts longer than recommended may hamper your vision in the long run. As your local eye doctors, we're here to help determine when you need new lenses. Schedule an exam today with us at Chapel Hill Ophthalmology in Chapel Hill, NC, so you can see - and look - your best! Call us at (919) 942-8701 for optometry care, ophthalmology care, and contact lenses from an ophthalmologist near you or an optometrist near you.