If you’ve recently noticed that your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be, you may be wondering, “Why did my prescription change?” Vision prescriptions, whether for eyeglasses or contact lenses, can change over time due to various factors. Read on as Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic shares what causes these changes to help you better manage your eye health and maintain clear and comfortable vision.
Natural Aging
As we grow older, the eye’s natural lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on objects up close. This condition is known as presbyopia and it typically sets in around the age of 40. If you previously had good distance vision, you may need reading glasses or multifocal lenses to correct this age-related vision change.
Refractive Errors
Refractive errors like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism can change over time. These conditions may stabilize in your early adult years but can still progress as you age. Regular eye examinations with an optometrist are essential to monitor and address these changes effectively.
Eye Health Issues
Certain eye health issues, such as cataracts or glaucoma, can lead to changes in your prescription. Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, resulting in blurry vision. Treating cataracts through surgery can lead to a prescription change as your eye adjusts to the replacement lens. Glaucoma may also affect your vision and prescription as it progresses.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
Prolonged screen time, exposure to bright sunlight, or working in conditions that strain your eyes can lead to temporary changes in vision. Over time, these factors may contribute to a need for updated prescriptions. Wearing the correct eyewear and taking regular breaks from screens can help mitigate these effects.
Health Conditions
Suffering from health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure can impact your eye health and lead to changes in your vision prescriptions. It’s crucial to manage these health conditions and undergo regular eye exams to monitor any related changes in your vision.
Medications
Some medications may affect your eye health and contribute to changes in your prescription. If you’re taking medications with potential ocular side effects, consult your healthcare provider or eye doctor to discuss any necessary adjustments.
Contact Us for Professional Eye Care
Regular eye examinations are crucial for identifying whether your current prescription needs to be changed. With this, you won’t have to experience issues associated with wearing the wrong prescription, such as eye strain, headaches and reduced visual acuity.
For superior optical care in and around Lynnwood and Bothell, WA, look no further than Alderwood Optical & Canyon Park Vision Clinic. Call us today at (425) 771-8472 or (425) 485-0430. You may also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment.