Why Is It Important to Have an Updated Prescription for Contact Lenses?

Wearing contact lenses offers comfort, convenience, and clear vision, but only when your prescription is current. Many people don’t realize that contact lens prescriptions are only valid for a limited time - typically one year. If you’re wearing an outdated prescription, you may be putting your eye health and vision at risk. At St. Marys Family Eyecare, we prioritize your visual clarity and eye health by emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams and updated prescriptions.
 

Clear Vision Depends on Accuracy

Vision can change gradually over time, sometimes without noticeable symptoms. An outdated prescription may no longer match your current visual needs, leading to symptoms like eye strain, blurry vision, headaches, or difficulty focusing. Whether you’ve noticed a change or not, an accurate prescription ensures your lenses are doing their job - keeping your vision crisp and your eyes comfortable.
 

Contact Lenses Require a Precise Fit

Unlike glasses, contact lenses rest directly on the surface of your eye. Because of this, they require a separate fitting process and precise measurements. An annual eye exam ensures that your lenses still fit correctly and do not cause damage to your cornea or lead to complications such as infections, inflammation, or dry eyes.
 

What to Expect During a Contact Lens Exam

A contact lens exam goes beyond a standard eye exam. In addition to checking your overall eye health and vision, your optometrist will take detailed measurements of your cornea to determine the proper lens size and curvature. 
 

You'll also try on lenses to assess comfort and fit, and your doctor may evaluate how your eyes respond after wearing them for a short time. This process helps ensure that your lenses stay comfortable throughout the day and do not contribute to irritation or dryness. If you're considering a new lens type (such as daily disposables, multifocals, or toric lenses for astigmatism) your optometrist can guide you through the options and recommend the best solution for your lifestyle and eye health.
 

Annual Eye Exams Help Protect Your Eye Health

Beyond updating your prescription, annual comprehensive eye exams allow your optometrist to evaluate your overall eye health. Conditions like corneal changes, dry eye syndrome, and even signs of serious issues such as infections or early-stage glaucoma can be detected during these exams. This is especially important for contact lens wearers, as prolonged use without proper monitoring can lead to complications that may affect your long-term vision.
 

Schedule Your Routine Eye Exam at At St. Marys Family Eyecare 

Keeping your contact lens prescription up to date isn’t just about clearer vision; it’s about protecting the health of your eyes. With regular eye exams, your optometrist can ensure that your prescription is accurate, your lenses fit properly, and your eyes remain healthy year after year.
 

At St. Marys Family Eyecare, we’re here to help you see your best and keep your eyes healthy. Schedule your contact lens exam and make sure your prescription is up to date. Visit our office in St. Marys, Ohio, or call (419) 800-0400 to book an appointment today.