If you wear contact lenses, you already know how much they can improve your daily comfort and vision. But like all vision correction methods, contact lenses don’t last forever and neither do your prescriptions. Knowing how often to upgrade your lenses is an important step in keeping your eyes healthy and your vision clear.
 

The Importance of Annual Eye Exams

Even if your vision feels stable, it’s essential to schedule a yearly contact lens exam. These exams do more than check your prescription - they also ensure your eyes remain healthy enough for contact lens wear. Over time, your eyes can change, and certain conditions like dry eye, corneal changes, or even early signs of eye disease may make one lens type less suitable than another.

During an exam, your optometrist will:

• Evaluate your current prescription for accuracy.

• Check for signs of eye strain, irritation, or infection.

• Detect early signs of eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or keratoconus.

• Assess the fit of your lenses to ensure they sit properly on your eyes.

• Recommend newer lens technologies that may offer better comfort and breathability.
 

Signs You May Need to Update Your Contact Lens Prescription

Your eyes will often give you clues that it’s time to upgrade your contact lenses. Watch for these common signs:

• Blurry vision, even when wearing your contacts.

• Frequent headaches or eye strain.

• Needing to squint to see clearly.

• Dryness, irritation, or redness that doesn’t improve with rewetting drops.

• Difficulty seeing well at night.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may mean your prescription has changed or that your current lenses aren’t the best option for your needs anymore.
 

Exploring Different Contact Lens Options

Contact lens technology continues to improve, offering more choices than ever before. If you’ve been wearing the same lens type for years, you may be missing out on better options. For example:

• Daily disposables are ideal for convenience and reduced risk of infection.

• Toric lenses are designed for patients with astigmatism.

• Multifocal lenses help those with presbyopia see clearly at all distances.

• Silicone hydrogel lenses are designed to allow more oxygen to pass through to the cornea, providing greater comfort and reducing the risk of eye complications compared to traditional soft lenses.

Exploring these options during your annual exam can ensure your lenses meet your lifestyle and vision needs.
 

Keep Your Vision Clear and Healthy at Complete Eyecare

Upgrading your contact lenses is about more than keeping your prescription up to date - it’s about protecting your eye health and ensuring long-term comfort. With advances in lens technology and the potential for changes in your vision or eye health each year, regular exams give your optometrist the chance to keep your eyes safe, healthy, and seeing clearly.

Schedule your contact lens exam at Complete Eyecare to update your prescription or explore new lens options. Visit our office in Blaine, Minnesota, or call (763) 220-2602 to book an appointment today.