Eye prescriptions may change regardless of whether your refractive error symptoms worsen or not. Some refractive errors can develop as early as when a child is six years old. It can also change as fast as they outgrow their clothing. As eyesight changes as you grow older, so does your prescription may need updating. 

Eyeglass Prescription Vs. Contact Lens Prescription

Your eye prescription cannot remain the same forever. You may need to visit your eye doctor to check whether your eyeglasses or contact lenses are according to the state of your eye and vision health.

An eyeglass prescription is different from a contact lens one. The difference is due to the distance between the eyeglasses and the contacts from your eyes. However, both have corrections for nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

20/20 Vision

Individuals with 20/20 vision see with better visual clarity from 20 feet. However, this fact does not mean their sight is perfect. It only means that they can see clearly from a distance. Your vision ability measures eye coordination, depth perception, and peripheral vision. It also gauges focusing ability and color vision.

How Fast Can Your Eye Prescription Change?

Eye prescription changes annually for some people. For others, it can take two, three, or more years. Your eye prescription changes with your condition. Your eyes grow and change along with every part of your body. Hence, you can experience changes in your vision naturally. 

Most cases of sudden eye prescription change are abnormal. But if you disregard your annual eye exams, you may feel like your prescription has changed suddenly. There are times when sudden changes may occur due to a condition. You may need a comprehensive eye exam to detect eye diseases.

Signs You May Need to Update Your Prescription

Sometimes, you may experience signs that you need to update your prescription, but you are unaware of them. 
You may need a change of prescription if you experience the following:
 

• Recurring headaches

• Constant squinting

• Eye fatigue

• Blurred vision

• You have old glasses

Conditions That Affect Vision

Several eye conditions besides farsightedness and nearsightedness can reduce vision. Fortunately, all of them are treatable. Astigmatism can cause blurry vision. It causes one eye to curve in a direction different from the other. Contact lenses and eyeglasses can correct the problem.

Lazy eye or amblyopia occurs due to malfunctioning nerve pathways between one eye and the brain. The eye can also get misaligned due to strabismus. Your eye specialist may recommend wearing an eye patch to help the malfunctioning or misaligned eye improve vision. In some cases, you may require surgery.

When to Visit Your Eye Doctor

Changes to your vision clarity over time may not be a cause for concern. Sometimes, it can be a part of the development and growth of your eyes as you grow older. To be sure, you need to schedule annual eye exams to evaluate your eyes and vision to check if you need a prescription adjustment.

Vision changes rarely occur abruptly. Any sudden vision changes need evaluation by your eye doctor.

For more about eye prescriptions, visit Williams Eye Care at our office in Frisco or Fairview, Texas. Call (972) 549-4255 or (972) 335-9529 to book an appointment today.