The new glasses are great! They give you a chance for a fresh look and add a breath of fresh air to your personal style. Of course, fashion isn’t the only benefit. While a newer prescription can ensure your glasses do everything in their power to help you see clearly, newer frames can make a difference too!

But how do you know when you need new glasses?

How long should glasses last?

The lifespan of a pair of glasses depends on several things, the most important being the material from which the frames are made.

For example, highly durable materials such as titanium frames, Ultem frames, and acetate frames should last a long time.

While durability is important, it’s not the only factor that affects the life of your frame. Believe it or not, comfort and fit are important.

Like any other item you use on a daily basis, eyeglass frames are prone to wear and tear. Of course, this changes their fitness. Just because you have solid material doesn’t mean a particular frame will always work for you.

Typically, eyeglass frames last two to three years, but if there are other problems, you may need to replace them sooner. These include changing the style, comfort or prescription of your lenses.

How often should I replace my glasses?

It is recommended that you replace your glasses every one to three years.

Besides health and comfort, another important factor is your prescription. That’s why it’s important to schedule an eye exam every year. Your eye care professional will examine your eyes and let you know if your prescription needs to be renewed.

Can’t I just keep wearing my current glasses?

Some people may be tempted to continue taking an outdated prescription. If you can still see clearly, what’s the harm in continuing to wear them?

While it’s true that wearing an old prescription won’t make your vision worse, subtle changes in vision can cause other problems. These symptoms include eye strain, headaches, and double vision—and that’s just scratching the surface.

A pair of glasses should make you feel more comfortable and reduce the strain on your eyes when you wear them. If you take them off and feel more comfortable without them, that’s a big sign that you need a new prescription.

As for the frames, while you can keep using your old lenses with new ones, replacing them will ensure they continue to function properly.

In addition to being comfortable, frames also protect your lenses. Eyeglass frames can become damaged and deformed over time. This can mess with your lens placement and even affect your ability to take full advantage of your most recent prescription.