Can Wearing Outdated Eyeglasses Or Contact Lenses Harm My Eyes?

Middletown Eye Care, serving the communities of Middletown and New Castle, DE, sees many patients who wonder if wearing outdated eyeglasses or contact lenses can harm their eye health. The answer depends on the severity of the outdated prescription and how long you've been using it.

How Outdated Prescriptions Affect Your Eyes

Your eyes change over time, and your eyeglass or contact lens prescription needs to reflect those changes. An outdated prescription can cause you to strain your eyes to see clearly. This eyestrain can lead to headaches, fatigue, and blurred vision. In some cases, it can also make it difficult to focus on near objects or cause difficulty driving at night.

Long-Term Effects of Outdated Prescriptions

While occasional use of outdated corrective lenses may not cause permanent damage, consistently wearing an outdated prescription for an extended period can worsen vision problems. For instance, children with uncorrected farsightedness may develop amblyopia, also known as lazy eye. This condition occurs when the brain favors one eye over the other, leading to permanent vision loss in the weaker eye.

Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams with an optometrist or eye doctor near you are crucial for maintaining good eye health. These exams allow your eye doctor to assess your vision and update your prescription as needed. Early detection and treatment of vision problems can help prevent them from worsening.

Schedule an Appointment with Middletown Eye Care Today

If you're concerned about your vision or haven't had an eye exam in over a year, contact Middletown Eye Care in Middletown, DE. Our team of experienced professionals can provide comprehensive eye exams and ensure you have the correct prescription for optimal vision health. Call our team today at (302) 378-8818 to learn more or to schedule an appointment.