Have you recently been for an eye examination and been told your prescription has changed? For many people this might seem worrying, but in reality, our eyes are constantly adapting and changes are normal. Most changes are usually gradual, but they can affect the clarity and comfort of your vision over time.
At Abernethy Owens Optometrists, we see this every day in our practices across Perth. Understanding why your prescription changes and when to get it checked, can make a big difference to your eye health.
Your Eyes Naturally Change Over Time
Just like the rest of your body, your eyes go through different stages of change. For children and teenagers, the eyes are still developing, so prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses may need updating more frequently. In adults, vision changes tend to be slower, but they still happen. As we age, conditions like presbyopia (difficulty focusing on close objects) can make reading glasses necessary, even for people who have never worn them before.
Health and Lifestyle Factors Play a Role
Your overall health can influence your eyesight more than you might think. Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or eye diseases like glaucoma can cause vision changes. Even medications you take for other issues can sometimes impact your eyes.
Lifestyle matters, too. Spending long hours in front of screens can cause eye strain, which may make you feel like your prescription needs adjusting. That’s why regular eye tests in Perth are so important; they help pick up on these subtle shifts before they become major issues.
Hormonal Changes Can Affect Vision
You may not realise that hormones influence more than mood and metabolism, they can also impact your eyes. Pregnancy, menopause and even certain times in your menstrual cycle can lead to temporary changes in vision. These usually settle down, but if things still seem blurry after a while, it’s worth booking an eye test appointment.
Eye Conditions Can Develop Gradually
Some changes in prescription are linked to developing eye conditions. For example:
Cataracts can subtly change the way you see colours and light.
Astigmatism can worsen over time, causing more blurriness at certain distances.
Macular degeneration can affect central vision slowly and without pain.
Catching these conditions early at your optometrist means we can help manage them effectively.
How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Tested?
For most adults, we recommend having an eye test every two years. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, have a family history of eye problems, or have health conditions that can affect your eyes, your optometrist may recommend an annual review.
At Abernethy Owens, our team takes the time to get to know your vision history so we can spot even the smallest changes. Whether you visit us for a routine check or because something feels off, we’re here to help.
Changes to your lens prescription aren’t a sign that something is wrong, they’re just part of life. What matters is catching those changes early so your eyes stay healthy and your vision stays clear.
Whether you’re noticing more frequent headaches, struggling to read fine print or just want peace of mind, book an eye test with us online now or call 1800 411 744 today.