How Often Should You Replace Your Readers?
If you’re a glasses wearer, you know the thrill of finding that perfect pair of readers that fit just right and make everything crisp and clear again. But eventually, even the most beloved pair hits its limits. Whether it’s due to scratches, loose screws, or changes in your vision, at some point, every pair of glasses meets its end. However, it’s not always obvious that your readers are due for an upgrade.
So how often should you replace your readers? The truth is that there’s no strict timeline, but there are some signs and situations to look out for. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of when it’s time to swap out your trusty frames for a new pair.
Why Do Readers Need To Be Replaced?
Readers, just like any other accessory or piece of technology, degrade over time. Before we jump into when to replace them, it’s important to understand why they wear out or stop serving your needs.
Changes in Prescription
One of the most common reasons to replace your readers is a shift in your prescription. As your eyes age or experience strain from screen time and daily use, they may require a stronger or weaker lens. If you’ve been squinting more than usual, it’s a good idea to book an eye exam and see if your prescription has changed.
Daily Wear and Tear
No one sets out to mistreat their glasses, but life happens. Maybe your pair acquires scratches on the lenses from being popped in and out of pockets or purses. Perhaps you accidentally damaged or loosened the frame by dropping or sitting on it.
Or it could just be general wear and tear taking its inevitable toll on the frame. Eventually, hinges wear down and make your glasses sit awkwardly on your face. Also, even the most durable readers materials have a natural lifespan. Plastic or acetate frames can warp over the years, and metal frames can bend. Additionally, any coatings on your lenses (such as anti-glare or blue light protection) may lose effectiveness or start peeling.
Whatever the case, if your glasses aren’t in great shape, a replacement is in order.
How Often Should You Plan To Replace Your Readers?
Now that we’ve covered the causes, it’s time to answer the big question: How often should you replace your readers? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we outline some helpful guidelines below.
Every One to Two Years for Prescription Changes
If you use readers and haven’t had your eyes checked in a while, it’s time. You might not even notice when your vision worsens, which is why it’s good practice to schedule an annual or biennial eye exam. If your eye exam discovers you need a stronger prescription, you can update your readers right then and there.
And of course, even if you don’t go to your eye exams, you can sometimes tell when a new prescription is in order. If your vision is getting a bit fuzzier, and you find yourself squinting even when your readers are on, take note of that and head to the eye doctor.
Whenever You Notice Wear and Tear
Are the lenses scratched? Do the frames no longer fit securely? Do you feel like the coatings are no longer providing adequate blue light or UV protection?
If you’re dealing with any of the above issues, it’s time to get new readers. Your comfort and visual clarity are worth it!
When You Feel Discomfort
Do you experience headaches or sore, tired eyes after wearing your glasses for a bit? It might mean they’re not providing the right support for your vision. It could also mean that the frame is sitting on your face incorrectly because it no longer fits. Maybe the arms dig into your temples or the nose pads keep letting the readers slip down your nose. Properly adjusted readers should relieve strain—not cause it. If you’re even a little uncomfortable in your glasses, get a new pair!
Every 3 to 5 Years for Quality and Style Maintenance
Even if nothing is technically wrong with your readers, three to five years is a long time to hold onto a single pair. At that point, you’ll probably benefit from the higher-quality construction, fresh style, and improved technology of new glasses. Keep up with the trends and your vision changes by regularly replacing your frames.
How To Ensure Your Readers Last Longer
Don’t love paying for new glasses every year? Use these tips to make your readers last longer between replacements.
Regularly Clean Your Lenses
Dirty or smudged lenses not only impair your vision but can also lead to scratching. Use a microfiber cloth and a gentle, alcohol-free lens cleaner to keep them spotless.
Store Them in a Case
When you’re not using your glasses, keep them in a sturdy case to protect them from scratches and accidental damage.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Don’t leave your glasses in hot cars or toss them on the dashboard. Extreme heat can warp plastic frames and damage the coating on the lenses. Not to mention that lava-hot frames are painful to put on!
Handle Them With Care
Don’t throw your glasses around. Use both hands to take them off. Don’t place them lens-side down on surfaces. Just be gentle when you handle your readers.
Invest in Multiple Readers
Having multiple glasses extends the lifespan of each because you won’t subject only one pair to continuous wear and tear. Plus, everyone’s guilty of misplacing their frames every now and then. When you have several pairs, you’re more likely to always have one conveniently on hand.
Get Your Fresh Frames at A.J. Morgan Eyewear
Whether you need your very first pair of glasses or you’ve now realized that it’s time to replace your current ones, A.J. Morgan Eyewear is the place to be. From our women’s large reading glasses to our multifunctional sunglasses readers, we have a style for everyone. Browse our website to find your next favorite frames, grab a few, and then come back when it’s time to replace them. We’re always here for all your stylish glasses needs!