There’s a list of things we all do every year to keep ourselves healthy and in tip-top shape. We exercise, eat our fruits and vegetables and attend our routine health appointments. Between a regular physical, two teeth cleanings and an eye appointment (if you’re a glasses-wearer), do we really need to go annually? When it comes to your vision, what if your glasses still have you seeing as clear as the day you got them?

Experts recommend you receive a comprehensive eye exam every two years. This is to ensure your eye is in perfect health as your doctor will check the eye beyond just vision for any infections or diseases.  If you’re a contacts-wearer, you probably already know you need a new prescription every year to replenish your contact lenses.

However, in the meantime or if you’re still unsure if you need to make a visit to your eye doctor, here are signs that you should make an appointment to update your glasses or contact prescription.

Blurry Vision

This might be obvious, but if you find yourself squirting to see because your vision is getting blurrier, it would be a good idea to check that out. Eyesight typically stabilizes in your 20’s, so any changes happening past that age range might be a sign of something more serious. Either way, you’d want to get new glasses or contacts that fit your new vision.

Tired Eyes

Tired eyes, or eye strain, can mean your eyes are working too hard to see, potentially due to a change in your prescription. Feeling a persistent ache or heaviness in your eyes is a good time to make a call to your eye doctor.

Headache

Eye strain, no matter what the cause, can lead to headaches, so this is a good sign that you should take your discomfort seriously.

Damaged Lenses

Damaged lenses on your glasses would need a current prescription to be replaced. The scratches can also make it seem as if your vision has worsened so having an exam can confirm that.

Contact Lenses That Don’t Fit

For those who wear contacts, if you find your contact lenses are no longer comfortable to wear, your eye doctor can prescribe a different brand of contacts that fit your new needs.

To Try New Glasses Styles

If you’re looking to change up your look with new glasses, you’ll want an updated prescription so that your new frames are equipped with fresh lenses.

No matter the reason, it’s important to be aware of any changes in your eyes. They are one of the most delicate parts of the body, so the best way to take care of them is by visiting your eye doctor regularly.