5 signs it may be time to replace glasses
Tiny lens scratches, loose frames and more can keep people from seeing clearly. Learn what changes signal it’s time to get a new pair of eyeglasses.
Clear vision is important for everyday life, but not everyone has 20/20 vision. That’s where corrective lenses come in.
It’s a good idea for adults aged 18 years and older to get an eye exam every year, according to the American Optometric Association’s guidelines.1 Or even more often, depending on what their eye care provider recommends.
Usually at these exams, an eye care provider will check a patient’s lenses. Typically, eyeglasses are replaced when a person’s prescription changes or when the eyeglasses are scratched and damaged, explains Viola Kanevsky, O.D., an optometrist at Acuity NYC, in New York City.
But sometimes small changes in lenses and frames can affect how well a person sees.
“Eyeglasses often need to be refreshed before a patient notices a major prescription change,” notes Haris Dzubur, O.D. He’s an optometrist at OKO Medical Eye Care in Elmwood Park, IL. “In many cases, the earliest signs are subtle and develop gradually over time.”
Here are 5 signs that a person’s glasses may need an update.
1. More glare at night
It can be stressful driving at night when there’s a possibility of being blinded by oncoming headlights. “Night driving complaints are important to watch for, especially reports of halos, streaks, or bothersome glare around lights,” Dzubur says.
One culprit may be dirty or scratched lenses, says Kanevsky. Or a person may have cataracts, which also increase the chances of being bothered by glare or seeing halos, she adds.
An eye care provider can rule out cataracts with a comprehensive eye exam. During the visit, they can also check how scratched up a person’s eyeglasses are.
2. Micro-scratches that dull clarity
Lenses may look fine on the surface, but tiny scratches can build up over time. These marks are often too small to notice right away. Still, they can affect how light passes through the lens and hits the retina.
Lenses can develop scratches in several ways. When people use paper towels or tissues to dry their lenses after washing them, the fine paper particles can scratch lenses. So too can putting lenses face down or not putting them back in their cases.2
“Fine scratches on the lenses can reduce optical clarity, increase glare, and make vision feel less crisp even if the eyeglasses are technically wearable,” Dzubur explains. Patients may notice that their vision is no longer as sharp or clear as it once was.
To avoid the worst of these tiny scratches, people should dry their lenses with a microfiber cloth or other products recommended by their eye care providers.2
Where eyeglasses are stored is also important. “We tell children to keep their glasses, ‘In the case, on the face and no other place!’ This is probably good advice for adults as well,” Kanevsky says.
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3. Coating wear and tear
Modern lenses often include coatings to protect the eyes. These may include anti-glare, scratch-resistant, or blue-light filtering layers. Some lenses also have UV-blocking coating.
Lens coatings can wear down when glasses are left in a hot place, such as near a radiator or in a hot car. Or simply from normal cleaning over time.
To prolong the life of lens coatings, Kanevsky recommends the following:
- Wash them with cool water and mild liquid soap (like dishwashing liquid) and dry with a microfiber cloth.
- Use glare-free cleaning cloths to remove fingerprints between washes.
- Avoid clearing lenses by rubbing them with a shirt or sweater.
4. Frames that slip or pinch
Frames also play a key role in how well people see. Proper fit keeps lenses aligned with the eyes. When people are nearsighted or farsighted, the lenses in their eyeglasses bend the light so that it hits the retina in the right way and correct their vision problem.3
That’s why eye care providers take time to check how well a new pair of eyeglasses fit their patients. “Over time, though, glasses may no longer sit properly on the face due to loosening, warping or general wear,” Dzubur says.
Sometimes frames become warped from excessive heat. Or because people take them off with one hand instead of two.2
“A frame that slides down the nose, pinches at the temples or simply does not fit the face as well as it once did can affect both comfort and visual performance,” notes Dzubur.
Badly fitting frames may lead to strain or blurry vision and signal that it’s time for an update.
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5. Increased screen fatigue
For people who wear glasses, spending time in front of a computer or on a smartphone can take a toll on eyes. Screen fatigue can show up in several ways, says Dzubur:
- The eyes feel more tired at the end of the day, especially after using the computer.
- A person is having more headaches.
- They’re squinting or straining more to see.
These may be signs that the lenses are no longer providing the clarity or support a person needs, Dzubur notes.
When their eyeglasses aren’t strong enough, people’s eyes have to work harder, leading to dry eyes, eye strain and fatigue.4
When to take action
In many patients, the issue is not one dramatic change, Dzubur says. Instead, it's a gradual decline in performance, comfort and visual quality.
The bottom line? “When glasses no longer feel effortless, clear and comfortable, even in small ways, it is often a good time to consider replacing them,” he notes.
Regular eye exams can help track these changes. Eye care providers can check both prescription and lens condition. They can also assess how well frames fit.
When glasses fit well and help people see clearly, then it’s easier for folks to go about their daily activities. And that’s a priceless gift.
Sources:
- Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination, 2nd edition American Optometric Association
- Take Care of Your Eyeglasses Nebraska Optometric Association, June 3, 2024
- Eyeglasses Cleveland Clinic, May 30, 2025
- 8 Signs You Need New Glasses Dr. Gary Tracy Optometry, September 1, 2025
Dr. Viola Kanevsky, OD Acuity NYC
Dr. Haris Dzubur, O.D., OKO Medical eyecare
