How Often Do Eye Prescriptions Change in Teenagers and What Should You Do?

Many teenagers experience a frequent change in their eye prescriptions, especially during the early teenage years. If you are 15 and notice that you need stronger glasses every six months, you are not alone. While these changes can be concerning, they are often a natural part of your growing body and developing eyesight.

Understanding Eye Prescription Changes

As a teenager, your eyes are still developing and growing. This growth affects the optical properties of your eyes, which in turn can change your eye prescription. It is entirely normal for eye prescriptions to change during the teenage years, as teenagers can experience more significant changes in their vision compared to adults.

Specifically, from ages 12 to 18, it is common for eye prescriptions to change more frequently. It is not unusual for teenagers to have to get new glasses every six months due to these changes. While this might be concerning, it can be managed successfully with the proper care and advice from eye care professionals.

Consulting with Eye Care Professionals

If you are worried about the frequency of your prescription changes, it is important to consult with your eye care professionals, such as an optometrist. They can provide you with a thorough examination and advice tailored to your specific needs. There are various methods available to manage myopia and prevent further progression.

Orthokeratology Contact Lenses

One method that can be particularly effective is orthokeratology contact lenses. These are custom-designed rigid contact lenses worn overnight that gradually reshape the cornea, reducing the need for strong glasses or contacts during the day. This can be a great option for teenagers who want to avoid the daily hassle of glasses or contacts.

Alternatively, Stability and Laser Vision Correction

While frequent changes in prescription are common, there will come a point when your prescription becomes more stable. Once your prescription has stabilized for a few years, you may consider laser vision correction options such as LASIK, PRK, or SMILE. However, it is important to note that LASIK is typically not recommended for those under 21-25 years old, due to the fact that the eye continues to grow and develop during this period.

Special Considerations for High Prescription Changes

For some individuals, such as myself, high prescription changes are not just a bother but a significant challenge. Having a prescription as high as 20/153 with glasses and needing 20/10-3 with contact lenses makes even 20/20 vision an issue. Due to corneal thinness and high prescription, laser correction can sometimes pose significant risks, making other methods more suitable.

Disclaimer and Professional advice

Remember that this information is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are concerned about your eye health or the frequency of your eye prescription changes, please consult with a healthcare provider. Eye care professionals such as optometrists and ophthalmologists can provide you with the most accurate and personalized advice.

Always seek the advice of your doctor or an eye care professional before making any significant changes to your vision correction plan.

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