Your Optometrist will explain the purpose of your prescription and when they should be worn. In most cases, glasses will not cause any deterioration that would not otherwise occur. However, wearing glasses for activities other than recommended (i.e. distance glasses worn to read up close) may make the eyes work harder than they need to.

A regular eye examination is the best way to ensure healthy eyes and good vision. To maintain optimum eye health have a well balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables, and refrain from smoking. To avoid eye strain make sure you are wearing the proper glasses for the task, and take frequent brakes from long visual tasks such as computer work ( every 20 minutes, refocus to something 20 feet or further away, for 20 seconds).
It has also been established that children require an average two hours of natural light (out doors, regardless of activity), in order to maintain optimum health and reduce the chance of near sightedness.

A child should have their first vision evaluation by the age of three years old and annually thereafter. If there are any concerns, a child can be examined at any age.

The doctor will use symbols instead of letters. Much of the testing that is done by the doctor requires little input from the child. The child's eye exam is focused on assessment of the strength of the eyes, eye muscle status, and eye health to ensure proper vision development. Critical information can be obtained about your child's eyes without them needing to say a word!

There are many symptoms that require attention. They include rubbing eyes, squinting, turning or tilting their head, losing their place or using a finger to follow along when reading, moving their head or mouthing words while reading, headaches, red eyes, wandering eyes, complaints of blurred vision. Many disorders, such as having one weak eye, may have no symptoms. All children need eye examinations by the age of three.

Replacement time varies depending on eye health and tear chemistry, lifestyle and environmental exposure, time worn per day and days worn per week. Disposable lens replacement options can vary from daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and even quarterly. Your doctor will assess your eye health and vision status with your contact lenses to ensure you are following an appropriate wearing schedule.

Cataracts are largely an age-related condition, but many factors can enhance earlier onset. Ultraviolet Light exposure has a cumulative effect, as does smoking.

Laser eye surgery can now correct most prescriptions, including myopia (near sightedness or blurred far vision), hyperopia (far sightedness or blurred near vision), and astigmatism. It works best for people under the age of 45 years old, as we often need reading glasses (presbyopia) when we reach our forties and laser correction does not correct for this as well.
There are advantages and disadvantages to the procedure and these will vary for each individual, hence it is best to discuss these with your optometrist.
For more information please visit our Laser Eye Surgery section at the following link. Laser Eye Surgery

Children under the age of 19 should have their eyes examined every year by a doctor of optometry for a healthy visual development. Adults should have they eyes examined at least once every two years for the health of their eyes and any changes in refractive power. People over the age of 65 should have their eyes examined every year. As people grow older, you are at a higher risk of developing many serious eye conditions that could be avoided, treated or corrected with regular eye exams.
However, you should have your eyes examined as soon as possible if there are any changes in your vision, or if you feel any discomfort such as flashing lights. Also, people who suffer from diabetes should have their eyes examined every year.