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PhrasesAt the OpticianQuando devo aggiornare la mia prescrizione?
A2

Quando devo aggiornare la mia prescrizione?

When do I need to update my prescription?

Pronunciation

ag-gyor-NA-re — four syllables, stress on third. 'Prescrizione' — same as before.

When to use it

Ask the optician or ophthalmologist how often to update your prescription. Important for maintaining optimal vision.

What it means

'Aggiornare la prescrizione' = to update the prescription. Italian ophthalmologists recommend: every 2 years for adults under 40 without known conditions, every year for children (growing eyes), every year for diabetics and glaucoma patients, and whenever vision changes noticeably. Myopia may progress until age 25-30 in young people.

Variations

La mia vista è cambiata. Ho bisogno di una nuova ricetta.

My eyesight has changed. I need a new prescription.

Book a new eye test — do not wait for the standard interval if vision changes

Ogni quanto un bambino deve fare il controllo della vista?

How often should a child have their eyes checked?

Children: annually or as directed by the paediatric ophthalmologist

La vista si stabilizza ad una certa età?

Does eyesight stabilise at a certain age?

Myopia usually stabilises in the mid-20s; presbyopia continues to progress through 60s

Mini Dialogue

— Quando devo aggiornare la mia prescrizione? Gli occhiali hanno due anni. — Per adulti senza problemi particolari, ogni due anni è sufficiente. — Ma sento che la vista è peggiorata. — Allora non aspetti. Prenoti subito una visita oculistica. — Posso farlo qui? — Sì, abbiamo un optometrista. O posso indirizzarla da un oculista.

— When do I need to update my prescription? My glasses are two years old. — For adults without particular problems, every two years is sufficient. — But I feel my vision has gotten worse. — Then do not wait. Book an eye appointment right away. — Can I do that here? — Yes, we have an optometrist. Or I can refer you to an ophthalmologist.

Cultural Note

Italian paediatric ophthalmologists recommend the first comprehensive eye examination at age 3-4 years for all children — earlier if family history of amblyopia ('occhio pigro') or strabismus ('strabismo'). 'Ambliopia' (lazy eye) can be treated effectively only in early childhood ('periodo critico') — after age 7-8, results are limited. Italian schools do not routinely perform vision screening, making parental vigilance important.