7 Signs You Might Need Glasses

Have you noticed that your eyesight is not as great as it used to be? While most Americans have good eyesight, poor eyesight is not as rare as you may think. If you have noticed a reduction in the quality of your vision, you are likely wondering if you need glasses. The decision on whether you need glasses or not should always be based upon an ophthalmologist’s recommendation and diagnosis. But before you book your appointment, it’s important to understand the signs that you may need glasses. We’ve prepared this guide to help you out.

Do I Need Glasses?

Before we jump into the signs you need glasses, we always encourage you to look after your eye health. The biggest problem most of us face is that we don’t give our eyes adequate rest. For example, do you ever experience computer eye strain? Do you rub your eyes often? Make sure you follow the best practices for caring for your eyes. Now let’s look at some of the signs you may need glasses:

1. Myopia

Also known as nearsightedness, this is when you can see close objects clearly. However, objects that are at a distance are less clear and often blurry. This is quite common among both children and adults and can occur at any age. If you find that you need to get closer to an object to see it clearly, you definitely want to consult an ophthalmologist. Myopia patients are often recommended to wear glasses.

2. Hyperopia

Also known as farsightedness, this is the opposite of myopia. You can see distant objects clearly but have difficulty seeing nearby objects. This affects a small percentage of the American population. It occurs when the eyeball is shorter than usual and the cornea is shaped abnormally. We recommend seeing your ophthalmologist if you are experiencing hyperopia.

3. Astigmatism

Most people have a mild form of astigmatism and do not need glasses. A stronger form will likely need glasses. Astigmatism occurs when light is not distributed evenly to your retina. This distorts vision and causes images to appear blurry. It can happen at any age and is one of the more common eye ailments.

4. General Vision Issues

If you are experiencing any general vision issues you may need glasses. For example, are you having to pull your face closer to your book or laptop or smartphone to read text? If this doesn’t happen on a regular basis, it’s not something to worry about. If you notice that you are doing it regularly, this is cause for concern. What about squinting? Do you have to squint to read something or focus on an object? If you squint often, you may need glasses. If you have great vision during the day but are having more difficulty seeing clearly at night, this is a sign that your vision is deteriorating. You may not need glasses to solve these issues. But if they are common, we recommend seeing your eye doctor. The eye doctor may prescribe medicine (such as eye drops) or just encourage you to give your eyes rest to alleviate these general vision issues.

5. Headaches and Migraines

Have you been experiencing headaches and migraines on a regular basis? These are a sign that you might have vision problems. If you experience these headaches and migraines at the front of your head or around your temples, you should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. As with the general vision issues, these will not always mean that you need glasses. Headaches and migraines can be caused due to poor health habits. The eye doctor might prescribe medicine or encourage you to improve your habits to reduce these headaches and migraines. If they continue to persist, then you should book a follow-up appointment with the ey eye doctor.

6. Double Vision

Double vision is when you literally see a duplicate of an image when there should only be one. This can mean seeing two smartphones side by side or seeing a duplicate image while watching television. Double vision is a serious ailment and should be looked at immediately. It can occur if you have crossed eyes or have a corneal irregularity. If you have these or any other serious eye disorder, you should see your eye doctor. Book an appointment immediately. You may need glasses that have special lenses to prevent double vision.

7. Strained Vision When Working

Do you find that you have strained vision when you are working on a task? Do you have difficulty reading the computer screen when you are typing? Do you need to squint or have difficulty focusing on your cooking? Do you struggle to read the road signs when you are driving? We often notice our strained vision when we have difficulty completing basic tasks due to not being able to focus on them. If you have difficulty reading or looking at the computer, you might be prescribed reading glasses. If the difficulty occurs in more serious tasks around the house or involves driving, you might have to wear glasses. If the strained version persists, you should speak to your eye doctor. It might be a case of having to look after your eye health. Or if your vision has deteriorated your eye doctor will prescribe glasses.

Eye Exams

As a final note, we encourage you to always take regular eye exams. While most Americans have good eye health and vision, our vision can deteriorate at any time. You have regular checkups with your GP and your dentist and you should have regular checkups with an eye doctor. Make sure you always follow the best practices we referenced in this guide. Have regular eye exams at least twice per year so your eye doctor can check for deteriorating vision and/or eye diseases. The more you look after your eye health, the lesser the chance that you will need glasses.

Come on in

Now that you know the signs you may need glasses, why not stop by for an eye exam? Our opticians will put your mind at rest and ensure you receive the best treatment. Check out our locations and give us a call today!
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