Your prescription glasses play a key role in your vision and overall eye health. However, over time, subtle signs may indicate they’re no longer meeting your needs. Here are 5 signs you shouldn’t ignore that it’s time to change your prescription eyeglasses:
1. Headaches
Your eyeglasses are designed to correct your vision, making things clearer and easier to see. However, using an outdated or incorrect prescription can strain your eyes as they work harder to focus. This extra effort can lead to eye strain, muscle tension, and headaches, especially after reading, working on a computer, or driving.
2. Blurred Vision
Vision changes naturally over time, whether due to aging or eye health. You might find it harder to focus on distant or nearby objects. These prescription changes often happen gradually, so many people lose clarity in their vision without realizing it. Regular eye exams can help detect and address these changes early.
3. Eye Strain and Fatigue
Eye strain occurs when your eyes work harder to compensate for an incorrect prescription. If your eyeglasses aren’t properly adjusted, your eyes have to strain, leading to fatigue, tiredness, or a burning sensation. This discomfort worsens over time, especially with close-up tasks like reading or using a smartphone.
4. Vision Blindness at Night
Night vision problems, like glare from headlights or difficulty seeing in low light, can occur if your prescription isn’t properly suited for night conditions. Outdated prescriptions can cause halos or streaks of light at night, making it unsafe to drive or navigate unfamiliar areas.
5. Lifestyle or Activities Change
As you age or experience changes in lifestyle, your prescription needs may change as well. For example, someone who spends a lot of time on a computer may need lenses designed to reduce eye strain and improve focus. Older adults often find reading more difficult without eyeglasses and may require a new prescription with different curvature or added protection to make reading easier and more comfortable.
When Should You Update Your Eyeglasses?
It’s important to have regular eye exams every 1-2 years, even if your vision seems stable. Small changes in your eyesight can lead to discomfort, headaches, blurry vision, or eye strain. Keeping your glasses prescription up-to-date ensures clear, comfortable, and safe vision. If you experience any of these issues, it’s time to consult an eye care professional for an evaluation and a new prescription.
References:
Admin. (2023). When to change glasses: 7 signs you should watch out for. Eye Braces Clinic. Retrieved from: https://eyebracesclinic.com/when-to-get-new-eye-prescription/
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American Optometric Association. (n.d.). Eye strain and headaches. American Optometric Association. Retrieved from: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/eye-strain?sso=y
Gary Heiting, O. (2023). 10 tips for Computer Eye Strain Relief. All About Vision. Retrieved from: https://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm
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Mayo Clinic. (2024). Blurred vision. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/blurred-vision/basics/causes/sym-20050773
National Eye Institute. (2020). Night blindness. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/night-blindness
Nunez, K. (2024). Eyestrain headache: Symptoms, treatment, prevention, more. Healthline. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-strain-headache
The Vision Council. (n.d.). Eye health and lifestyle. The Vision Council. Retrieved from: https://www.visioncouncil.org/content/eye-health
YESGLASSES. (n.d.). Blurred vision: What are the causes?. Retrieved from: https://www.yesglasses.com/blog/blurred-vision