Approximately 64% of US adults, equivalent to 166.5 million Americans, wear prescription eye glasses to see clearly. Purchasing eyeglasses is not a one-time event, as most adults require new prescriptions on a regular basis, in addition to changing styles.
How can you tell when it’s time to replace your glasses? There are seven indications that suggest you may require a new prescription.
7 signs you need new glasses
Do you suspect you may need a new prescription for your eyeglasses? These are the telltale signs.
You’re getting frequent headaches
If you are experiencing headaches, it may be necessary to get a new eyeglasses prescription. However, since there are over 150 types of headaches, it can be challenging to identify if the problem is related to your prescription.
If you frequently experience headaches, keep track of when they occur. If you notice that you get a headache after focusing intently on something, it may be a good idea to schedule an appointment with your optometrist.
You’re squinting to read things
Do you often squint when you’re reading or looking at your phone? You may not be aware of it, but you may scrunch up your face and partially close one eye to see something more clearly.
Squinting alters the amount of light that enters the eye, making it easier to see things more sharply. However, if you find yourself squinting frequently, it’s a clear indication that it’s time to update your eyeglasses prescription.
You’re experiencing eye strain
Eye strain is a prevalent condition that can occur when you overuse your eyes, such as by using digital devices excessively, driving long distances, reading for extended periods, or exposing yourself to very bright or dim light.
Symptoms of eye strain may include fatigue, redness, watering, and blurry vision. In addition to getting a new prescription, you may find relief from blue light blocking glasses if you spend prolonged periods staring at a screen.
You have occasional blurred vision
Blurred vision refers to the inability to see things clearly. If it occurs gradually, you may not immediately realize that your vision is no longer as sharp and clear as it once was.
An outdated eyeglass prescription is a frequent cause of blurred vision, whether you’re nearsighted (having difficulty seeing objects far away), farsighted (having difficulty seeing objects up close), or have astigmatism (when your eye has an improper shape, causing blurry vision).
It’s been years since you saw the optometrist for glasses
If you haven’t seen your eye doctor in over two years, it’s time for a new eyeglasses prescription. Medical professionals recommend that adults receive a comprehensive eye examination every two years. However, if you have underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, it may be necessary to see your eye doctor more frequently, such as annually.
You have trouble driving at night with or without glasses
Night blindness is a condition where your eyes struggle to adapt to the reduced amount of light available at night, making it difficult to see the road. Obtaining a new prescription may often address this issue.
How often should you update your glasses prescription?
Glasses prescriptions typically require updating every one to two years. Even if your prescription appears to have remained unchanged, it is advisable to schedule an eye exam as per the recommended timeline. It’s essential to prioritize eye exams and book your next appointment if you notice any of the seven signs mentioned above. As vision is one of our most critical senses, it’s crucial to maintain regular eye checkups and renew eyeglass prescriptions before any visual impairments become severe.
In addition to keeping your vision sharp, purchasing new glasses allows you to experiment with different frames and give yourself an entirely new appearance.
