Our sense of sight is one of the many ways we can experience and interact with the world around us. However, not everyone sees clearly. Millions of individuals require tools, like eyeglasses, to help them see clearly, and help address associated symptoms.
Ultimately, glasses not only correct refractive errors but also protect your eyes and prevent vision from worsening.
Some common signs that suggest it may be time for eyeglasses include:
- Blurry vision and difficulty focusing
- Frequent headaches and eye strain
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Difficulty with computer use
Understanding Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses play a critical role in maintaining good eye health and vision. They are more than just a tool to help you see better; they protect your eyes and prevent your vision from worsening.
Ignoring the need for glasses can lead to eye strain, headaches, and worsening of vision over time. While some worry that glasses can worsen vision, this is a common misconception. In reality, glasses correct refractive errors and provide visual clarity needed for daily tasks, preventing the eyes from working harder than necessary.
Glasses merely allow light entering the eye to focus correctly on the retina for clear vision. They don’t alter the eye’s physical structure. Vision prescriptions do naturally change over time, especially with age. But, this is due to your eyes changing, not the use of glasses.
Without this correction, eyes begin to strain in order to focus, leading to discomfort and fatigue. This prolonged eye strain can aggravate existing vision problems.
Additionally, glasses can offer protection against environmental elements that may harm your eyes, such as dust, debris, or UV rays. Some lenses come with UV protection, safeguarding your eyes from potential damage caused by prolonged sun exposure.
Therefore, consistently using your glasses benefits both vision and overall ocular health.
Signs that Suggest You May Need Glasses
These signs are often subtle and easy to overlook, so being aware of these can prevent future complications. If you experience these symptoms, it may be time to visit your optometrist for a routine eye exam.
These eye exams are vital for maintaining healthy vision and good ocular health. Beyond assessing visual clarity, these visits help detect and monitor signs of eye conditions allowing for timely intervention.
Blurry Vision & Difficulty Focusing
One of the most common signs that you may need glasses is blurry vision, impacting both near and far distances.
Holding objects too close to your face, or farther away than usual, is a common sign of refractive errors like myopia or hyperopia. This habit can put additional strain on your eyes as they constantly adjust to achieve the best focus, leading to fatigue and discomfort.
Difficulty focusing, especially during activities like reading or driving, can indicate that your eyes are struggling to maintain clear vision. This may result in frequent squinting or closing one eye to improve focus.
Eyeglasses catering to your specific refractive error can make it easier to see objects at a comfortable distance, relieving strain and preserving your eye health in the long run.
Frequent Headaches & Eye Strain
Headaches and eye strain are common symptoms of uncorrected vision problems.
When your eyes work harder to focus due to uncorrected refractive errors, the muscles around your eyes can become fatigued, leading to tension headaches. These headaches often occur after prolonged periods of reading, computer use, or other visual tasks.
Eye strain can also cause discomfort, dryness, and a burning sensation in the eyes. If left unaddressed, these symptoms can worsen over time, leading to more severe vision issues.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Struggling to see clearly in low-light conditions or at night may be a sign that you need glasses.
This symptom, known as night blindness or nyctalopia, is often associated with myopia or astigmatism. It can significantly impact your ability to drive at night or perform tasks in dim environments.
Difficulty seeing at night can pose safety risks, especially when driving.
Properly prescribed glasses can improve your night vision by enhancing contrast and reducing glare, making nighttime activities safer.
Increased Sensitivity to Light
Increased sensitivity to light, or photophobia, is another indication that you might need glasses.
This condition makes bright sunlight or harsh indoor lighting uncomfortable and can lead to squinting or closing your eyes frequently to avoid glare. Such sensitivity can cause headaches and exacerbate eye strain, ultimately affecting daily comfort and productivity.
Without proper correction, this can worsen over time, leading to a more frequent need to avoid brightly lit environments.
Eyeglasses with anti-reflective or photochromic lenses help reduce glare, making it easier to manage light sensitivity and protect your eyes from potential harm caused by excessive exposure to intense light.
Difficulty With Computer Use
Experiencing difficulty while using a computer or other digital screens is a modern, prevalent sign suggesting the need for glasses.
Symptoms like blurry vision, dry eyes, headaches, and shoulder or neck pain, often referred to as digital eye strain can result from uncorrected presbyopia or long hours of screen time without proper eyewear.
Blue-light glasses, for some individuals, can ease the strain experienced during prolonged screen use, improving visual comfort and reducing screen-related discomfort.
Schedule an Appointment
Consistently experiencing these symptoms may suggest that it’s time for vision correction with eyeglasses. Visiting your optometrist for a routine eye exam helps determine your visual clarity, and your updated vision prescription, and detect any signs of eye conditions.
Connect with The Eye Care Centre to schedule an appointment for your routine eye exam.
