For many of us, it’s a regular ritual: we buy new glasses, take them home, and slip them on for that perfect fit. And for many of us, the ritual ends there. We don’t often think about our eyeglasses except when we need to buy more.
But buying a new one is more than a simple matter of going shopping. There are some definite signs you need new eyeglasses, and ignoring these is only going to make your vision worse in the long run.
So, what are some of these signs? Read on for 11 signs you need new eyeglasses.
1. Frequent Squinting
If you find yourself squinting frequently, it’s a sign that you need new eyeglasses. Your current eyeglasses are no longer allowing you to see clearly, and as a result, you’re constantly squinting in an attempt to see better.
Many different eye problems can cause frequent squinting. Some of the more common problems include astigmatism, nearsightedness, and farsightedness.
Squinting occurs when the eye muscles contract in an attempt to focus on an object. This can be a result of the eye not being able to focus properly, or it could be due to an object being too far away or too close to the eye. If you are frequently squinting, it is important to see an eye doctor so that they can determine the cause of the problem and prescribe the proper treatment.
2. Eye Fatigue or Strain
Wearing the wrong types of glasses can cause eye strain and fatigue. Wearing outdated eyeglasses can also be the culprit.
There are several potential causes of eye fatigue. One is simply staring at a computer screen, phone, or other electronic device for too long. This can cause the eyes to become dry and irritated, leading to fatigue.
Some underlying medical conditions can also lead to eye fatigue, such as diabetes or certain autoimmune disorders. If you are experiencing eye fatigue, it is important to see an eye doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
3. Headaches
If you experience headaches regularly, you might want to think about getting new eyeglasses. Your vision may be strained when you don’t have the right eyeglass prescription, which can lead to headaches.
There are a few eye conditions that can cause headaches as a symptom. One is called a convergent spasm, which is when the muscles around the eye contract uncontrollably. This can cause difficulty reading and headaches.
Cluster headaches are another type of headache that can be caused by eye problems. They are a type of recurrent headache that is often accompanied by tearing or redness in the eye.
If you’ve been using the same prescription glasses for a while, it’s possible that your vision has changed and you need an updated prescription. Schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to get your vision checked and find out if you need new eyeglasses.
4. Blurry Vision
Many people experience blurry vision at some point in their lives. Blurry vision is usually a sign that your eyesight is deteriorating and you need new eyeglasses. If you experience blurry vision, you should make an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to get your eyes checked.
There are many potential causes of blurred vision. Some causes are more serious than others.
Cataracts are among the most common causes of blurred vision. They occur when the lens of the eye becomes opaque, making it difficult for light to pass through.
Glaucoma is another potential cause of blurred vision. It occurs when the pressure inside the eye becomes too high. This can damage the optic nerve, causing vision to become blurred.
5. Needing Brighter Light
If you’re having difficulty seeing things at night or struggling to see under bright sunlight, one of the solutions for you is getting a pair of glasses that can correct your eyesight problem. Needing brighter light to see is a common problem for aging people.
There are several reasons why your eyes might need bright light to see. One reason is that your pupils are too small. Pupils normally get smaller in bright light, but sometimes they can stay small even in low light. This is called pupillary miosis.
Another reason is that you might have cataracts, which are cloudy patches that form on your eye’s lens. Cataracts usually form in old age, but they can sometimes form in young people, too.
Finally, you might have a condition called nystagmus, which causes your eyes to jerk back and forth involuntarily. Nystagmus can be caused by a variety of things, including certain medications, brain tumors, and inner ear problems.
6. Difficulty With Night Vision
Many people experience difficulty with night vision. Many things can cause this. It can be something as simple as needing more light to see, or it can be a more serious condition like a cataract.
Other causes of difficulty with night vision include glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetes. If you are having difficulty seeing at night, it is important to see your doctor and find out the cause.
Poor night vision can make it difficult to drive, read, and participate in other activities. There are several ways to improve night vision, including getting regular eye exams, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding bright lights before bedtime.
7. Seeing Halos Around Lights
One symptom of several eye conditions is seeing halos around lights. If you have this symptom, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an eye condition, but it is important to see an eye doctor to rule out any potential problems.
If you have diabetes, glaucoma, or cataracts, you may be more likely to see halos around lights. If you are taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids, this may also be a side effect.
In most cases, seeing halos around lights is not a serious problem, but it is important to have your eyes checked to be sure. The solution may be as simple as getting new eyeglasses.
8. You Need to Sit Close to the TV
If you find yourself needing to sit close to the TV to see it clearly, it may be a sign of eye problems. Presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, is a common condition that causes difficulty focusing on objects that are up close. If you’re over the age of 40 and noticing this problem, make an appointment with an eye doctor to get a comprehensive eye exam.
Other possible causes of needing to sit close to the TV include cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. All of which can be detected and treated by an eye doctor.
If your eyeglasses are old, you may simply need to get a new one to fix this problem. On that note, you might want to check out the ray ban wayfarer eyeglasses.
9. Frequent Eye Rubbing
If you find yourself frequently rubbing your eyes, it could be a sign of eye problems. While rubbing your eyes can sometimes help relieve fatigue or itchiness, if you do it too often, it can irritate your eyes and make your vision worse.
Eye rubbing can exacerbate certain conditions, such as allergies, astigmatism, and dry eye. It can also lead to wrinkles and other signs of premature aging around the eyes.
If you think you may have an eye condition, see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a thorough evaluation. In the meantime, try to break the habit of rubbing your eyes by keeping your hands busy with other activities.
10. Losing Your Place While Reading
One of the most telltale signs is losing your place while reading. This happens because your eyes are no longer able to focus on the words on the page.
It can be difficult to concentrate your eyes while reading if you have any type of eye problem. This is because your eyes are not able to focus on the words as well as they should be.
This can lead to you feeling dizzy or even getting headaches. If you find yourself having to re-read lines or entire paragraphs, it’s time to see your eye doctor.
11. Your Glasses Are Old
There are a few telltale signs that your glasses are too old and need to be replaced. For starters, if the lenses are scratched or cracked, it’s time for new glasses.
If the frames are bent or broken, that’s another sign that your glasses are too old. Also, if the nose pads are coming off or the hinges are loose, it’s time to get new glasses. If you wear glasses and notice any of these signs, be sure to get new glasses as soon as possible.
Often, people will replace their glasses when their prescription changes. However, if you do not have a change in prescription, you can replace your glasses every two to three years.
The Importance of Getting New Eye Glasses
It is important to get new eyeglasses when your prescription changes or your glasses are no longer working well. New glasses can help you see more clearly and be more comfortable.
If you need a new one, there are a few avenues you can explore to get help. Many public and private organizations offer assistance with vision care costs. Your local community may also have resources available. Don’t hesitate to ask for help in getting the eyeglasses you need.
If you found this article helpful, be sure to check out the health and lifestyle section of our blog for more!
