The 10 Biggest Signs That You May Need Glasses

If you're having trouble seeing close-up, sunlight is particularly bothersome, or you get headaches often, it's time to visit your optometrist. You may need glasses!

1. Frequent headaches or eye strain

Eye strain is a common problem for people who are nearsighted, farsighted, or have other vision problems. It’s also known as visual fatigue and it can be caused by reading for long hours, watching TV or computer screens that are too bright all day long, and spending too much time looking at your phone.

If you experience any of these symptoms regularly then it could be time for glasses!

2. Blurred distance vision

Blurriness in your distance vision is a sign that you may need glasses. It can be caused by nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. If you want to make sure that this isn't something serious and needs treatment before wearing glasses all day long, consult an optometrist.

3. Having to squint to see things clearly

• You find yourself squinting to see things.

• You have to keep one eye closed while reading, and you feel tired after doing so.

• Your eyes feel dry or irritated when exposed to bright light.

If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it may be time for an eye exam!

4. Having to hold books and screen farther away

If you find that holding books, the computer screen, and other objects farther away from you is necessary to read them clearly, it’s a sign that you may need glasses.

This symptom is different from having to squint or strain when looking at things. You can try putting on reading glasses or getting an eye exam if this happens frequently.

5. Double vision

Double vision is a condition that causes two images to look like they're coming from different directions. It can result from an eye problem. Some etiologies can be corrected with glasses while others may be more serious conditions.  See your doctor quickly if you have double vision.   

6. Seeing Halos

Seeing halos around lights may be a sign of astigmatism.  

7. A hard time following moving objects with your eyes

This can be caused by the eyes not working together as a team. If this happens too often and consistently then there could be underlying issues with how they work together on their own as well as when they're combined for tasks such as reading or seeing clearly in general.

8. Reduced peripheral vision

It’s important to know that the ability to see things on the sides of your visual field is referred to as peripheral vision. Though we are more sensitive to our central vision, a reduction in peripheral vision may be due to medical conditions such as glaucoma.  Because glaucoma is a silently blinding disease, which means you will feel no pain, it is important to get your eyes check to rule out any pathology.  

9. Trouble seeing at night while driving

If you find yourself having trouble seeing at night while driving, it may be time to get your eyes checked. If you wear glasses during the day, make sure to keep them handy for nighttime driving. If you don't need glasses during the day, you may want to consider getting a pair of prescription glasses for nighttime driving.

10. You have general eye irritation, burning, or scratchiness

It's critical to understand that this could be a sign that you need new glasses, or it could be an underlying medical condition that has nothing to do with your vision.

Time to Visit an Optometrist?

You now know what to look for when it comes to vision problems. If your eyes are causing you pain, or if they just aren’t seeing as well as they should be, then it might be time to visit your optometrist.