As you grow older, the chances of developing some eye problems increase. Glasses can help protect and enhance vision, as well as correct common visual disorders. However, if you’ve never had to wear glasses before, how do you know it’s time to start?
If you notice squinting, headaches, eye fatigue, or you have trouble reading or seeing at night, these could be signs it’s time to make an appointment for glasses. Your optometrist can examine your eyes and find the prescription that will help you see clearer.
1. Squinting
For people with uncorrected refractive errors, light scatters as it enters the eye. This scattering causes blurriness since the light isn’t landing directly on the retina at the back of the eye. When we squint, we narrow our eyelids, reducing the amount of light that enters the eye. This, in turn, can improve clarity and sharpness, though only slightly like aperture in a camera .
Some people squint when they read a book or when they watch TV. While squinting can be a temporary solution to blurry vision, it’s not a long-term fix. While squinting can cause eye strain, wrinkles and head aches, it shouldn’t damage your eye permanently. Still, don’t put up with squinting when glasses can help you see comfortably.
2. Eye Fatigue
Eye fatigue can happen when you use your eyes too much during the day. This can happen because you’re looking at your computer or phone too much or if you are reading for an extended period. During this time, your eyes are working harder to keep the image clear.
Uncorrected vision problems could make it harder for you to use screens. Even if you normally don’t notice any blurriness, the increased strain on your eyes while trying to focus on the small text and images as you work on a computer all day can take its toll.
Corrective lenses can help reduce the amount of eye strain that you experience when reading, using a computer, or performing other vision-related tasks. Glasses could help prevent you from having to continuously adjust or squint your eyes to see clearly. Resting your eyes regularly using the 20-20-20 rule can also help relieve or prevent eye strain.
3. Frequent Headaches
It may surprise you to learn that refractive errors, such as astigmatism, could be behind your headaches. Astigmatism is a common condition in which your cornea has an irregular shape, resulting in blurry vision and discomfort. While astigmatism alone is not likely to cause headaches, it can contribute to eye strain—which can then lead to headaches.
But eye strain isn’t the only cause of headaches, and knowing the source can help you find relief. Here are some signs that your vision might be behind your headaches:
- The headache develops after you’ve been reading, watching TV, or anything with prolonged eye activity
- The headache subsides once you give your eyes a break
- Eye strain headaches don’t normally cause nausea
- The pain is located behind or around your eyes
If you notice these symptoms repeatedly, it may be worth considering an eye exam. Your optometrist can ask questions about your work and reading habits, and any other vision-related issues that you may have noticed. Based on the results of your eye exam, they can determine whether you need glasses or not.
4. Trouble Seeing Nearby Objects
As we get older, many of us may start to notice a decline in vision when it comes to seeing objects up close, such as while reading a book or looking at a phone screen. This can be frustrating and it might seem like you’re losing your ability to focus, but the truth is that this is a normal part of aging and you can correct it with glasses. In fact, this condition is so common that it has its own name: presbyopia.
Presbyopia occurs when the eye’s lens loses its elasticity, making it harder for the eye to focus on nearby objects. This typically happens after the age of 40. Symptoms of presbyopia include:
- Difficulty reading small print or in dim light
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- The need to hold reading material farther away from your face to be able to see it clearly
One of the most common ways to treat presbyopia is through the use of corrective lenses, such as reading glasses or progressives. Progresives contain many different prescriptions in 1 lens, helping you see clearly both up close and at a distance.
5. Poor Night Vision
If you’re struggling to see at night, it could be a sign that you need glasses. Your pupils widen in dark conditions, potentially allowing more peripheral light in. For some people, this additional light doesn’t focus on their retina properly, causing night myopia, where distant objects appear blurry. Even people with 20/20 vision can experience this.
Astigmatism can also make it harder to see at night. The uneven focus of light on the retina can cause halos or glare around lights, making it hard to distinguish objects in the dark. This can be particularly problematic when driving at night, as it can be challenging to see oncoming traffic or read road signs.
People with astigmatism may also experience more difficulty adjusting to changes in light, such as going from a dark room to a brightly lit area.
It’s Time for Stylish Frames & Clear Vision
If any of these signs feel familiar to you or your family, it might be time for an eye exam. Our team at York Mills Eye Care can evaluate your vision and recommend glasses if necessary.
It can be challenging to admit when you need assistance with any aspect of your health, but it’s vital to prioritize your sight and get the necessary resources to see clearly. Book your appointment today!
