Many of us who wear eyeglasses will go years at a time without thinking about getting a new pair because we doggedly believe that we can still see perfectly with our old eyeglass lenses. However, just because you can see out of your glasses does not necessarily mean they are still doing their job, especially if it has been over two years. In fact, your old lenses may be working against you, whether or not you have noticed or realized it, causing needless eye strain and fatigue.
Knowing when it's time to get a new glasses prescription is not always as simple as vision changes typically happen slowly. It is recommended to update your prescription and get a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year to make sure that your eyesight and your eyeglasses are still in pristine condition. But, how can you tell if you need an updated prescription before your annual eye exam? Check out these common signs that you need new glasses frames or lenses.
1. Vision Is Blurry
If you notice that your vision is becoming blurry even when your eyeglasses are on, it is a definite sign that your prescription needs to be updated. Blurred vision can be caused by a drastic change in your vision or it could be a sign of a larger issue, such as cataracts. Regardless, head to your eye doctor whenever your vision is blurred or if you have trouble focusing.
2. Eyeglass Lenses Are Scratched.
If you don’t take proper care of your eyeglasses, the lenses can easily become damaged, especially if you wear your glasses everyday. Although these small scratches may seem unobtrusive, they can actually have a harmful effect on your vision. If not take care of properly, scratches can lead to eye strain or other vision injuries. To take better care of your eyeglasses, check out these tips.
3. Frequently Squinting
When people cannot see clearly, they tend to squint. Squinting is a natural way to enhance focus and clarity, but it can actually do more harm than good to your eyes long term. When you squint, you are putting excessive strain on the eye. If you notice yourself squinting frequently while reading or watching TV, it may be time to give your prescription an adjustment.
4. Headaches
Do you notice yourself getting an unusual amount of headaches? The problem could be your glasses. When your prescription is no longer doing the job, your eyes overwork themselves to compromise. This can cause your eyes to become strained and fatigued, which often leads to headaches. If you experience frequent headaches while reading or looking at something closely, you may need to update your glasses.