Are you suffering from headaches or constantly having to squint to see things clearly? Here are five definitive signs you might need a new prescription for your eyeglasses.
If you are having difficulty seeing, eyeglasses are one of the most cost-effective, comfortable, and efficient vision correction solutions. The right prescription can have many benefits and will give you:
- Better vision
- Higher quality of life
- Greater comfort
- Better safety when driving at night
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At Market Mall Optometry, we offer a wide range of vision services from the most fashionable eyeglasses to contact lens fittings and glaucoma testing in order to ensure the long-term health and comfort of your vision.
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5 Signs Your Eyeglasses Need a New Prescription
Having an eyeglasses prescription that no longer optimizes your vision not only reduces your ability to see clearly, but it can also accelerate the deterioration of your vision. That’s why it’s extremely important to know what to look for when you’re assessing whether or not you need an upgrade.
Apart from visiting your optometrist for an eye exam to determine if you need a new prescription for your eyeglasses, there are several signs and symptoms you can pick up on yourself:
1. Blurred Vision
One of the most obvious signs that your eyeglasses aren’t correcting your vision like they should is fuzzy and unclear eyesight. When things start to look blurry around the edges, it’s important to book an eye exam with your local optometrist as soon as possible.
2. You’re Squinting A Lot
Are you finding that you’re constantly squinting (partly closing your eyes) to see better? When you squint, a smaller amount of concentrated light is let into your eyes, resulting in better vision.
While this may get the job done temporarily, it shouldn’t be happening while you’re wearing glasses.
NOTE: Pay particular attention to what time of day the squinting happens. If you notice your vision gets worse at night, it’s important to book an eye exam immediately.
3. Your Eyes Feel Tired
Poor vision can take a significant toll on your eyes. Eye fatigue can be caused by a number of factors, including:
- How many hours of sleep you’re getting
- Seasonal allergies
- Certain medical conditions
- Focusing on one object (such as a book or computer) for too long
However, these factors should only cause temporary, occasional strain. If you’re experiencing tired eyes for more than two days, it could mean that there are significant changes in your vision that need to be addressed.
Talk to your eye doctor about how a new pair of prescription eyeglasses can help alleviate your symptoms.
4. Your Eyes Are Sensitive To Light
If bright lights either from indoors or from the sun is making you squint, cover your eyes, or even shut them in pain, then it’s definitely time for a new eyeglasses prescription! It’s important to visit your doctor about any light sensitivity because it could be a sign:
- That your eyes are working overtime
- That you have an eye infection
- Of other vision conditions that may require immediate attention
If you are experiencing chronic light sensitivity, then it’s important to visit your local eye clinic as soon as possible.
5. You’re Getting Frequent Headaches
Even though your vision may seem perfect with your old pair of eyeglasses, an outdated prescription can cause eye strain, which in turn will lead to headaches. Other signs of eye strain include:
- Difficulty focusing
- Sore or irritated eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Double vision
- Dry or watery eyes
If you have begun experiencing frequent and painful headaches recently, then the best remedy might actually be a new pair of eyeglasses!
3 Other Reasons Why You Might Need a New Pair of Eyeglasses
Apart from a new prescription, there are several other reasons why you may need to upgrade your eyeglasses. This includes:
1. Your Lenses Are Scratched
No matter how careful you are, sometimes it’s not possible to prevent small scuffs on your lenses. But remember: even if those scratches may seem small, they could be affecting your vision in ways you aren’t aware of, and may even lead to eye strain.
If your lenses do have scratches, your best bet might be to get a new pair or completely upgrade your eyeglasses.
Ways You're Damaging Your Glasses
2. You’re Having Trouble Cleaning Your Eyeglasses
The lenses of some eyeglasses are treated with special coatings such as:
- UV protection
- Scratch resistant
- Blue Light
- Dust Repellent
While these coatings can be very beneficial, over time they do tend to break down, leaving behind a film that could make your eyeglasses blurry or difficult to clean - leading to less clear and uncomfortable vision.
3. You’re Out of Fashion
Modern eyeglasses are for so much more than just vision correction. Today, they are also a great fashion statement. If you haven’t had a new pair of spectacles for over a year, then you may want to visit your local optometrist or eyeglasses retailer for a much-needed upgrade!
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To find out more about our wide range of vision services including contact lenses, diabetic retinopathy, and cataract management, contact our Calgary eye clinic at 403-286-4884 or fill in our online contact form
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