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How to Know If You Need Glasses?

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Woman squinting at TV screen, showing signs of needing glasses

Your eyes change as you age, even if you’ve always enjoyed clear vision. That’s why, if you can’t remember the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam, now is the time to check whether prescription glasses could help keep your vision clear and comfortable.

Changes to vision often happen so slowly that they’re easy to overlook. But you might need glasses if you experience mild headaches after long hours on screens, have trouble reading road signs, or squint when reading. Luckily, a quick visit to your optometrist can help you stay ahead of these small changes.

Good Vision Can Still Use Extra Support

Many people believe that having 20/20 vision means perfect eyesight. But vision is more than just clarity at one distance. It also includes depth perception, peripheral vision, color vision, and how well your eyes work together.

It’s possible to see clearly on an eye chart but still struggle with reading up close, focusing on screens, or seeing well at night. Regular eye exams check for these subtle changes and help catch problems early—even if you’ve never worn glasses before.

Signs You May Need Glasses

Small changes in vision can sneak up on you. The brain works hard to keep things clear, but over time this extra effort can lead to headaches, tired eyes, or feeling worn out. Noticing these signs early can help you stay ahead of bigger vision problems and keep daily life more comfortable.

Blurry Vision

If you have trouble focusing on your phone, reading a menu, or spotting road signs, your eyes need help. Blurry vision often points to common issues like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism.

Frequent Headaches

Headaches that show up after reading, screen time, or focusing on details are easy to brush off as stress. But often they happen because your eyes are working too hard. Glasses can take the strain off and help you feel better.

Eye Strain

Eye strain is common, especially if you spend hours looking at screens. Sore or burning eyes, light sensitivity, or trouble shifting focus can all mean your eyes need extra support. The right lenses can make a big difference.

Squinting

Squinting might help sharpen focus for a moment, but it’s a sign your eyes are doing too much work. If you find yourself squinting often to read or see details clearly, it’s worth getting your eyes checked.

Difficulty Seeing at Night

Struggling to drive after dark or move around in dim spaces can point to vision changes. This is called “night blindness” (nyctalopia). Proper glasses can help you see more clearly and feel safer at night.

Double Vision

Seeing double is never normal. This can happen in one or both eyes and may be linked to astigmatism or other eye health issues. If you experience double vision, book an eye exam right away.

How Glasses Can Make Life Easier

Correcting Refractive Errors

Glasses make everyday tasks more comfortable and protect your eyes from eye strain. Correcting refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism helps your eyes focus light properly, so you see clearly at every distance.

Reducing Eye Strain

Glasses can help reduce eye strain by correcting vision problems that make your eyes work harder to focus. The right prescription can ease the visual effort during tasks like reading, computer work, or other close-up activities. Some lenses also feature anti-reflective coatings that minimize glare, which can improve comfort and reduce visual fatigue throughout the day.

Adding Style & Comfort

Glasses have also become an easy way to show off your style. With so many shapes, colors, and materials available, they’re as much an accessory as they are a tool for clear vision.

Optician helping customer choose new eyeglasses.

Routine Exams Keep Eyes Healthy

Even if your vision feels fine, eyes change slowly over time. Regular check-ups help catch problems early and keep your prescription up to date. Eye exams can also uncover other health issues, like signs of diabetes or high blood pressure. Catching these early can help protect both your eyes and your overall health.

Adults generally benefit from an exam every two years—or more often if there are existing vision concerns or health conditions that affect the eyes. If you’ve spotted any of the signs above—like blurry vision, frequent headaches, or tired eyes—it may be time for a visit. 

Keep Your Vision Clear and Comfortable

Keeping up with regular eye exams is one great way to protect your eyes and enjoy clear and comfortable vision for years to come. Even small changes can sneak up on you, but a quick visit to your optometrist helps catch them early and keeps your eyes feeling amazing.

At Bethany Eye Care, our team loves caring for families and making every visit relaxed and friendly. Whether you need your first pair of glasses or just want to check in on your eye health, we’re here to help every step of the way. Book your appointment today and experience the care and attention your eyes deserve!

Written by Bethany Eye Care

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