Key Takeaways:
- Signs your eye prescription has changed include trouble seeing, bumping into or tripping over objects, and increased difficulty seeing while driving
- How to tell if your vision prescription is fine
- How aging can affect your vision
Signs Your Eye Prescription Has Changed
“Do I need new glasses?” is a question many people with prescriptions ask themselves from time to time. The answer, however, isn’t always straightforward. While having 20/20 vision on an eye chart is one measure of good eyesight, it’s not the only factor that matters. What’s truly important is how well your vision supports you in your everyday life.
If your current prescription feels comfortable, allows you to clearly see both near and far objects, and doesn’t cause headaches, eye strain, or other discomforts, you may not need an update just yet. For example, if you can easily read a book or your phone, as well as recognize a friend across the street, your prescription is likely still serving you well.
However, there are clear signs that your prescription may need to be updated. One common indicator is struggling more than usual with daily tasks. For instance, you might find yourself squinting to read restaurant menus or needing to hold your phone farther away to see the screen clearly.
Another serious sign is bumping into or tripping over objects. You may misjudge the height of a step, knock over a glass you didn’t see, or trip more often on uneven sidewalks. These incidents can increase your risk of injury, making it important to have your vision checked promptly.
Difficulty seeing while driving is especially concerning. For example, you might find it hard to read road signs until you’re very close, or you may have trouble judging distances between cars at night. This not only limits your independence but also puts you and others at risk on the road.
Vision changes can be gradual, so you might not notice them right away. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to these signs and schedule a comprehensive eye exam if you experience any of them. At Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical, we accept a wide range of vision insurance plans, making it easy to prioritize your eye health and safety.
Other Signs That Your Vision Has Changed
Problems seeing during daily activities, bumping and tripping over objects, and difficulty seeing while driving are all clear signs your eye prescription has changed. However, there are less noticeable symptoms of a change in your eyewear prescription. This is especially common if you have been wearing the same pair of glasses for a few years.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you:
- Haven’t had an eye exam in over a year
- Squint to see objects up close or far away
- Experience eye fatigue or eye strain
- Develop headaches more often
- Have frequent blurry vision
- Experience double vision
A lot can happen in 365 days, which is why you should prioritize seeing your eye doctor if you haven’t had an eye exam in over a year. They will be able to spot any changes in your vision and provide treatment.
The loss of your ability to focus on nearby objects, called presbyopia, can cause you to experience eye fatigue and eye strain. It can also be a result of digital eye strain, a condition that occurs when looking at digital screens for too long. This condition can be avoided by taking regular breaks from screens and focusing on an object in the distance. However, others prefer to use blue light glasses to prevent digital eye strain.
Presbyopia, digital eye strain, and other vision changes can put extra stress on your eyes. You may develop headaches more often in these cases, especially later in the day. They can also cause you to have frequent blurry vision and experience double vision more often.
It’s natural for your glasses prescription to change over time. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with the signs your eye prescription has changed. Otherwise, you could actually cause unnecessary eye strain that could easily be prevented with a new pair of lenses. Yearly comprehensive eye exams from your optometrist can help detect these changes and avoid straining your eyes.
Prescription Changes and Aging
Aging naturally affects your eyes, leading to several vision problems and changes in eye health. One of the most common signs of aging is the need for reading glasses. This is due to the lens in your eye becoming less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects—a condition called presbyopia.
Reduced tear production is another sign of aging, with tear glands becoming less effective over time. This often results in dry, irritated eyes, since tear glands become less effective over time.
As people become more susceptible to age-related eye conditions, the risk of developing eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) increases significantly. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults and is linked to changes in the macula and abnormal blood vessels under the retina. These vessels can leak and cause rapid vision loss if untreated.
Aging also affects the blood vessels in your eyes, increasing the risk of retinal vascular diseases and impacting overall ocular health. If you notice blurry vision, headaches, or difficulty reading, these may be signs your eye prescription has changed. Talk to your eye doctor to prevent further vision loss and manage potential eye conditions.
Update Your Prescription at Hardin Valley Eyecare
Hardin Valley is the best choice for eye exams and new glasses when your prescription has changed. Our team delivers thorough, patient-focused care that addresses all factors that can affect your eyes, from changing vision to underlying eye diseases.
Our knowledgeable doctors and friendly staff make the experience comfortable and efficient, ensuring you get the right prescription and guidance for your eye health. With a wide selection of frames and a commitment to excellence, Hardin Valley provides everything you need for clear vision and peace of mind.
Differences in your eyewear prescription can present in a variety of ways. This includes having difficulty seeing during everyday activities and bumping into or tripping over objects. You may also notice it becoming more difficult to see while driving. Less noticeable signs include squinting to see, more frequent headaches, blurry vision, and double vision.
Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical has been serving Knoxville since 2009. Located at 10904 Spring Bluff Way, you can schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (865) 888-0892.
Editor’s Note: This post has been updated with new information.
