Changes in your eyewear prescription can appear in different ways. You may go a long time without noticing them, or they may have an immediate impact on your life. Staying on top of your eyewear prescription is important, so it’s vital to see us when you notice any changes.
Signs that it’s time to update your eyewear prescription include:
- It’s been a while since your last exam
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting at digital screens
- Blurry vision
- Double-vision
1. It’s Been a While Since Your Last Exam
The best way to avoid surprise changes in your vision is by getting annual eye exams. This allows us to check your:
- Visual acuity to test the sharpness of your vision
- Ocular motility to test your eye muscles for signs of strain
- Depth perception to see how well you judge the distance of objects
Comprehensive eye exams do more than allow us to update your prescription. They also help us check for other serious health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Click here to learn what to expect and how to prepare for your next comprehensive eye exam!
2. Frequent Headaches
You get headaches for a number of reasons, from colds to allergies to stress. But if you wear contacts or glasses then it may be a sign that it’s time for a new prescription. Eye prescriptions can change over time. It can be yearly for some people or it can take years to see a change. If you’re experiencing frequent headaches then it may be time to schedule an eye exam.
It’s also possible that your frames may be the culprit for your headaches. The arms of your frames can pull against the back of your ears, becoming so uncomfortable that they cause headaches. These can usually be fixed with a simple adjustment at our office. However, if they didn’t fit correctly to begin with then it’s time for new frames.
Ready to up your frame game? Check out these eyewear trends to find your new look!
3. Squinting at Digital Screens
Staring at a computer screen can be tough on your eyes, especially when you’re taking occasional breaks to look at your phone. For many people, this results in a condition known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome.
Digital eye strain can leave you at the end of the day with:
- Tired eyes
- Headaches
- Trouble sleeping
This has led to more people giving blue light glasses a try. Medical research has been minimal, but many users swear by them. They’re also very affordable, making them easy to try without breaking the bank.
For more tips on dealing with digital eye strain, read 5 Tips for Keeping Your Vision Healthy While Using the Computer.
4. Blurry Vision
Have you noticed your vision becoming more blurry recently? Maybe the text on your phone or letters in a book has become harder to make out? If so, then it may be time for a new prescription. Fortunately, you have a few great options to help you see clearly again.
You can try:
- Reading glasses
- Progressive lenses
- Updating your prescription
If you don’t need prescription eyewear then a quality pair of reading glasses may do the trick. Progressive lenses provide the same benefits as bifocals or even trifocals without making you look older. If you’re nearsighted (myopia) and already wear glasses then updating your prescription will clear up distant objects that appear blurred.
5. Double-Vision
Double-vision can indicate a serious problem with your vision or even overall health. With a comprehensive eye exam, we can determine the source of your problem and get you the treatment you need.
If you suffer from strabismus, or crossed eyes, a new pair of eyewear may be needed that has more prismatic power. Increased prismatic power from prism lenses can help correct your alignment by deflecting light and preventing double-vision.
Does your prescription need an update? Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
The best way to stay on top of your prescription is with regular comprehensive eye exams. If you haven’t, you may be experiencing frequent headaches due to eye strain, which can also be the cause of your computer vision syndrome. Blurry vision may indicate that your distance vision has changed. Double-vision may indicate that your eyewear needs more prismatic power.
We offer a wide variety of eyeglass frames that provide both comfort and style. Our office also has a number of contact lenses to choose, from including daily lenses for ultimate comfort. With comprehensive eye exams, you can get an updated prescription as well as checked for any future vision or overall health issues.
Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam!
Hardin Valley Eyecare & Optical has been serving Knoxville since 2009. Dr. Travis Thompson and Dr. Catherine Abbott specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide array of eye diseases, conditions, and problems and are committed to improving the quality of life in the Knoxville community through enhanced vision. Located at 10904 Spring Bluff Way, you can schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (865) 888-0892.
