Everyone’s vision changes over time.
Even if you’re already sporting glasses, things can start to become more blurry as the years go by.
So, how do you know it’s time for a new pair of spectacles?
Keep an eye on these three signs that could mean you need new glasses (which have nothing to do with blurred vision), courtesy Reena Garg, MD, who specializes in the medical, laser, and surgical treatment of glaucoma and cataract at the Washington Eye Institute in Riverdale, Maryland and is the associate program director for the ophthalmology residency program at Washington Hospital Center-Georgetown University.
Your eyes are aching
“If you’re compensating not just for distance but because the glasses lens is wrong, that muscle works a little harder,” says Dr. Garg.
When your eyes are working overtime, they can start to feel achy, tired, watery, or dry.
You’re getting headaches
Consistent eye strain can become a headache, literally. As your eyes work harder than they need to, you may start feeling a dull, achy pain right around your eyes, like when you’re reading, on the computer, or look at the teacher’s blackboard.
“When you’re focused on these objects, that muscle is working extra hard, and when your prescription is wrong, it’s working even harder,” says Dr. Garg.
To prevent headaches caused by eye strain, take 15-30 second breaks and focus on something else in the distance to give your eyes a break.
Related: What Sunglasses Do You Need?
You never go anywhere without sunglasses
“Bright, harsh lights can be really taxing to the eye, especially if you don’t have the right prescription,” says Dr. Garg.
If you find yourself resorting to shades more than usual, or you need to turn down your TV or computer screen’s brightness so your eyes don’t feel overwhelmed, it may be time for some new glasses!
Photo Credit: Production Perig/Shutterstock.com; fizkes/Shutterstock.com
