Do I need glasses?

Do I need glasses? A common question people ask when they experience blurry vision, tired eyes, or headaches when you drive, work on your computer, or watch TV?

If you have any of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam to determine if a vision correction will relieve your symptoms. Keep in mind, some people only need to wear glasses or contacts for certain activities; others need to wear them all day.

Below are explanations of some common reasons you may need glasses.

Do you have trouble seeing things far away?

Myopia (aka “Nearsighted”) is when you can see objects closer to you better than those far away.

This happens when the light entering your eye focuses in front of your retina because your eye is too long or your cornea is too curved. Myopia is often first noticed as you grow through your teenage years, although it can happen at any age.

Signs of myopia are when distant objects are blurry, such as seeing the TV clearly, driving, or reading road signs. Myopia can also lead to frequent rubbing of your eyes. Correcting myopia includes wearing glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK eye surgery.

If you are having trouble seeing things far away, schedule your eye examination using the link at the bottom of the page

Do you have trouble seeing your computer screen?

Hyperopia (aka “Farsighted”) is when you see distant objects more clearly than closer ones. This can mean screens are blurry or you have either eyestrain or headaches when reading.

This happens when your eye is shorter than normal, so reading material focuses behind the retina. Wearing glasses or contacts can relieve these symptoms.

If you have any of these symptoms when you are working, you should schedule an eye exam.

Do you get eyestrain and headaches when using your eyes?

Astigmatism occurs when your cornea or other structures in your eye are not round (“spherical”), but irregularly shaped. This causes the vertical and horizontal to be focused differently instead of together.

Here’s one way to visualize it: Make a “Time Out” sign with your hands. Now pull your them apart. This is what astigmatism does. It separates the vertical and horizontal parts of an object into two dimensions, which leads to blurriness. This can also cause eye strain, poor night vision, and headaches. Astigmatism can be corrected with eyeglasses, contact lenses, and, in some cases, LASIK or other refractive surgery.

If you have headaches or eyestrain you might have astigmatism. Schedule your eye exam to be sure.

Do you have trouble reading as you reach the 40’s and beyond?

Presbyopia (“older sight) is the gradual, natural decline in your eye’s ability to focus from distance to near. This typically begins in your early to mid-40’s as a natural part of aging. Everyone is affected by presbyopia, whether or not they admit it.

Symptoms include chronic eye strain, fatigue, and headaches, particularly in your forehead or the base of your skull. This can reduce your productivity.

While presbyopia is natural, refusing to wear glasses can significantly impact your daily life and productivity.

If you hold your phone farther away to see it, have trouble reading small print, or need a bright light when reading you might be developing presbyopia.

If you are over 40 and have any of these symptoms, schedule your eye exam to be sure.

Click Here for More Information on Vision Corrections by the NIH