What Are the Signs You Need a New Prescription?
This Article Will Address:
- How to recognize the signs that your glasses prescription may need updating.
- Common symptoms that indicate your prescription may no longer be effective.
- How often you should get an eye exam to ensure your vision remains clear and comfortable.
A clear and comfortable vision is essential for navigating everyday life, whether you’re reading, working on a computer, or simply enjoying the world around you. Over time, your glasses prescription can change, making it difficult to see as clearly as you once did. If you’ve noticed any subtle or noticeable changes in your vision, it might be time to schedule an eye exam at Mountain Brook Eye Care. This article will help you identify the signs that you need a new glasses prescription and why it’s important to stay on top of your eye health.
Common Signs You Need a New Glasses Prescription:
As you age or your eye health changes, your prescription may no longer meet your vision needs. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it could be a sign that it’s time to update your prescription:
- Frequent headaches while using your glasses.
- Blurry vision, especially when reading or watching TV.
- Squinting to see more clearly or to focus on objects.
- Eye fatigue or discomfort after extended periods of wearing glasses.
- Your glasses are over a year old and no longer provide the clarity you need.
If any of these sound familiar, don’t worry! These are common signs that indicate it might be time for an eye exam.
Blurry Vision While Reading or Watching TV
Blurry vision, particularly after wearing your glasses for an extended period, is one of the most common indicators that your prescription may need an update. Vision can naturally change due to aging, eye strain, or other health conditions. If you notice that things aren’t as sharp as they once were, even when wearing your glasses, it might be time to see an eye care professional.
Changes in vision can also be caused by other conditions like cataracts or macular degeneration, which a comprehensive eye exam can help identify.
Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain
If you’re experiencing headaches or eye strain throughout the day, especially when using your glasses for reading, driving, or using a computer, your prescription could be the culprit. Outdated prescriptions force your eyes to work harder to focus, leading to tension headaches, fatigue, and eye discomfort. These headaches can occur even if your prescription isn’t drastically off, as the strain from minor adjustments can add up over time.
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, it’s best to schedule an eye exam to ensure your prescription is correct and up-to-date.
Squinting or Having Trouble Focusing
Squinting is a natural instinct when you’re trying to bring something into focus, but frequent squinting may indicate that your prescription is no longer providing the clarity you need. If you find yourself squinting more often to focus on reading, watching TV, or seeing things in the distance, it’s a sign that your eyes aren’t being properly corrected. Squinting can also cause further strain and discomfort, which can affect your eye health in the long run.
Eye Fatigue After Regular Use
Eye fatigue is common, but it doesn’t have to be a part of your daily life. If you feel your eyes getting tired or heavy after only a short period of wearing your glasses, it may be a sign that your prescription needs updating. Eye fatigue can occur when your eyes are working harder to focus, which happens when your lenses no longer match your current vision needs. Properly updated lenses can help prevent unnecessary strain and keep your eyes feeling fresh throughout the day.
Your Glasses Are Over a Year Old
Yes, it’s quite normal for your glasses to become less effective after a year or more. Our vision naturally changes over time due to various factors such as aging, lifestyle, and overall health. If your glasses are more than a year old and you’ve noticed a decline in your vision clarity or comfort, it’s a good idea to get a comprehensive eye exam. Regular check-ups help ensure that your prescription remains accurate and your eyes stay healthy.
How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam to Ensure My Prescription Is Accurate?
At Mountain Brook Eye Care, we recommend getting an eye exam at least once a year. This not only ensures your glasses prescription stays accurate but also allows us to monitor the overall health of your eyes. Early detection of potential issues like glaucoma, cataracts, or diabetic retinopathy can prevent serious problems down the road. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above—like blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain—schedule an exam sooner to address any concerns.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam at Mountain Brook Eye Care
When you visit Mountain Brook Eye Care for an eye exam, you’ll experience a thorough, comprehensive evaluation of your eye health and vision needs. Dr. Jeremy Edgerly will assess your visual acuity, perform tests for eye diseases, and use state-of-the-art technology, including the Optos Monaco and Neurolens systems, to get the most accurate measurements of your prescription.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Visual acuity tests to measure how well you see at different distances.
- Eye health evaluations to screen for common eye diseases and conditions.
- Prescription adjustments using advanced technology for precise results.
Dr. Edgerly’s expertise ensures that you get the best care and the most up-to-date prescription for your needs.
Ensure Your Eyes Stay Healthy and Your Vision Clear!
If you’ve noticed any of the signs mentioned above, it’s time to schedule an eye exam at Mountain Brook Eye Care. Regular exams help ensure that your prescription is always current, which is key to maintaining clear and comfortable vision. If you’re experiencing blurry vision, headaches, squinting, or eye fatigue, Dr. Jeremy Edgerly is here to help.
Don’t wait any longer to get the clarity you deserve. Contact Mountain Brook Eye Care today to schedule your eye exam with Dr. Edgerly. We’re here to provide you with personalized care and the best in eye health. Located in Mountain Brook, AL, we’re dedicated to helping you see clearly and comfortably!
Sources:
Dr. Jeremy Edgerly
Dr. Edgerly has been actively practicing optometry since 2012 in a family practice setting. He is confident in his ability to accurately diagnose, treat and manage conditions of the eye and local structures. He attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham and earned a Bachelor of Science. Upon completing his undergraduate studies, he enrolled in the UAB School of Optometry, where he earned a Doctorate in Optometry. There, he received specialized training in ocular diseases, contact lenses, pediatrics, and refractive and cataract surgery co-management.
