It is estimated that around 60% of the world's population requires vision correction. That can sound quite scary but it's also good to know that 80% of these visual impairments can be corrected or maybe even avoided. In this blog we'll hopefully be able to answer the question of "Do I need glasses?"
Much like the rest of your body, your eyes can change over time. It is important to recognise these changes and what they could mean. Vision changes are gradual and sneaky. You'll likely lose clarity and vision acuity over time. You may find yourself squinting, experiencing headaches, eye strain and other discomforts that you didn't experience before. It should be noted that these indicators apply for non-glasses wearers who need glasses as well as existing glasses wearers who need to update their prescription.
Blurred vision-
If you're struggling to make out the score when your favourite team is on TV or perhaps your favourite book has become a little more difficult to read, you may be developing nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you are experiencing mild blurriness, we recommend resting your eyes, especially if you have been working on a screen. Staying hydrated is also key to maintaining healthy eyes. If your blurry vision persists or is more severe, schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
Struggle to see at night
You may notice your vision has particularly worsened at night. Whether that's not being able to see the other end of your garden or struggling with nighttime driving. This may be signs of early cataracts and you should get an eye test as quickly as you can.
Adjusting to different light
As we move into the winter months and the nights grow longer and darker, you may find it tough to adjust to the low light. This can be especially dangerous if you're adjusting after seeing street lights or headlights whilst driving. This could mean that the muscles your iris uses are weakening. Like many vision issues, it is likely caused by age.
Eye strain with computers
Glasses wearers and non-glasses wearers will both experience some form of eye strain when working with a screen. It is easy to blame this entirely on the screen and the blue light emitted by it, however, it could be a sign of something more. Eye strain could be a sign of farsightedness.
To help reduce strain and ensure you’re looking after your eyes, remember to blink regularly and take breaks from your screen. A good way to remember to give your eyes a rest is to follow the 20-20-20 rule. Simply look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. If the problem persists, book an eye test as soon as possible.
Headaches
Headaches are caused by our lens and cornea failing to focus on an image. The small muscles in our eyes that allow this process to take place are forced to work harder. This can result in eye-strain which in turn, can lead to headaches. Squinting to try to correct your vision is what can cause these headaches and might be a sign that you need glasses.
Double vision
Double vision or seeing double could be an indication of problems with your cornea or other eye muscles. This is often also a symptom of cataracts. We recommend an eye test or an appointment with an eye doctor as soon as possible.
Farsightedness
If far away objects appear clear but close objects are blurry, this could be a symptom of farsightedness. This occurs when the cornea is abnormally shaped or the eyeball shorter than normal. This means that light rays can't be refracted properly. In addition to blurriness, you may also suffer from eye strain.
Nearsightedness
If you can see near objects clearly but far objects appear blurry, you may be suffering from nearsightedness. This could lead to having difficulty with differentiating between people on TV or difficulty reading. Unlike farsightedness, this occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved.
There are a plethora of reasons as to why you might need glasses. Regardless of whether you are an existing glasses-wearer or not, it is important to look out for these signs to keep your eyes in top condition. If you are experiencing any of these issues, it is important to get your eyes tested regularly, every two years at least. Identifying these problems quickly will help to reduce any damage done to your eyes, especially as you get older.
Looking to pick up your first pair of glasses or just aiming to revitalise your look? At Spex4less with have a wide range of frames for whatever you're looking for.