Natural shifts in your eyesight may induce vision distortion, leading to trouble reading or difficulty focusing. An updated prescription from an optometrist will correct these changes, enabling you to see clearly at all distances. Here are a few signals that your vision has changed and it is time for a new prescription:
1. Frequent Squinting
You may find yourself squinting to read road signs or use a handheld device. An updated prescription may help eliminate this issue. Narrowing the eyes for a brief period of time achieves better focus because little light enters the eyes in the form of ambient glares. This issue can be resolved by getting a new prescription from an eye care specialist at your appointment.
2. Persistent Headaches
Poor eyesight may result in visual fatigue, potentially causing stress-related headaches. Your current glasses or contacts might not be providing the correction your eyes need. This will make the surrounding muscles work harder, resulting in ongoing discomfort. Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam reveals if your prescription is causing these persistent headaches.
3. Difficulty Seeing at Night
You may find that small objects are difficult to discern, and traffic signs seem to be out of focus, particularly when driving at night. The glare from other cars might also make it difficult to see road lines and signs. Such signs are a hint that your current prescriptive lenses might not be a good fit for your vision anymore. Your optometrist can decide whether your ability to drive at night is still okay or if it is time for a change. Based on your diagnosis, they might recommend a new pair of prescription night driving glasses to help you minimize glare while driving at night.
4. Difficulty Adjusting Between Tasks
Switching focus between close-up tasks and distant objects may become more challenging for you. You might notice your eyes take longer to adjust when looking up from your phone or computer. This lag in refocusing can be difficult when you frequently switch from looking at near and far objects. These difficulties could signal that it’s time for a vision assessment.
If you’re struggling to refocus quickly, it could indicate presbyopia or other changes in your vision. Your current prescription might not be providing the flexibility you need to switch between distances smoothly. During an exam, your optometrist can assess how your eyes function at different ranges and recommend solutions like progressive lenses.
5. Sudden Increase in Clumsiness
Poor eye health may result in tripping more often or misjudging the distance when extending your arm to pick something up. You may also knock over items or fail to park your car between the lines. Some of these mistakes might be linked to changes in your vision, which may have an impact on depth perception.
While occasional clumsiness is normal, a sudden increase could indicate vision issues. Your eyes play a role in how you manage your environment, influencing your spatial awareness and coordination. An eye doctor can evaluate these aspects of your vision through comprehensive testing. Addressing any vision changes could improve your spatial awareness and reduce incidents of clumsiness.
6. Experience Eye Strain
Individuals can experience eye fatigue, which strains their eyes, during extensive visual work. This discomfort remains with you even after you have taken some time to rest your eyes. Such symptoms imply that your eyes are overcompensating in a way that causes the vision to be less clear than normal.
Eye strain can become a chronic issue and hamper productivity and daily tasks. Your current prescription may be placing undue pressure on your eyes to focus properly. It is good to approach an optometrist who will check your vision needs and advise accordingly. Their solutions might include a new prescription or special glasses for activities such as working at a computer.
Visit a Reputable Optometrist in Your Area
Visiting an optometrist regularly is beneficial to maintaining your eye health and catching any vision changes before they escalate. They can assess your eyes for subtle shifts in clarity and recommend new lenses to correct your sight. Addressing vision changes promptly reduces strain and verifies your daily tasks are not affected by poor vision. Make it a habit to prioritize these check-ups to keep your eyes healthy and your prescription accurate.
