7 Signs You Need Glasses: A Guide from Fort Collins’ Top Eye Doctors
Your eyes are your window to the world. They determine how we navigate our daily activities from reading and driving to enjoying scenic views. Because vision changes gradually, it’s easy for it to go overlooked. If you think gradual vision changes might be sneaking up on you, causing symptoms like headaches or squinting to fatigue or stress, we’re here to help you figure out if it’s time to visit your local optometrist.
Understanding Your Eyes
The eye is a complex organ. The eyes work by allowing light to enter through the cornea, focusing it onto the retina, where it’s converted into electrical signals for the brain to interpret as images. Vision problems like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism (distorted vision), and presbyopia (age-related focus difficulty) are the most common reasons for difficulty seeing. Regular eye exams can catch these issues early, so you don’t have to miss out on seeing anything clearly.
Now for the most common signs that you need glasses. At a glance:
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Squinting
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Double vision
- Excessive blinking
6 Signs You May Need Glasses
Blurry Vision & Halos
Blurry vision, whether objects appear hazy up close or at a distance, is a primary indicator of a vision problem. Nearsightedness affects distance vision, while farsightedness impairs close-up focus. Difficulty focusing on objects at particular distances often differentiates between myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, each requiring different lens corrections. If you notice difficulty reading signs while driving or are struggling to read text on your phone, it’s time to consider an eye exam.
Frequent Headaches
Persistent headaches, especially those intensifying after visual tasks (like reading, working at a computer, or playing video games), may signal eye strain from uncorrected vision issues. Glasses can decrease the strain on your eyes, potentially reducing headache frequency. Other symptoms of eye strain include
Squinting Often
Squinting temporarily improves vision by reducing light entry and narrowing the focus area, allowing you to focus on one thing better. If you find yourself squinting in an attempt to see better, it’s time to see your eye doctor and get glasses or contacts that eliminate the need to squint!
Difficulty with Night Vision
Challenges in seeing or driving in low light conditions could suggest night blindness or another underlying eye condition requiring attention. Many people notice that they can’t read road signs when driving at night very well. Others have to pull out their phone’s flashlight to read a menu in dimly lit restaurants. Either way, this is something glasses can help with.
Double Vision
Double vision or wavy vision could mean many things and isn’t typically a sign of normal near or nearsightedness. If you experience double vision, it could be a sign of a serious eye disorder, so see your optometrist or eye doctor as soon as possible.
Excessive Blinking
Frequent blinking and eye rubbing are common signs you need glasses, indicating eye fatigue from overexertion or dry eye syndrome. These actions attempt to clear your vision, hinting at potential refractive errors. Prescription glasses can alleviate this strain by correcting your vision. If these symptoms are familiar, especially during tasks like reading or screen use, consider visiting your local eye doctor. An optometrist can evaluate your eyesight and suggest the right prescription glasses, providing relief and maintaining eye health.
Difficulty Reading
If you’ve never had glasses in your life, but suddenly find yourself holding books, menus, and instruction manuals at an arm’s distance away to read them, it might be time to make an appointment. With aging, the lens of your eye hardens, leading to presbyopia. This loss of flexibility prevents the lens from changing shape to focus on nearby objects. Presbyopia isn’t preventable, it just seems to happen with aging. Reading glasses can help.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Adults should undergo comprehensive eye exams every one to two years, depending on age, risk factors, and, of course, if you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen; early detection is key to managing vision health.
Choosing the Right Glasses for You
Selecting glasses involves more than just lens prescription; frame style, material, and fit play significant roles in comfort and effectiveness. Consult with professionals at Poudre Valley Eyecare for a fitting that ensures your glasses not only correct your vision but also suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Selecting the right eyeglasses is about more than the prescription. The style, material, and fit of the frames play into your comfort and the glasses’ effectiveness. Consult with professionals at Poudre Valley Eyecare to ensure your eyeglasses not only improve your vision but also fit your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.
Lifestyle Adjustments and Eye Health Tips
Improving your eye health can involve simple lifestyle changes. Incorporate eye-friendly nutrients into your diet, take breaks during screen time, and practice eye exercises. Protective measures like wearing sunglasses and avoiding smoking can safeguard against conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.
Overcoming the Stigma Around Wearing Glasses
As a first-time glasses wearer, you might be hesitant about the old stigma around glasses. Today’s eyeglasses merge functionality with style, challenging old stigmas. Glasses are now seen as a fashionable accessory that also enhances your vision.
Avoid Eye Strain: Get Glasses if You’re Struggling to See
Acknowledging the signs you need glasses is the first step toward preserving your vision health. With the support of Poudre Valley Eyecare in Fort Collins, Colorado, you can confidently choose the right eyeglasses or contact lenses. We partner with Eyemart Express to provide the best quality Fort Collins eyeglasses and the speediest service possible. If you’re experiencing common symptoms such as blurriness, seeing halos around lights, or rubbing your eyes frequently, it might indicate that you need prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses.
If you recognize any signs mentioned in this guide, don’t hesitate to schedule a Fort Collins eye exam with Poudre Valley Eyecare. Early intervention can transform your vision health and quality of life. Share your experiences or questions about eye health in the comments below; we’re here to help you see clearly and live fully.
Dr. Eric Torgerson
Owner at Poudre Valley Eyecare
Dr. Eric Torgerson is the owner of Poudre Valley Eyecare, and has been recognized for his contributions to optometry and his commitment to community health through various roles and accolades within the Northern Colorado Optometric Society and the Colorado Optometric Association.
Why Choose Us?
Our advanced technology and individualized care deliver results for patients of all ages. Our routine exams allow us to spot changes in your vision and allow us to treat those changes early. We have a comprehensive understanding of eye care, which means we can treat a wide range of conditions and chronic diseases. Our in-depth routine exams and customized treatment plans set us apart from the rest.
