10 signs you might need glasses

Do you have a vision problem that could be corrected?

About 11 million people over age 12 need vision correction.1 How do you know if you need it?

Many people have lived with poor vision for such a long time, they simply don’t realize they could benefit from or see better with vision correction. Others might be aware they have a vision problem but put off going to the eye doctor until it’s a struggle to perform everyday functions. The fact is you should see your eye doctor as soon as you notice your changes in your eyesight.

As soon as you notice your eyesight is changing, it’s time to see your eye doctor

Dr. Joe Wende, EyeMed medical director, offers the following 10 signs you might need an eye exam.

  1. Blurred close-up vision, may indicate farsightedness (hyperopia) or presbyopia, depending on your age
  2. Poor distance vision, or nearsightedness (myopia)
  3. Difficulty seeing objects both close up and at a distance (astigmatism)
  4. Difficulty seeing at night
  5. Increased difficulty adjusting from dark to light surroundings
  6. Difficulty in reading or working at a computer
  7. Eye strain or eye fatigue
  8. Frequent headaches
  9. Double vision
  10. Seeing halos around light

Having one or more of these symptoms doesn’t always mean you have a problem, but it’s important to have your eyes checked by a qualified eye care professional to understand the cause behind these changes. “The way to accurately diagnose a vision problem is to see an eye doctor,” Wende says.

Yearly eye exams are the best way to ensure any possible vision problem is detected and treated early. In the meantime, be on the lookout for any signs your eyes may be giving you.

  1. “Keep an eye on your vision health,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/features/healthyvision/index.html; accessed March 2020.