Do you find yourself squinting at road signs, struggling to read small texts, or experiencing frequent headaches after staring at your screen for too long? These could be telltale signs that your current eye prescription is no longer doing its job. Our vision can change subtly over time, often without us noticing right away, but neglecting to update your prescription can strain your eyes and even impact your overall well-being.
To understand the signs that your eye prescription needs an update, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Prem Kumar Singh, Incharge Orthoptics & Binocular Vision, AGM: Patient Experience and Geographical Expansion, Orbis Volunteer Faculty, New Delhi. Here are some indicators listed by Singh that your eye prescription needs updating.
Squinting
According to Prem Kumar Singh, squinting is a common response to blurry vision, as it helps to sharpen your focus. However, relying on this method for an extended period can lead to additional strain and discomfort. He said, “Many individuals may not realise they’ve been squinting until they experience associated symptoms like headaches or eye fatigue. Often, these discomforts are mistakenly attributed to factors such as dehydration or lack of sleep, when in reality, they stem from an outdated prescription.” If you find yourself squinting frequently to see clearly, it’s a strong sign that it’s time for an eye exam.
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Headaches
Frequent headaches can be one of the first signs that it's time to revisit your eye prescription. “When your vision begins to change, your brain works overtime to compensate, leading to strain and discomfort. Over time, this excessive effort can exhaust your brain, resulting in persistent headaches that signal your prescription may no longer be adequate,” Singh said. While taking breaks or pain relievers may provide temporary relief, the underlying issue will persist if you don’t update your prescription. If you find yourself dealing with more regular headaches, it’s a clear indication that your vision needs reassessment.
Blurry Vision
Experiencing blurry vision is a clear indicator that your eyesight may be deteriorating. Singh notes, “Vision changes can be subtle and might go unnoticed initially, but they can also be quite pronounced. It’s not uncommon for one eye to require a different prescription than the other.” During your annual eye examination, your eye doctor will perform tests to ensure that your prescription reflects any changes in your vision. Warning, he said, “Blurriness can also signal other health issues, such as cataracts, that might need further attention.” If you're dealing with persistent blurry vision, it’s essential to have your prescription evaluated.
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Eye Fatigue
Eye fatigue occurs when your eyes struggle to focus, often feeling tired and strained. While this condition can arise from lack of sleep, illness, or allergies, it is frequently caused by extended screen time. Many people spend countless hours on devices, leading to digital eye strain and fatigue. Singh recommended taking regular breaks from screens is crucial for alleviating eye fatigue. However, if this fatigue persists beyond a few days, it may indicate that your vision has changed, necessitating an updated prescription.
Old Glasses
If your glasses are more than a year old, it may be time for a change. Just like any other aspect of health, your eye prescription can expire. Regular eye exams are vital not only for monitoring eye health but also for keeping your prescription current. Singh said, “As our eyes undergo continuous adjustments, it’s unlikely that your vision remains the same for long periods. Wearing outdated glasses can lead to unnecessary strain and discomfort.”
To ensure optimal vision and comfort, getting your prescription checked annually is essential. If you've noticed any of these signs, don’t hesitate to schedule an eye exam for a new prescription!