As we age, our bodies constantly undergo a series of changes—and our eyes are no exception to this. Many people find that, as they get older they begin to experience changes in their eyes that make simple things like reading earlier. Fortunately, this can be helped with a quick visit to your optometrist for reading glasses—but how do you know if you need reading glasses?
If you notice any of the following signs, you may need reading glasses:
- You’re Noticing Blurry Vision
- You’re Experiencing Regular Eye Strain
- You’re Developing Headaches
- You Can’t See Clearly at Night
- You’re Starting to Change Your Habits
- The Importance of Reading Glasses
If any of these sound familiar, you should visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
You’re Noticing Blurry Vision
Blurry vision is often the first sign that something is wrong with our eyesight—especially when it comes to things like reading. It’s a common problem that many people encounter as they age, and it’s often indicative of a condition known as presbyopia.
This condition is a gradual loss of near vision that usually begins developing around middle age. The eye’s natural lens, which is responsible for focusing light onto your retina, becomes less flexible over time. It starts to have difficulty adjusting quickly between different distances, making certain tasks or hobbies much more difficult—like reading.
While there currently isn’t a cure for presbyopia, this condition can be treated with a pair of reading glasses or specialty multifocal lenses.
You’re Experiencing Regular Eye Strain
Have you ever felt like your eyes are tired, strained, or sore? If so, you’ve likely experienced eye strain. This is a common condition that develops after extended periods of intensely focusing on something.
Whether it’s reading, working at a computer, or focusing on some close-up detailed task, eye strain can develop when you overwork your eyes. Eye strain often causes:
- Soreness or discomfort in the eyes
- Feelings of your eyes being heavy and tired
- Dry eye syndrome
- Difficulty focusing
- Light sensitivity
- Sore shoulders and neck (caused by poor posture)
If you find yourself dealing with eye strain often, you should visit your optometrist. This condition, while temporary, is often an indicator that your eyes are working harder than they need to.
You’re Developing Headaches
Frequent headaches—especially after reading or performing any task that requires intense focus—may be a sign that you need reading glasses. If you notice that you develop a headache every time you sit down with a good book or spend too much time scrolling online, you should visit your optometrist.
A headache is often a sign of something else developing, and if it occurs every time you use your eyes for fine, detailed work like reading or writing, it might be an early indication that your eyes aren’t as strong as they used to be.
This is perfectly natural, and many people experience it over the course of their lives. If you find yourself reaching for ibuprofen or some other form of pain relief, it might be worth thinking about getting yourself a pair of reading glasses.
You Can’t See Clearly at Night
Poor night vision is another indication that you might need reading glasses. This condition, also known as nyctalopia, can be recognized by having difficulty seeing in low-light conditions or at night.
This can be caused by several reasons, like:
However, one of the more common causes of poor night vision is the development of presbyopia—age-related changes beginning to affect your eye. If you notice you’re having difficulty seeing in low-light conditions, it’s time to visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam.
You’re Starting to Change Your Habits
Changes in habits, especially those related to reading or focusing on close objects, can be a sign that reading glasses are necessary. If you’re starting to hold books or your phone at arm’s length, or you need to take frequent breaks when performing detailed work, these could be signs that your eyes aren’t as strong as they used to be. This is often an indication you need reading glasses.
The Importance of Reading Glasses
Aging is a natural part of life, and it may begin to affect your eyes. If you notice any of these 5 signs that you might need reading glasses, book an appointment with our team at Family EyeCare Center Optometry. We can perform a comprehensive eye exam and help get you a pair of reading glasses to help you see clearly and comfortably.
