5 Signs You Need a New Prescription
Clear vision is just as much about living well as it is seeing well. Whether you’re working long hours at a computer, driving at night, or spending time outdoors, your eyes are working overtime. If you’ve been wearing the same glasses or contacts for a while, you might be overdue for a change. At Vision Quest Eyecare, serving Greenwood and Geist, Indiana, we want to help you recognize the early signs that it’s time to update your prescription.
1. You’re Squinting More Than Usual
One of the most common signs you need a new prescription is increased squinting. Squinting temporarily improves focus by narrowing your field of vision and reducing light exposure, but it’s not a sustainable fix. If you catch yourself narrowing your eyes while reading, watching TV, or driving, especially at night, your current glasses or contacts may no longer be strong enough.
Bonus Tip: Don’t ignore squinting from your children. It can be a sign of uncorrected vision issues that may affect learning and development.
2. Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain
If you’re experiencing persistent headaches, especially around the eyes or temples, it may be due to your vision. When your eyes are working harder than they should to focus, it can lead to eye strain and tension headaches. This is
especially common in people who spend a lot of time in front of screens.
Updating your prescription can significantly reduce digital eye strain. During your next comprehensive eye exam, talk to your optometrist about your amount of screentime and what your best options may be.
3. Blurred or Double Vision
If your vision isn’t as crisp as it used to be, it might be time to revisit your prescription. Blurred vision at a distance, up close, or both, often points to changes in your refractive error; whether it’s nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
In some cases, you might even experience double vision or halos around lights. These are signs that your current lenses aren’t aligning your vision properly, and could even indicate a developing eye condition that needs attention.
4. Difficulty Seeing at Night
Night vision naturally declines with age, but a sudden or noticeable decrease in your ability to see clearly at night, especially while driving, could signal that your glasses or contacts aren’t up to date. This includes:
- Increased glare from headlights
- Trouble reading street signs at night
- Difficulty adjusting from light to dark environments
Our Greenwood and Geist clinics offer detailed vision assessments that include low-light testing to help diagnose and treat night vision issues.
5. Your Lenses Are More Than a Year Old
Even if you aren’t noticing major symptoms, prescription changes can be subtle. The American Optometric Association recommends an annual eye exam to monitor vision health and keep your prescription current.
If it’s been more than a year since your last visit, your eyes could be adapting to a suboptimal prescription without you realizing it. You may be compensating in ways that cause long-term discomfort, including posture changes, squinting, or avoiding certain tasks like reading or driving at night. Schedule your eye exam and see what an updated prescription can do for your vision.
The Vision Quest Difference
At Vision Quest Eyecare, we consider your lifestyle, digital habits, and long-term eye health to provide the most accurate and comfortable vision correction possible. Whether you visit us in Greenwood or Geist, you’ll receive a thorough exam and personalized care.
We also offer a wide selection of frames, blue light glasses, and polarized sunglasses to match your needs and style. Plus, our team is experienced in helping patients navigate vision plans to make eyewear more affordable for you and your family.
Don’t Ignore the Signs
Vision changes often happen gradually, making them easy to miss. But staying on top of your eye health can prevent discomfort, reduce the risk of serious eye conditions, and help you see your best all year long.
Ready to refresh your vision? Schedule your eye exam today at VisionQuest Eyecare in Greenwood or Geist. Your eyes, and your future self, will thank you.
FAQ: Signs You Need a New Prescription
How often should I update my glasses or contact lens prescription?
Most people should have their prescription checked once a year. However, if you notice changes in your vision, don’t wait, schedule an appointment right away.
Can digital screens affect my prescription?
Yes. Prolonged screen use can cause digital eye strain, which may lead to symptoms that feel like prescription issues. Blue light lenses and anti-fatigue lenses can help.
Are eye exams covered by insurance?
Vision plans often cover annual eye exams and may provide allowances for glasses or contacts. Our team can help verify your benefits. We also offer vision plans through our partner, Cadre Vision, so you can get the care you need, without the fluff. Click here to learn more about Cadre Vision at Vision Quest.
What if I only have blurry vision at night?
This could be a sign of night myopia or early cataracts. An updated prescription may help, but a full eye exam can determine the underlying cause.
Can I get a new prescription without changing my frames?
Absolutely. If your frames are still in good shape, we can replace the lenses with your updated prescription.
Dr. Anjali Shah is an optometrist at VisionQuest Eyecare with a passion for helping others. She graduated from the State University of New York College of Optometry, with advanced training in pediatrics and ocular diseases through her internship and residency. She is a national speaker in the field of myopia management, qualified to prescribe advanced myopia management treatments to slow the condition’s progression.