Even if you’ve had good vision in the past, you may need glasses now. Poor eyesight is incredibly common, with over 2.2 billion people in the world needing corrective lenses for either nearsightedness or farsightedness. If you’re experiencing any of the signs below, it’s best to visit an eye doctor so that they can assess whether you need glasses or if you have other underlying conditions.

How to Tell if You Need Glasses

1. Blurry Vision

This is the most common symptom that requires glasses. Farsighted people might notice that distant objects, like road signs, are blurry. If you're nearsighted, you might need to lean back when reading a book or using a computer to see clearly. 

Trying to compensate for blurry vision can lead to squinting and eye strain. Make an appointment with an eye doctor to determine if you need glasses. If your vision becomes blurry suddenly or you lose vision in one or both eyes, head to the emergency room.

2. Headaches

Headaches can be caused by a wide variety of conditions. However, if you experience other symptoms on this list in combination with frequent headaches, you should visit an eye doctor. Headaches can occur if you're overworking the eye muscles to compensate for poor vision.

Symptoms can include a sore or burning sensation, watery or dry eyes, increased sensitivity to light, and feeling like you can’t keep your eyes open. If the headaches are severe, visit a physician first to rule out other health problems.

3. Needing More Light

People with vision issues often first notice the various symptoms in the dark. You'll probably notice that you're turning on more lights than usual or suddenly needing a night light to get around the house. Deteriorating night vision can also make it difficult to drive safely in dark conditions, resulting in squinting and leaning forward while on the road.

Many people will have trouble adjusting their eyes to darkness after seeing a bright light, which might mean that the muscles are weakening. Visit an eye doctor to get the problem checked out and help you stay safe in the dark.

If you're ready for an eye exam, contact Tri-State Ophthalmology. Serving Ashland, KY, Dr. John Gross, M.D., Dr. Carter Gussler, M.D., and their team provide a whole host of eye care services, including exams and glasses fittings. Before deciding on your treatment, they’ll consider your preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Visit them online or call (606) 324-2451 to schedule an appointment.