If you often squint or hold items further away to view them better, you could be experiencing vision problems. These issues develop due to various factors, including age, health conditions, and lifestyle. Thankfully, getting glasses is often all the treatment you need. Using the following guide, determine whether it's time to visit an eye doctor for a prescription.

What Are Common Vision Problems?

The vision problems that most people experience are due to refractive errors. With these issues, incoming light can't properly focus on the retina, making it hard for you to see clearly. Here are some of the most common refractive errors:

• Astigmatism: Occurs when the cornea—the front part of the eye—has an irregular shape, which causes light to be improperly focused as it enters the eye. This condition results in blurred or distorted vision at all distances.
• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Makes it challenging to see far-away objects. They typically need glasses or contact lenses to see clearly.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Causes distant objects to be seen more clearly than nearby ones. As with myopia, glasses or contact lenses can correct the problem.
• Presbyopia: Often experienced by people over 40 years of age. This condition occurs when the lenses lose their elasticity and flexibility, resulting in blurred vision and difficulty focusing on nearby objects.

How Can You Tell if You Need Glasses?

Blurry vision, difficulty focusing on items close up or far away, frequent headaches, and eye strain often indicate the need for glasses. Other signs of ocular problems include difficulty differentiating colors and light sensitivity. 

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit an eye doctor for a comprehensive exam. They can determine the cause of your vision problems, recommend the best treatment options, and prescribe glasses to suit your needs.

If you suspect you need glasses, visit Comprehensive Eye Care in Franklin County, MO. Drs. Michael Korenfeld, MD, ACOS, and Matthew Lazarus, OD, will carefully assess your vision to offer the most effective solution, whether it is contact lenses, eyeglasses, or eye surgery. These eye doctors use the latest techniques and technology to ensure the best ocular care. For more on their services, visit their website. Call (636) 390-3999 to make an appointment or apply to participate in a clinical trial, which they have offered for over 20 years.