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Top 10 Signs I Need Glasses:
How to Know When It’s Time for an Eye Exam

Vision changes can be subtle and easy to overlook. But if you’re finding it harder to read, focus, or see clearly from a distance, your eyes might be telling you something. Knowing the signs I need glasses can help you act early, avoid discomfort, and protect long-term eye health.

At Elite Eye Care, we help people of all ages navigate their changing vision. In this guide, we’ll cover how to tell if you need glasses, what eye vision problem symptoms to watch for, and when to book an eye exam for corrected vision.

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Blurred or fuzzy vision

If you have difficulty reading street signs, menus, or small print without squinting, that's one of the biggest signs I need glasses. Most blurry vision originates from eye focus issues like nearsightedness or farsightedness, and my vision usually improves with prescription lenses.

Frequent headaches

When our eyesight is uncorrected, eyestrain can lead to tension headaches, especially after long periods of reading or spending time on screens. If headaches are a part of your everyday experience, these are clear signs I need glasses.

Squinting

Squinting involves the muscles around your eyes, as they attempt to sharpen blurry images. Experiencing squinting whether, consciously or unconsciously, is one of the first signs I need glasses especially in individuals with spectacle vision correction.

Eye strain or fatigue

Staring at a screen or reading for long periods of time can leave your eyes feeling fatigued or sore. Some discomfort is typical and expected, but if you experience frequent eye focus issues, this may signal the need for corrected vision.

Holding books/screen too far or too close

If you are adjusting how far away or how close you are to books or our technology devices to see clearly, it could mean that there are visual issues; your eyesight needs support from glasses. This can be especially true for childhood vision problems, where kids may sit too close to the TV.

Trouble Seeing at Night

If you struggle with night vision or can’t adjust from a lighted room to a darker room, this may be a sign you need glasses. This is a good sign to speak to your eye care professional about a possible vision problem like astigmatism or early cataracts.

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Double Vision or Ghosting

If you see two images or shadows, you are likely experiencing eye vision problem symptoms. This is something to take to an eye care professional to rule out any serious eye conditions and to see if glasses may help.

Difficulty Focus on Screens

Digital screens are straining the eye differently than if you’re looking at a print. If you struggle with not being able to see well on a digital screen or experience discomfort looking at your digital screen, you can benefit from glasses made for eye focus issues.

Closing One Eye to Focus

You may also be closing or covering one eye to see better, or because you are compensating for a major visual imbalance. This is something you should take note of because it is a red flag for an eye care professional but also for you or your child with childhood vision problems.

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Seeing Halos Around Lights

Seeing halos around headlights or streetlamps could be the earliest signs of vision problems like astigmatism or presbyopia. Proper lenses can help cut the glare and provide vision, especially at night!

How to Know If You Need Glasses

Still wondering how to know if you need glasses? The answer lies in your daily experiences. If you’re experiencing multiple signs on this list, don’t wait for your vision to worsen. A comprehensive eye exam will assess your eyes and vision health and determine whether glasses are right for you.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Eye Exam

Think you’re showing signs you need glasses?

Schedule an eye exam at Elite Eye Care today!. Our expert team will guide you through your eye check and help you find the perfect path to a clearer vision, contact us now!

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