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Signs You Need New Glasses: How to Tell When It's Time for an Update

Signs You Need New Glasses: How to Tell When It's Time for an Update

Last updated: Monday, March 24, 2025

Your eyeglasses are a crucial part of your day-to-day life. They allow you to understand your world and feel safe in it. But your vision can change over time. This could mean that your current prescription isn’t doing the trick as it used to. Recognizing when it's time for new glasses is crucial. If you experience these signs, it can be the right moment for an appointment with the optometrist and for getting a new prescription. Here are some of the most common signs that it is time for new glasses. Identifying these signals improves eyesight and reduces eye strain

What Are the Signs that You Need New Glasses?

Here are some signs you need new glasses.

Problems with Depth Perception

Old prescriptions can lead to depth perception problems. If you have difficulty judging distances or find it difficult to do tasks that demand depth perception, your prescription may be to blame. This can impair your ability to drive, participate in sporting events, or simply walk about. This may improve with a new prescription.

Your Glasses Are Not The Right Fit

Your face shape can change over time, or your eyeglasses might have come loose. Poor-fitting glasses can cause discomfort and visual difficulties. If your glasses slip down your nose or feel tight, they may not fit properly. Comfort and clear vision are dependent on a proper fit.

Dry or Watery Eyes

Your prescription glasses might also have something to do with dry eyes or excessive tearing. If your prescription is old, it can cause dry eye symptoms. This is when your eyes are struggling to focus. Your eyes may also water as they attempt to make up for the strain. A new prescription can treat these symptoms.

Inconsistent Vision

Inconsistent vision is when you notice your vision is not always the same. Sometimes, things are in focus, and sometimes, they are blurry or distorted. This inconsistency can indicate that your prescription isn’t right. A new pair of eyeglasses can be a supporting factor for your vision throughout the day.

Your Glasses Are Outdated

If you’ve had them for years, it might be time for an upgrade. Over time, there are changes in your eyes and the desired prescription. If more than two years have passed since your last eye exam, it may be time for an update. Keep updating your prescription regularly to have a clear vision.

Changes in Your Daily Routine

Your glasses might need an adjustment due to their improper functioning if your routine has suffered from vision deterioration. If it’s becoming difficult to drive, read, or conduct your work, it may mean your prescription needs updating. A new prescription could facilitate these daily motions.

Trouble with Bright Lights

Glare sensitivity is another indication that it might be time for a new glasses prescription. You may require a different prescription because bright light causes vision problems and glare irritation.  This can occur when your lenses fail to appropriately address your vision. Getting a new prescription will lessen glare, and you’ll see better.

Your Glasses Are Scratched

Lenses that are scratched can hinder your vision. Your prescription may still be accurate, but it will be more difficult for you to see clearly with damaged lenses. Scratches can blur your vision and create glare. If your lenses are scratched, replace them and change your prescription as needed.

Infographic of What Are the Signs that You Need New Glasses

Signs You Need a New Prescription For Glasses

Here are some signs you need a new prescription for glasses.

Blurry Vision

Blurred vision is among the first indications that you require a different prescription. It’s time to get checked if your current glasses no longer help you see clearly. Such blurry vision can occur in diverse scenarios, such as while reading or viewing faraway objects. Understanding what causes blurred vision is important when experiencing these issues. If you have to squint or strain your eyes often, you may need a new prescription.

Frequent Headaches

When your prescription glasses are incorrect, headaches are a common condition. If you get headaches after wearing your glasses, you may have the wrong prescription. This is because the eyes are working too hard to focus. Tension in the head can be caused by straining. If these headaches happen often, it’s time for a new pair.

Eye Strain

Another warning sign is eye strain. If you get tired or uncomfortable after reading or using a computer, you may need new specs. Besides, if the prescription is incorrect, your eyes will struggle to focus. This leads to strain, discomfort, and at times, blurry vision. If you are experiencing eye strain, a fresh prescription may do the trick.

Trouble Seeing at Night

Night blindness problems are common if this prescription needs updating. If you have trouble seeing when it’s dark, it could be time for an eye exam. Night Driving became complicated, and the glare from the headlights might increase. If you have a hard time seeing in dim lighting, a new prescription will help.

Squinting

If you find yourself squinting a lot, it may indicate an issue with your glasses. When you squint, you’re trying to focus your eyes. Frequent squinting is a sign that your eyes are not receiving adequate correction.

Difficulty Reading Small Text

Do you struggle to read the small print? When menu or book writing is fuzzy or blurry, your prescription might need adjustment. This is especially true for those who struggle to read their phone or computer screens. You will get a new prescription that will enable you to read more easily.

Double Vision

Double vision is a serious indication that something is wrong with your glasses. If you start seeing double, it might be your prescription. Double vision happens when the eyes are misaligned or the prescription isn’t correct. That can be extremely frustrating and dangerous. If it does, consult with an optometrist immediately.

Taking your glasses on and off a lot

People who are constantly adjusting their glasses in an attempt to see better have a problem with their prescription. When your spectacles have stopped working, you might start moving them around to get a better view. Time to re-evaluate your vision.

Trouble with Computer or Phone Screens

If your prescription isn’t up to date, you’ll have difficulty reading on your computer or phone. Screens may cause eye strain, blurred vision, and physical discomfort, which affects users. Regular digital device discomfort requires you to check your current prescription.

Your Vision Starts to Look Different After Using Glasses

Wearing glasses for an extended period may cause impaired vision or eye strain. This can occur even if your prescription is still valid. If your glasses aren't providing clear vision for an extended period, it's time to get your eyes tested.

It Is Time for You to Get an Eye Exam

Why are regular eye exams so important? Regular eye exams are important, even if you are not experiencing serious visual changes. You might have a gradual shift in your vision without even knowing it. A visit at this time ensures your prescription is correct and your eye health is optimal.

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