How to Tell If You Need Glasses — 10 Warning Signs
Vision changes are often so gradual that you do not notice them — until you put on a pair of glasses and realize the world is supposed to be sharper than this. Here are the 10 most common signs that you may need glasses or an updated prescription.
10 Warning Signs
- Frequent squinting: Narrowing your eyes creates a pinhole effect that temporarily sharpens blurry vision. If you squint to read text or recognize faces, your eyes are working harder than they should.
- Headaches after reading or screen use: Eye strain causes tension headaches, especially around the temples and behind the eyes. If you get a headache after an hour of reading or computer work, your eyes are straining to focus.
- Holding devices at arm's length: If your phone creeps farther from your face each year, that is presbyopia — age-related near-vision loss. It starts around age 40 and is 100% normal.
- Difficulty reading road signs: If street signs are blurry until you are close, you may be nearsighted (myopia). This can develop at any age.
- Seeing halos around lights at night: Glare and halos around headlights and streetlights may indicate astigmatism or early cataracts.
- Double vision: Seeing two images instead of one — even occasionally — warrants an immediate eye exam.
- Trouble adjusting from dark to light (or vice versa): Slow adaptation to brightness changes can indicate several eye conditions.
- Closing one eye to read: Unconsciously closing or covering one eye to read suggests unequal vision between your eyes.
- Rubbing eyes frequently: Eye fatigue causes rubbing, but rubbing can worsen vision problems over time.
- Sitting closer to the TV: Gradually scooting closer is a classic sign of myopia — often noticed first in children.
What to Do Next
If you recognize 2+ of these symptoms, schedule an eye exam. A comprehensive exam costs $50-150 without insurance and takes 30-60 minutes. You will leave with a prescription that can be used at any optical shop or online retailer. The American Optometric Association recommends exams every 1-2 years for adults.
Can Online Vision Tests Replace an Exam?
Online refraction tests (like Warby Parker's Virtual Vision Test app) can renew an existing prescription in some states, but they do not check eye health. They miss conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy that require a dilated exam. Use online tools for convenience between comprehensive exams, not as a replacement.