Is it a bird, is it a plane? Wait, what exactly is it? I can’t see! All joking aside, 6 out of 10 people need some sort of visual correction aid to help them see! Whether you are struggling reading the small print in a book or you can’t see distances when you drive, here we count down the 10 Signs That You Need Glasses.

Let’s hope we make it clear!

10. PAINFUL/RED EYES
The Sclera, or “whites of your eyes” should be just that, white. Any kind of red or discolouration could be an early sign of an optical issue that needs to be inspected by an optician. A healthy eye should also be free of any sort of pain or discomfort. It could be a simple case of mild conjunctivitis, but it’s always best to get them checked out, as you may need something to help improve the health of your eyes and your overall vision.

9. TIRED EYES/DIFFICULTY FOCUSING
Everyone experiences tiredness in their eyes from time to time, just from general fatigue and day to day living, however, a long standing issue with your eyes having trouble focusing could be a sign that you need to go and get them checked. Common activities such as using a computer, watching TV or going for a drive shouldn’t create symptoms of tiredness or trouble with your focus and if you do notice anything when doing these activities then you may be in need of a pair of spectacles!

8. SEE HALOS AROUND LIGHT



If your eyes have difficulty focusing light, then “halos” or rings may appear around sources of light, such as lamps/light bulbs in your home, car headlights or street lamps etc. Sometimes this can be easily corrected with a pair of glasses or contact lenses, however, it may also be a sign of the early stages of cataracts. Either way, it’s best to get a check up, as you may be in need of some glasses!

7. TROUBLE SEEING AT NIGHT



This one may sound a little silly, I mean.. who can see when it’s dark? Well, we don’t mean literally pitch black, but normal vision does allow you to have some sort of night vision to help you see when it’s dark. If you are having difficulty seeing at night time then it could just be another indicator that you require some vision correcting devices, or again it could also be the early stages of cataracts! Get it checked out as soon as you can!

6. RUBBING YOUR EYES



Whilst this might not necessarily be a sign of needing glasses per-se, if you do constantly rub your eyes throughout the day, it could be due to several things. Fatigue or tiredness in your eyes is the main cause or it could be due to your eyes straining to see. Another reason could be allergies or some form of conjunctivitis. It’s best to get these checked out so you know exactly what you are dealing with, so see an eye care specialist as soon as possible.

5. READING CLOSE TO YOUR FACE/AT ARMS LENGTH



Picked up your favourite book for a leisurely read and you have to pull it closer to your face to see the words? At a restaurant and holding the menu far from your face because it’s out of of focus up close? This could mean you’re on your way to glasses town! Nearsightedness/Farsightedness is very common, and usually starts to effect people more as they advance over the age of 40. You could be in line to need simple reading glasses but it’s always best to get a check up just in case you need prescription lenses.

4. WAVY VISION



If, when you look at something with straight edges/lines, such as windows, doors, cupboards etc, they appear to be “wavy” and out of focus, then it could be an early sign of you having an age related eye condition. You can test this yourself, one at at a time, to make sure that you can ascertain the issue and which eye it is in. If in doubt, always get a check up by a trained professional, as you may be in need of glasses.

3. CLOSING ONE OF YOUR EYES TO READ OR WATCH TV



If you have to close one of your eyes when doing any sort of leisure activity, to see better out of your “good” eye, then you may be suffering from lazy eye or you may have astigmatism. This could also indicate you are suffering with cataracts. Either of these can easily be inspected and diagnosed by an optical expert, allowing you to be treated and have your vision restored back to 20/20. Perhaps even with the use of glasses!

2. UNEXPLAINED HEADACHES



Day to day activities shouldn’t be causing you headaches, and if you find yourself suffering from a pounding head after watching TV, reading, driving or just being out and about living life, then it may be time to book yourself in for an appointment at an optician. It may be nothing at all, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry, and the worst that could happen is that you end up with a nice new shiny pair of glasses!


1. BLURRY VISION



Distorted or changing vision is the biggest indicator of someone needing glasses. If you find yourself struggling to see things that you were able to see previously, then our advice would be to book yourself in to see an optician. You can always test yourself, one eye at a time, looking at things you see regularly such as books, magazines or even car registration numbers, to see how well/poorly you can see them. It’s no big deal as poor vision is very, very common and can be very easily addressed.

Cc: Lalasticlala