Signs You Need a New Corrective Lens Prescription

You probably know that the prescriptions for your medications will expire eventually. But did you know that your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription also comes with an expiration date? Those prescriptions are only good for a year (for contacts) or two (for glasses).

Why? Because most peoples’ prescriptions change over time. Sometimes, that movement is minimal. In other cases, though, your eyes need more help to see clearly. In fact, there are some telltale signs that you should visit Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates for an eye exam to get an updated prescription.

Should you visit our office in Aiea, Hawaii, for a new corrective lens prescription? Here are a few indicators that the answer is yes. 

Blurry vision

This is the biggest sign that your prescription has changed. With the right prescription, things look crisp and clear. If you’ve noticed that things appear blurry or fuzzy when they didn’t before, you almost certainly need new glasses or contacts. 

Squinting and head tilting

If you’re nearsighted, pay attention to what you do when you try to read a sign that’s far away. If you’re farsighted, watch what happens when you try to read small print in a book or a menu. 

Do you squint your eyes or tilt your head? If so, it’s a sign that you’re trying to compensate for difficulty seeing. Head tilting and squinting can change how the light refracts into your eye. It likely won’t fully make up for the change in your prescription, but it might help a little bit. 

Plenty of people squint or tilt their heads occasionally to try to read something clearly. But if you’re doing that now to try to make out something you could see clearly when you first got your glasses or contacts, it’s a sign you might need a new prescription. 

Headaches

The inability to see clearly puts a strain on your eyes and that, in turn, can strain your whole head. In fact, both farsightedness and nearsightedness can contribute to headaches. 

If you’ve been getting headaches frequently, visit Dr. Endo. With an eye exam, he can evaluate if you need a new prescription. And if you do, getting updated eyeglasses or contact lenses can give you immediate relief from your persistent head pain. 

Trouble seeing at night

Low light conditions can make it difficult for your eyes to focus. Even if you’re seeing perfectly fine during the day, if you find yourself struggling once the sun sets, it’s worth talking to Dr. Endo. 

Ultimately, an eye exam is a painless, quick process that can help you avoid all of these issues and more. To find out if you’d benefit from a new correct lens prescription, schedule your exam by calling our office or booking your visit online today.