Many people assume that once they have a pair of glasses, their vision needs are settled for years. However, your eyes are dynamic organs that change due to age, environment, and health shifts. In fact, research indicates that about 75% of adults use some form of vision correction, and many are currently using an outdated prescription.
At Vision and Ortho-K Center in Boston, Curtis Frank, OD, helps patients identify when their current lenses are no longer providing the optimal support they need.
One of the most common signs that your prescription is outdated isn't necessarily "blurry" vision, but physical discomfort. If you find yourself experiencing headaches after reading or working on a computer, your eyes may be working overtime to compensate for lenses that are too weak or too strong.
This digital eye strain and chronic "heavy" feeling in the eyes often stems from an incorrect refractive balance. If your glasses are no longer doing the heavy lifting, your eye muscles must strain to pull images into focus, leading to tension around the temples and brow.
Squinting is a natural reflex to reduce the amount of light entering the eye and slightly change its shape to improve focus. If you catch yourself squinting to read street signs or see the television, it is a clear indicator that your lenses are no longer providing 20/20 clarity.
While you might not notice a sudden "drop" in vision, the gradual change can make daily tasks more fatiguing. Even a minor change in your astigmatism or nearsightedness can make night driving particularly difficult, as light may appear to "smear" or create halos.
Vision changes often become most apparent in low-light conditions. If you notice that streetlights have long "spikes" or that you’re struggling to judge distances while driving through Boston at night, your prescription may need an adjustment. Furthermore, an outdated prescription can sometimes cause increased sensitivity to light. When your eyes are already strained, bright sunlight or fluorescent office lights can feel harsher than usual.
Regular eye exams are the only way to ensure your glasses are supporting your eye health. Whether your frames are damaged or your vision has simply shifted, our team is here to help.
To keep your vision sharp and comfortable, call Vision and Ortho-K Center to request your next eye exam today.
