Signs You Need New Glasses: 7 Indicators to Look Out For

Man in a white shirt wearing a watch on his left wrist, sitting with a stressed expression holding his head.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

Are you squinting at your screen more often? Finding yourself holding menus at arm’s length to read them clearly? These might be telltale signs that it’s time to update your glasses prescription. Our eyesight tends to change over time, and sometimes it’s not immediately obvious when we need to switch up our lenses. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of seven signs that indicate you might need new glasses.

Frequent Headaches

One of the most common indicators that your glasses prescription might be outdated is frequent headaches, especially after prolonged periods of reading or screen time. When your glasses are no longer providing the correct level of correction, your eyes have to work harder to focus, leading to strain and tension headaches.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision, whether it’s up close or far away, is a clear sign that your current glasses aren’t doing their job effectively anymore. If you’re experiencing blurry vision even while wearing your glasses, it’s time to schedule an eye exam to determine if you need a new prescription.

Eye Fatigue

Do your eyes feel tired or strained, particularly at the end of the day? Eye fatigue can be a result of wearing glasses that aren’t suited to your current vision needs. If you find yourself rubbing your eyes frequently or experiencing discomfort, it might be time for an updated prescription.

Optician handing a pair of eyeglasses to a customer.

Difficulty Seeing at Night

Struggling to see clearly while driving at night can be a dangerous indication that your glasses aren’t providing adequate correction anymore. Poor night vision, glare from headlights, or halos around lights can all point to the need for new lenses tailored to your updated prescription.

Squinting

If you catch yourself squinting to see things more clearly, it’s a sign that your current glasses aren’t cutting it anymore. Squinting is your body’s way of trying to bring objects into focus, indicating that your vision has changed and your glasses need to be adjusted accordingly.

Scratched or Damaged Glasses

Have you noticed scratches or damage on your glasses lenses? Scratches not only affect the clarity of your vision but can also cause glare and distortions, making it difficult to see clearly. If your glasses are scratched or damaged, it’s time to consider replacing them for optimal vision quality.

Person smiling and wearing tortoiseshell patterned glasses with green accents and rectangular lenses.

Shop these frames

Changes in Prescription

Lastly, if it’s been more than a year since your last eye exam or if you’ve noticed significant changes in your vision, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional. Even subtle changes in your prescription can have a big impact on your overall vision quality and comfort.

Your vision is precious, and it’s essential to keep it clear and comfortable with the right glasses prescription. By paying attention to these signs, you can stay proactive about your eye health and ensure that you’re always seeing the world as crisply and clearly as possible. Don’t hesitate to schedule an eye exam if you’re experiencing any of these indicators—it might be time for a fresh pair of glasses from Zenni to help you see the world in a whole new light!

ZENNI Eyewear for Everyone. Shop now.

Photograph of Alyssa Buchanan

Alyssa Buchanan

Dr. Alyssa Buchanan is an optometrist based in Lubbock, Texas. She received her doctorate from Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, and has practiced in various settings including Fort Cavazos where she provided eye care for deploying soldiers. Dr. Buchanan has since received her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration and continues to strive to provide top-notch eyecare and make a meaningful impact in the eyecare industry.