More Than Half of the Country Wears Glasses; So When Do You Know if They’re Right for You?
According to Popular Science, over 40% of the U.S. population suffers from myopia, or nearsightedness. According to statistics published by CBS, 61% of the U.S. population uses some form of corrective lenses. A higher proportion of elderly and aging people wear glasses compared to people under the age of forty. So how can you tell if it’s time for you to get a pair glasses?
If you are in need of glasses, you may experience eye strain, frequent headaches, and trouble reading. Regular trips to the eye doctor aren’t just for people with eye diagnosed eye problems—getting an eye exam at least once a year will help you understand if your vision is changing, and what steps to take to ensure good eye health.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, make an appointment with your eye doctor to find out if it’s time to get a pair of glasses.
1) Blurred Vision
If you need glasses, you may experience blurred vision. You may be nearsighted if you find it difficult to see an object that is far away. If you have trouble making out your friends as they approach you from ten feet away, for example, then you may be nearsighted.
Farsightedness is when your vision is blurred for objects up close. If you have trouble reading a book that is right in front of you, you may be farsighted. Schedule an eye exam if your blurred vision occurs even when you are well rested and hydrated.
2) Frequent Headaches
Eye strain occurs when the small muscles in the eye must work extra hard in order to compensate for failed communication between the cornea and lens. This can result in headaches. Eye strain and squinting can also cause headaches.
If you get regular headaches and worry that they may be caused by your eyesight, make an appointment with your eye doctor.
3) Trouble Seeing at Night
When our eyesight becomes weaker with age, it becomes naturally more difficult to see at night. But this can be dangerous if you regularly drive at night or do other activities in the dark.
Night blindness is also referred to as “nyctalopia,” which can be caused by eye conditions like myopia, cataracts, and retinitis pigmentosa (when dark pigment collects in the retina and creates tunnel vision).
4) Difficulty Adjusting to Light or Dark
As we age, our eyesight can be affected in many ways. In dim and dark light, the iris widens in order to let in as much light as possible. In bright light, the iris contracts in order to restrict the amount of light going in. As we age, the iris may have trouble expanding when adjusting to brighter conditions.
While difficulty adjusting to light or dark conditions can be annoying, it can also be dangerous—especially when driving. If your iris cannot adjust to the light of the headlights from a passing car, be sure to make an appointment with your eye doctor.
Regular Trips to the Eye Doctor Make All the Difference
Don’t wait until you’ve been suffering from one or more of these symptoms for months. Make an appointment with your eye doctor to prevent further strain, damage, and danger to your eye and your surroundings.