Worried your 20/20 vision is a thing of the past? It might be time to finally get your eyes tested. The RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) estimates that 2.7 million in the UK will suffer from some form of sight loss by 2030.
When it comes to your vision, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you have any concerns about your eyesight, whether you’re struggling to see things close up or at a distance, you should never put off getting your eyes tested.
With this in mind, here are the 5 top signs you might need to get glasses, along with our top tips on where to grab a great pair.
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You’re getting frequent headaches
Do you suffer from frequent headaches? Although frequent headaches could be a sign of many different things, needing glasses is one of the most common culprits. When we need glasses but don’t wear them, we unnecessarily strain our eyes, which can result in headaches.
Headaches are often attributed to both farsightedness and astigmatism, so it’s important to get your eyes tested if you’re suffering from them often. Try keeping a log of any headaches you get over the next couple of weeks to better explain your symptoms to your optician.
Your eyes hurt after a long day at work
Do you get home from a long day at work only to find your eyes hurt and you feel like you need to rub them? This could also be a sign you need glasses. When you’re busy at work, you might find you don’t notice your eye strain or you’re simply becoming used to it. However, when the time comes to relax later on in the evening, your tired eyes might start to hurt.
Those that work on computers all day are at greater risk of tired eyes, because computer-based work can even lead to increased vision problems further down the line. To prevent this, make sure your glasses are the right prescription and you’re getting regular checkups.
You’re squinting a lot
Just like headaches, finding yourself squinting often is a telltale sign you may need glasses. There’s some cool science behind this, too! When you squint, your eyes are trying to reduce the amount of light entering your eye.
This reduction helps to reduce the size of the blurred image. It works, but it should only be a temporary fix. The temporary relief you get when you squint could be permanent with a pair of glasses!
Those who suffer from both nearsightedness and farsightedness are known to squint, so you’ll want to get your optician to take a look at your vision.
You need to sit close to the TV to see it
Whether you’re watching your favourite sports team or a good film, a tendency to move closer to the TV could be a sign you need to invest in a good pair of glasses. If your TV is appearing somewhat blurred, you’re likely suffering from nearsightedness.
Your vision regularly appears blurred
Have you noticed faraway objects are appearing blurry lately? Or perhaps that good book you’re reading is getting difficult to read? Blurred vision is one of the most common signs you need glasses.
If close-up objects are appearing blurred, you may be suffering from farsightedness (hyperopia). However, If objects in the distance are difficult to see, then chances are you’re suffering from nearsightedness (myopia).. Thankfully, farsightedness, nearsightedness as well as astigmatism are all easily corrected with prescription lenses.
Glasses for everyone
Worrying about buying glasses online is a thing of the past. Instead, look out for retailers offering a ‘try before you buy’ service like eyewear brand Arlo Wolf. Based in the UK, Arlo Wolf has a huge range of stylish glasses that you can try on at home for free.
And every time you purchase a pair, Arlo Wolf will donate another pair to Sight2Save – a charity supporting those with vision problems in the developing world.
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