5 Signs It's Time for a New Corrective Lens Prescription

Your vision is one of your most valuable senses, so taking care of it is important. If you wear corrective lenses — whether eyeglasses or contact lenses — your prescription will probably change over time. Recognizing when it's time for a new prescription is critical to ensure you see clearly and comfortably. 

The experienced team at Negrey Eye Associates in Havertown, Pennsylvania, can ensure you have the correct lens prescription. Here are five signs that suggest it's time to update your lenses.

1. You experience frequent headaches

Headaches can be a sign that your prescription is no longer accurate. When your eyes have to work harder to focus, it can strain the muscles around them, often resulting in tension headaches, particularly around your temples or forehead.

If you notice headaches happening more often or in connection with wearing your glasses or contacts, it might indicate that your current prescription isn’t meeting your needs.

2. You struggle to see clearly, especially at night

A common symptom of an outdated prescription is having trouble seeing clearly at night or in low-light conditions. If driving at night causes you to squint more than usual, and it's hard to see street signs, it could be a sign that your vision has changed. Our team can adjust your prescription to correct these issues and restore optimal clarity.

Additionally, glare from headlights or streetlights may become more bothersome, which can be another indication that your lenses need adjustment.

3. Your eyes feel dry or irritated

Dryness or eye irritation can sometimes be linked to an incorrect prescription. If your lenses are too strong or weak, your eyes may become fatigued from trying to compensate, leading to dryness, discomfort, or even redness.

If you notice that your eyes feel scratchy, itchy, or are watering more than usual, schedule an eye exam with us to reassess your prescription.

4. You need to squint or hold things closer to see them

If you’re holding your phone, book, or computer screen closer to your face or squinting to focus, your lenses might fail to provide the correct magnification level. Such difficulties can indicate a shift in your vision, often due to age-related changes like presbyopia. People commonly develop presbyopia as the eye’s lens loses flexibility with age, which makes it harder to focus on nearby objects.

Sometimes, you may need a new prescription or even a different type of lens, such as lined bifocals or progressive lenses, to accommodate your changing vision needs. Additionally, your near vision may have become less sharp, which is common as people age, requiring a specific adjustment in your prescription.

5. You notice a change in your overall comfort

Comfort is key when it comes to corrective lenses. If you’ve gotten used to discomfort, such as constant pressure on your nose or behind your ears, changes in your prescription might cause your glasses to no longer fit properly or your contacts to feel uncomfortable in your eyes.

Our team might recommend a new prescription with a different lens or frame type to improve comfort and provide a clearer visual experience.

When to talk to your eye specialist

Regular eye exams help you maintain clear vision and ensure your prescription stays up-to-date. If you notice any of the signs above, call our office or schedule your appointment online today. We can evaluate your vision and help determine whether it’s time for a new corrective lens prescription.