Many people assume their glasses or contact lenses are still working fine—as long as they can "see okay." But vision changes are often gradual. Your eyes naturally compensate over time, masking symptoms that signal your prescription may no longer be accurate.
Even minor prescription shifts can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and reduced clarity. If you’re searching for a trusted optometrist near you or wondering if your prescription needs updating, these signs are worth paying attention to.
1. Frequent Headaches or Eye Strain
Do you experience headaches after using a screen, reading, or driving? An outdated prescription can force your eyes to work harder than necessary, especially during tasks requiring focus. This strain often leads to headaches and tension behind the eyes—common signs your vision is no longer optimally corrected.
2. Fatigue During Visual Tasks
If your eyes feel tired or heavy after working on a computer, scrolling on your phone, or watching TV, it could be due to eye strain. When your lenses don’t match your current visual needs, your brain and eye muscles work overtime, causing mental and physical fatigue.
3. Squinting to See Clearly
Do you catch yourself squinting when reading road signs or using your phone? Squinting is a natural way your eyes attempt to sharpen blurry images. If it’s becoming a habit, it likely means your prescription isn’t providing the clarity you need.
4. Intermittent Blurry Vision
Occasional blurry vision—especially later in the day—is a subtle but important signal. Fluctuations in clarity can be related to eye fatigue, dryness, or an outdated prescription. These issues are best diagnosed and corrected during a comprehensive eye exam.
5. Difficulty Driving at Night
If driving at night has become more challenging—due to glare from headlights, dim road signs, or reduced contrast sensitivity—your prescription may need adjusting. Night vision relies heavily on precision. Even small prescription changes can have a noticeable impact on safety and comfort after dark.
6. Holding Devices Closer or Farther Away
If you find yourself adjusting how you hold a book, smartphone, or menu, you may be compensating for changes in near or distance vision. Many adults experience gradual vision shifts over time, even with a long-standing prescription.
7. Glasses or Contacts Are Over a Year Old
Your vision can change without obvious symptoms. That’s why routine eye exams are essential, even if your current glasses seem fine. Updated prescriptions not only improve clarity and comfort but also support long-term eye health by detecting potential issues early.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
Most adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on age, vision needs, and health history. Children, seniors, and individuals with certain medical conditions may require more frequent checkups.
At Active Eyes Optometry, we provide thorough eye exams designed to assess both your vision and overall eye health. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply due for your next appointment, we’ll help ensure your prescription is accurate and your eyes stay healthy.
Learn more about our eye exam services
Why Accurate Prescriptions Matter
An accurate prescription is about more than just clear vision. It helps to:
- Prevent eye strain and fatigue
- Reduce the risk of recurring headaches
- Improve focus and reading comfort
- Enhance night driving clarity and safety
- Detect and monitor potential eye health concerns
Your vision plays a crucial role in your daily life. Don’t wait for discomfort to get worse—proactive care makes all the difference.
FAQs
Q: Can I need a new prescription even if I see “okay”?
Yes. Your eyes may be compensating for subtle changes, which can lead to strain, fatigue, or discomfort—even if your vision doesn’t seem blurry.
Q: How often should I update my prescription?
Typically every 1–2 years, depending on your age, eye health, and visual demands. A comprehensive exam will help determine if it’s time for an update.
Q: Do small prescription changes really matter?
Absolutely. Even slight adjustments can significantly improve comfort, reduce headaches, and enhance overall visual performance.
Schedule Your Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
At Active Eyes Optometry, we take a personalized approach to vision care. Our experienced optometrists in Surrey offer in-depth eye exams, advanced diagnostic tools, and updated prescriptions tailored to your unique visual needs.
📞 Contact us today to book your eye exam and find out if your current prescription is still serving you.