Prescription glasses are typically prescribed by an optometrist to people who do not have a normal visual acuity of 20/20 or better. There are many factors which could determine whether or not you actually need glasses. Finding out whether or not you are in need of glasses can be a relatively simple task and can help you avoid any unnecessary headaches associated with poor vision.
Instructions
1 Place a book or other reading material about a foot away from your face and attempt to read the words. If the letters get blurry or distorted, you may need to get your vision checked for glasses. Presbyopia, a condition that eventually affects all adults around the age of 40-50, is the gradual diminishing the eye’s ability to focus on near objects and could affect your vision. People with Hyperopia — the proper term for farsightedness — have problems focusing on near objects as well.
2 Look at objects in broad daylight and check whether you can clearly make them out. What the eye actually sees is a “reflection” of the light bouncing off objects. If your eyes cannot see objects correctly in clear light, you may have to visit an optometrist to get your eyes checked. People with myopia — the proper term for nearsightedness — have problems focusing on objects that are further away and need to get closer to objects to make them out clearly.
3 Check whether you have to squint or blink constantly to focus on objects in your field of vision. Typically, doing so are signs that your eyes cannot properly focus.Other physical signs include headaches and eye strains when reading or using a computer for long periods of time. Seeing floaters — floating “spots” — is an indicator that you may need glasses as well.
4 Get your vision tested by an optometrist. This is the most definite way to find out whether or not you need glasses. Tell your optometrist about any visual problems or changes you may have experienced.
Tips & Warnings
If you have any acute pain or significant loss of vision in your eyes, make sure to have your eyes properly checked over immediately. Such occurrences indicate the possible presence of an ocular disease, like glaucoma, which could eventually cause permanent blindness.