Eye-Friendly Habits You Can Start Today
Taking care of your eyes doesn’t have to be challenging. Some of the best habits are super easy. Read on to learn seven eye-friendly habits you can start today and how we can support you with that task.
5 Signs You Need a New Corrective Lens Prescription
According to data compiled by the Vision Council, over 75.6% of Americans use vision correction (either prescription glasses or glasses) — 197.6 million adults. This statistic doesn’t include children! About 25% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 wear glasses.
All of this to say, if you’re wondering whether you’re due for a new prescription, you’re not alone. Your vision can change over time — completely normal — and your current glasses or contacts may no longer be effective.
But how do you know if you or your child needs a new corrective lens prescription? Nicanor Lacsina, OD, and Yelena Pinkhasova, OD, can assess your visual acuity during an exam at Bainbridge Eye Care.
It may be time for an updated prescription if you're experiencing any of these five signs.
1. You can not read things that you used to read
If objects that once appeared sharp now seem blurry — whether up close or far away — it indicates that your prescription may no longer be right for you. Struggling to read signs while driving or squinting at your phone screen are common signs of vision changes.
You may also need a prescription for presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes reading close-up objects difficult. Many people start to notice this in their forties. If you already have myopia, for example, and then develop presbyopia, bifocal prescriptions can give you the clarity you need to see both near and far.
Children may struggle to read the whiteboard at school, squint to see the clock, or hold books or tablets closer to their faces so they can see better. If you notice your child squinting more often, it’s time to schedule another eye exam.
2. You have frequent headaches
Uncorrected or improperly corrected vision can strain your eyes and cause headaches. If you’re noticing frequent headaches, especially after reading, using screens, or driving, your eyes may be working too hard to compensate for an outdated prescription.
3. You have eye fatigue
Tired, sore, or dry eyes at the end of the day can indicate that your current lenses no longer provide the best correction level. Eye fatigue is common if you spend long hours reading, working on a computer, or focusing on close-up tasks.
4. It is harder to drive at night
If driving at night has become more challenging due to glare, halos around lights, or reduced clarity, it could mean your prescription needs adjusting. Night vision problems can worsen over time.
5. You are seeing double
Seeing double images, experiencing shadowed text, or noticing distortions like straight lines appearing wavy are strong signs that your prescription isn’t working as it should.
What if you spot these signs?
If you are concerned about your vision, you shouldn’t postpone your eye exam. During an eye exam, Dr. Lacsina or Dr. Pinkhasova checks your visual acuity (how sharply you can see) with an eye chart like the Snellen chart. It’s a completely non-invasive test where you simply read letters from a distance to determine the smallest line you can see clearly.
Your results get expressed as a fraction (e.g., 20/20). The top number represents the testing distance, and the bottom indicates the distance a person with normal vision can read the same line.
If your results differ from your current prescription, our team can set you up with new glasses in our on-site lab. We offer a variety of lenses, including ones that are up to 50% thinner than regular glass or plastic lenses and lenses made from polycarbonate and Trivex® materials.
In addition to testing your visual acuity, Dr. Lacsina or Dr. Pinkhasova examines your eyes for signs of eye diseases. They may also dilate your pupils to examine the retina and optic nerve for a more thorough evaluation.
Call 718-306-9127 or request an appointment online today to get started.
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