Do I Need a Stronger Eyeglass Prescription?

If the TV seems a little blurry or you struggle to read the menu, your eyeglass prescription might not be strong enough.

More than 105 million Americans have a refractive error — when your eye can’t focus light on your retina correctly, leading to nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism.

Here are four signs it’s time to upgrade your eyeglass prescription, courtesy of our experts at Maryland Eye Care Center in Silver Spring and Hyattsville, Maryland.

1. You struggle to read

Struggling to read — whether it’s a street sign in the distance or your favorite book — is how many people suspect they may need a new prescription. Ask yourself:

Are objects at a distance starting to blur?
Do I squint to read signs or texts on my phone?
Are these changes affecting my ability to read, drive, or do other tasks?

These issues might indicate your prescription needs adjusting.

2. You have frequent headaches

Frequent headaches or eye strain can indicate your current prescription isn’t strong enough. It may surprise you to learn that squinting can lead to headaches.

If you notice these symptoms, especially after extended periods of reading or screen time, it’s time to schedule an eye exam at any of our three locations.

3. You can’t focus on items

If you have trouble focusing on close or distant objects, a stronger prescription might be needed. This difficulty can interfere with daily activities like driving, reading, or using a computer.

In some cases, moving from a single prescription to bifocals may help improve your ability to focus.

4. Your prescription is old

Prescriptions can change over time. What worked a few years ago might not work now. If it’s been over a year since your last eye exam, it’s a good idea to get your vision checked.

That’s especially true for kids going through puberty. Hormonal changes during puberty can lead to vision changes. Prescription changes often settle down after puberty.

How to tell if your child needs a stronger prescription

You might be able to tell if you need a new prescription, but you might not know if your child does. Some kids tell their parents their vision is changing; others may show it more than say it.

Your child might need new glasses if:

They complain of headaches
They squint
They sit closer and closer to the TV or computer
They struggle with schoolwork
They lean their head close to the book they’re reading

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, know that our providers can help every family member, including toddlers, preschoolers, elementary students, and teens.

Don’t put off your exam

If you suspect you need a stronger prescription, give us a call. The only way to know for sure is through a comprehensive eye exam.

Your Maryland Eye Care Center provider can assess your vision and check for eye health issues by performing various tests, including measuring your visual acuity, checking for refractive errors, and examining the overall health of your eyes.

Depending on the results, you can: