Do I Need Glasses?

If you've found yourself asking, "Do I need glasses?", you're certainly not alone. It can be confronting to realise that your vision isn’t as clear as it could be.

You could have noticed your vision was a bit blurry at a soccer game in the weekend where you struggled to see a person or the scoreboard.  Or it might be driving – which tends to be harder at dawn/dusk and at night, and seeing the road signs might be harder.  Or, it could be your work computer or your cellphone (and we all know we spend a bit too much time looking at our phones!).

The good news is that most vision problems are easily diagnosed during an eye test and, in many cases, can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses or other vision correction options.

Below, we'll explain the most common reasons people need glasses, the signs to look out for, and the solutions available.

What we mention:

• Long-sightedness

• Short sightedness

• Astigmatism

• Presbyopia

Short-Sightedness (Myopia)

Short-sightedness, known as myopia, is one of the most common reasons people need glasses. In fact, around 30% of New Zealanders are myopic, and that number continues to grow. That’s a lot of people!

People with myopia can usually see objects up close clearly, but distant objects appear blurry. Road signs, television screens, and faces across a room become difficult to see without vision correction.

Signs of Short-Sightedness:

• Blurry distance vision.

• Squinting to see road signs or presentations.

• Difficulty driving without glasses.

• Sitting closer to the television.

• Trouble recognising people from a distance.

  
  

Myopia often develops during childhood or the teenage years and tends to run in families. At Milford Optometrists, we monitor short-sightedness carefully because higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of certain eye diseases later in life.

Long-Sightedness (Hyperopia)

Long-sightedness is known as hyperopia. While distance vision is often clearer than near vision, long-sightedness can actually affect both near and distance vision depending on the prescription. People with hyperopia often work harder to keep things in focus, leading to tired eyes and headaches.

Signs of Long-Sightedness:

• Difficulty reading or focusing on close objects.

• Eye strain after reading or computer work.

• Headaches during close work.

  
  

Blurred vision at near, and sometimes at distance. Many people don't realise they are long-sighted because their eyes compensate for years before symptoms become noticeable.

Astigmatism

Astigmatism is another very common reason people need glasses. It occurs because the front surface of the eye isn't perfectly round, causing light to focus unevenly. Almost everyone has some degree of astigmatism, although larger amounts can significantly affect vision.

Signs of Astigmatism:

• Blurred vision at both near and far distances.

• Eye strain after reading or screen use.

• Frequent headaches.

• Difficulty maintaining clear focus.

• Fatigue during detailed visual tasks.

  
  

Astigmatism is often responsible for ongoing eye strain and blurred vision, but it is straightforward to correct with modern glasses or specially designed contact lenses.

Presbyopia (Age-Related Vision Changes)

If you're over 40 and suddenly find yourself holding your phone further away, you're probably experiencing presbyopia.

Inside every eye is a natural lens that sits behind the iris. This lens changes shape throughout the day to allow us to focus between near and far objects. Over time, the lens gradually becomes stiffer and loses its flexibility.

Signs of Presbyopia:

• Difficulty reading small print.

• Holding reading material further away.

• Needing brighter light to read.

• Blurred near vision.

• Eye strain after reading.

• Difficulty focusing at the computer.

Presbyopia is a normal part of life and is one of the most common reasons adults need reading glasses or progressive lenses.

What If My Vision Is Just Blurry?

Blurry vision isn't something you should ignore. If your vision has changed suddenly, or you notice ongoing blurry vision, headaches, or difficulty focusing, it's important to book an eye test to rule out any eye health problems. A comprehensive examination at Milford Optometrists includes a thorough check of your eye health as well as determining whether you need vision correction.

You can also read our article on "Why Are My Eyes Blurry?" right here.

What Are My Vision Correction Options?

The right solution depends on your prescription, lifestyle and visual needs. Fortunately, there are more options than ever before.

Your optometrist may recommend:

• Prescription glasses for everyday wear, reading or computer use.

• Contact lenses, including specialised lenses for astigmatism and presbyopia.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), which gently reshapes the front of the eye overnight, and can free some people with myopia from needing glasses during the day.

• Myopia management treatments for children and teenagers to help slow the progression of short-sightedness and prevent eye health problems later in life.

• Referral to an eye surgeon for laser eye surgery for suitable candidates.

  
  

Many people are surprised by how much clearer and more comfortable life becomes once their vision has been properly corrected.

An optometrist can identify the cause of your symptoms, explain your options and recommend the best solution for your eyesight. Whether that's glasses, contact lenses, Ortho-K or another form of vision correction, clear and comfortable vision is often just one appointment away.

Get in touch with our team now and get your eyes seeing the best:

Book an Appointment at Milford Optometrists Here

Or Call: 09 489 4797