5 Signs it's Time for a New Contact Lens Prescription
Contact lenses are one of the most trusted solutions for vision impairment. Contact lenses sit over the eyes to enhance eyesight compromised by nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Contact lenses are as effective as prescription glasses but offer the additional benefit of being completely discreet.
As effective as contact lenses are, they may need an adjustment over time. The eyes continually grow and change, leaving many requiring a stronger vision prescription. Here, Dr. Walter Choate of Choate Eye Associates presents five signs it’s time for a new contact lens prescription. He works with his Nashville, Goodlettsville, and Henderson, TN, patients to ensure their contact lenses fit comfortably and provide the necessary degree of vision correction.
Sign #1: Blurry Vision
One of the most apparent signs an individual needs a new contact lens prescription is blurry vision. Contact lenses address vision impairment caused by refractive errors. However, the eyes continually change as a person ages. Even subtle changes in one eye can compromise vision and make images appear blurry. When focusing on the TV, computer screen, or other objects in the line of sight is difficult, your vision prescription probably needs an adjustment.
Sign #2: Frequent Headaches
Vision changes often occur gradually, so they may not be noticeable, but there are usually other signs that a new prescription is necessary. Frequent headaches are one of the most common signs that the eyes are working too hard, likely because the current vision prescription is no longer strong enough.
Sign #3: Eye Fatigue
Eye fatigue is another sign that the eyes are being overly worked. Just like the muscles of the body, the eyes feel strain when they are worked too hard or for extended periods. Signs of eye fatigue include watery eyes, eye irritation, difficulty focusing on objects, and the constant urge to close or rest the eyes.
Sign #4: Squinting
People with vision impairment often find tricks to help bring their eyesight into focus. Squinting is one method people use to make an object appear clear. When a contact lens prescription is effective, squinting should not be necessary. Individuals who revert to squinting even when their contact lenses are in place likely require a new vision prescription.
Sign #5: Older Vision Prescription
Sometimes people make accommodations for their vision without realizing they are doing so or don’t notice signs that a new prescription is necessary because they adapt to them. Even if issues are not apparent, we recommend an eye exam at least once every two years. The eyes change over time, and vision prescription adjustments are often necessary every few years. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to evaluate the eyes and ensure a vision prescription is up-to-date.
What if My Prescription Is Good, But I’m Still Experiencing Discomfort?
Occasionally people experience some of the abovementioned symptoms even though their contact lens prescription is accurate. In these cases, it may be necessary to switch to a different type of contact lens. Dr. Choate can diagnose a patient’s vision and eye health needs to fit them with the right kind of contact lens.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing blurry vision, eye fatigue, or other issues of concern, you may be ready for a new vision prescription. To schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. Walter Choate, send us a message at your earliest convenience.