What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Needing Glasses?

Changes in vision often come with many signs and symptoms. Some of these are easily confused with other symptoms, such as stress or chronic sinusitis. Do not ignore any changes in vision, however, because they may be a sign of eye diseases including glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration. Schedule an eye exam if you note any vision changes or have any other signs or symptoms that you may need glasses.

Changes in Vision

• Although at around age 45 the eye undergoes age-related changes -- known as presbyopia -- vision changes such as these can occur at any age. If you find yourself having to squint or hold objects further away from your eyes to see them clearly, you may need reading glasses and have a condition known as hyperopia, or farsightedness. Objects that are far away and blurry may be a symptom of myopia, or nearsightedness.

Loss of Concentration

• The inability to focus on a task, especially if involves reading, can be a sign you need glasses.

Increase in Headaches

• Headaches can develop because of eye strain caused by vision changes. Such headaches may center around the eyes or temples.

Symptoms in Children

• Children needing glasses will often complain of their head or eyes hurting and will often rub them. You may also find them squinting more or moving to the front of a classroom to compensate. Children needing glasses may also fall behind in schoolwork or seem less attentive in class.