You may notice your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be. Perhaps you find yourself squinting to read road signs, or you get headaches after a long day of looking at a computer screen. Our team at Signature Eye Care understands how these small changes can make you wonder what’s happening with your eyesight. Changes to your vision are a common sign that your eyes need an exam.
Your eyesight can change due to the shape of your eye, the natural aging process, your daily habits, and even your family history. Understanding these factors can help you take the next step toward clearer, more comfortable vision.
Common Reasons Your Vision Changes
Your eyesight can change for several reasons. Often, these changes relate to the shape of your eye or how it ages over time.
Refractive Errors
A refractive error occurs when the shape of your eye prevents light from focusing correctly on the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. Common refractive errors include:
- Nearsightedness
- Farsightedness
- Astigmatism
Age-Related Eye Conditions
As you get older, you may notice changes in your vision. These shifts are a natural part of the process for many people, and they can affect how well you see up close or in dim light. Age-related changes include:
- Difficulty with close-up focus—also known as presbyopia
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
Lifestyle Factors & Your Eye Health
Your daily habits and environment can also influence your vision. What you do each day plays a part in your long-term eye health and comfort.
Digital Screens & Eye Strain
Spending hours in front of computers, phones, or tablets can lead to discomfort. You might recognize this feeling as digital eye strain, which can leave your eyes feeling overworked. Symptoms include:
- Tired or sore eyes
- Headaches
- Blurry vision
- Dry eyes
Your Environment & Surroundings
Elements like sun exposure and air quality can affect how your eyes feel and function. For example, wearing quality sunglasses can protect your eyes from UV rays, while a dry climate or a stuffy office can contribute to eye discomfort.
How Genetics Affect Your Eyesight
Your family’s health history can offer clues about your eye health. Many eye conditions have a genetic link, which means they can be passed down from one generation to the next.
You can share your family’s eye health history during your next eye exam. This information helps your Lincoln eye doctor get a complete picture of your vision during a comprehensive eye exam.
Dry Eyes & Your Vision Quality
Clear vision depends on a healthy layer of tears to protect the surface of your eye. When your eyes don’t produce enough tears—or high enough quality tears—your vision can become blurry and uncomfortable. This is a common effect of dry eye disease.
Signs of Dry Eye
You might experience dry eye if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling
- Redness or irritation
- Watery eyes
- Vision that blurs then clears with a blink
Find Relief with Lincoln Dry Eye Treatment
You don’t have to live with the discomfort of dry eyes. A targeted Lincoln dry eye treatment plan can address the source of the problem and help your eyes feel better.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is a proactive step for your health, and allows your optometrist to check for changes to your vision.
Consider an appointment if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Your vision seems different than it used to
- You get frequent headaches
- Your eyes feel strained or tired
- It has been more than a year since your last exam
A thorough exam is the first step to understand your vision needs. Knowing what to expect during your appointment can help you feel prepared and provides the information needed to help you achieve clear, comfortable sight.
If you have questions about your vision or are ready to schedule an exam, our team at Signature Eye Care is here to help. Book an appointment to get personalized advice for your eye health needs.
