How do I know if I need new glasses?

Our eyesight tends to change very gradually and our eyes are good at compensating for these minor changes. This means that figuring out when you need a new pair of glasses isn't always straightforward.

Here are 10 tell-tale signs that your current glasses might not be up to the task anymore:

1. You need more light than you used to, especially for reading and close up tasks.

2. Driving, particularly at night, is more challenging.

3. Your vision is slightly blurrier than it used to be.

4. Headaches become more frequent.

5. You find yourself squinting to see better.

6. You're holding your phone or book at odd angles or distances to read comfortably.

7. You’re noticing that you can’t see as far away as you once could.

8. It feels like your glasses are dirty, scratched or smudged as the scratch resistance coating wears down over time.

9. Your eyes feel strained and tired.

10. Glasses feel too tight, too loose, don't sit right or they no longer fit as well as they once did. The frames may have become bent or damaged.

If any of this sounds familiar, it might be time to consider booking your next eye test and finding out whether your glasses need an update.

Surprisingly, many of us get accustomed to a reduced quality of vision, not realising the potential for improvement until we experience the clarity that comes with a new pair of glasses.

Here at OutsideClinic, we've witnessed firsthand our customers' genuine surprise as their world suddenly snaps into high definition. We provide accessible and comprehensive eye tests conducted in the comfort of your own home. Our Optometrists are based all over the UK.

NHS funded at-home eye tests are available for eligible individuals who find it difficult to leave their home.

Check your eligibility for a sight test at home