Our eyes have to endure a lot throughout our lifetime. And there are a variety of factors that can contribute to weakened vision. Influences, such as age, genetics, and even the increased frequency of how long we stare at our digital devices, can require you to sharpen your sight with bifocals.

Bifocal lenses are divided in half horizontally to offer two kinds of vision correction in one pair of glasses. Generally, the top portion corrects vision at a distance, for tasks such as reading signs or driving. The lower portion is used to correct vision up close, such as reading a book or using the computer. Similarly, progressive lenses provide a graduated range of vision correction.

Here are a few signs that indicate it may be time to talk to your optometrist about bifocal glasses.

You Have to Hold Items at a Certain Distance to See Clearly

Whether it’s a book, newspaper, brochure, or even the ingredients on the back of food items – if you find yourself constantly maneuvering and placing items at a distance just to read, then your eyes could be straining and working much harder than they should be. This is usually your first indicator that your vision may need the assistance of bifocals.

You Experience Eye Strain and Headaches Frequently

When your eyes have to adjust and struggle focus on what you want them to, it can easily cause eye strain and fatigue over time. As this occurs, headaches can become an associated problem that can make it frustrating and of course, painful when attempting to read. If you don’t have a history of headaches and suddenly begin to experience them more frequently, visit your optometrist to have your eyes checked. Chances are that you could just need glasses to eliminate those aches.

The Quality of Your Vision Changes Throughout the Day

If you find that your vision is changing throughout the day – maybe at one point you can see objects up close, and then later throughout the day you can’t – this can be a sign that presbyopia could be developing. This is when your vision begins to lose that sharp focus. And if you already have glasses, but find that you alternate between a few pairs in order to see at various distances, then bifocals can help.

It’s important to take good care of your eyes. If you begin to notice any of these signs where your vision may be impaired or alternating throughout the day between what you can and can’t focus on, then bifocals could help.

Always maintain regular checkups with your eye care professional so you can see clearly once more.