How do you know when you need glasses?

[Stepharoonie!]

Stupid question, I know.

My sister (17) and I (25) are the ONLY ones on both sides of our family that do not require glasses. Lately, especially the last two weeks, I get absolutely horrible headaches when reading, using the computer, driving (especially at night), and just doing everyday normal work like writing, filing books, etc. Now, it just seems like things that are close to me are the things that are giving me these horrible headaches. Taking aspirin or Motrin doesn't even begin to touch the headache anymore.

So, I'm sadly guessing that I need glasses.

What do you guys think? Any input would be appreciated...along with any ideas of costs for actually getting an eye exam or glasses, as I do not have insurance.

Thanks!

 

[*Fantasia*]

Do you notice if you squint? Do you squint when trying to read? Do you tend to squint when driving or looking far away? Have you had an eye exam before? Depending where you go, the cost may vary. My suggestion is to see an Optometrist and not the Opthomologist. If the Optometrist finds any health concerns about your eyes, he will referral you to the Opthomologist.

The regular exam fee will run about $55 or so. The glasses cost depends on the cost of the frame and depends on what type of lenses you would need.

It is good to have an eye exam done yearly. To check the vision and as well as the health of the eyes.

 

[browneyes]

Headaches are usually a first sign. Things out of focus no matter how hard you concentrate on them is another. I'd go get an eye exam.

 

[Pop Daddy]

you cant see good

 

[chager]

It sounds like you should have an eye exam. I've had corrective lenses since 6th grade. For me it was the fact I couldn't read the board. I would shop around and see what specials there are. I know up here we have a DOC and Lenscrafters that run specials alot. I've never tried Walmart but have heard they are ok too. My son was having headaches and it turned out he needed glasses. Even if it turns out your eyes are ok the Dr can probably give you some suggestions to lessen eye strain. Good Luck!!

 

[DisneyObsessed]

Funny you should post this today. I just decided yesterday that it was time for me to go for an exam. I have been using *cheaters* to read for a while, but now I'm squinting to see at distances. Sure enough, I need glasses. Are you ready? Bifocals. Yikes! I would say you need to go for an exam. Don't wait. Those headaches aren't worth it.
-----------------
Dawn

 

[KatelynnsAuntie]

I wear them most of the time when I'm driving, but never indoors. I discovered I needed them about 7 yrs ago when two friends and I went to San Francisco for the day. We were out on the bay on a boat and one looked across the water at another boat and made a comment about the name on the boat. I said "you can see that?" They both said "you can't??"

That is how I discovered I probably should get my eyes checked...but I really only need glasses to see far distances, which is why I never wear them indoors.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Yup...sounds like you might need them. Perhaps just reading glasses. You're probably better off having your eyes checked. Be sure to tell them you get headaches while doing those things. I've had glasses since 1st grade. The tip off there was squinting to read the blackboard.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My daughter got glasses this week. She was complaining of headaches. The pediatrician said it was low blood sugar or stress headaches. She wasn't squinting at all.

The op. said she could see far away but not up close. Her prescription glasses are mild and she doesn't have to wear them all day.

Make the appointment. I wish I had taken my daughter sooner.

Lori

 

[CEDmom]

Sounds like you should at least have an eye exam. Most Lens Crafters have an Optometrist just next door so it should be pretty easy to have it checked out. My health plan doesn't cover eye care either. I've needed glasses for distance for about 15 years. What I do to save money is to open a health care savings account through my insurance plan every other year. The money comes out of my paycheck pretax and then I use it for new eyeglasses and sunglasses.

 

[luv2nascar]

I was in sixth grade and I couldn't read what the teacher was writing on the black board anymore

My eye doctor charges $100 for the exam and my last pair of glasses like 2-3 yrs ago cost $350

You might want to check lens crafters or pearl vision I'm not sure what they charge

 

[Fire14]

I've used pearl vison and had very good luck I also have heard walmart's is good but like any other place you may not like your local location. I'd recommand getting an exam.

 

[DISshopkeeper]

I knew when I called my Mom to tell her that the sewing needles she gave me did not have eyes. When she got done laughing she told me the problem was with MY eyes, not the needles!

 

[powellrj]

I will start by saying that I HATE WAL-MART. Ok, that said, thats where we always get our glasses. I had vision insurance for several years and always paid more for glasses that didn't last as long as I could without the insurance at wal-mart

 

[CdnDisneyNut]

The pharmacy section of your local Walmart (or simular store) usually has a vision chart to check your vision. Stand on the line and see what line you can read. See what your vison level is; if poor make an appointment with an optometrist. You can also check your reading level by picking up the "cheater" spects sold at drug stores.

 

[Stepharoonie!]

I tried some of the "cheater" specs at Walgreens today, and the smallest strength glasses were too strong still for me. I have come to believe that I do need glasses...I've noticed since posted this (since someone asked) that I DO squint now...to watch tv, to read, everything.

Today, I couldn't even read the menu charts very well at MGM Studios...and I know a few months ago I could see them just fine.

So, I guess I'll have to suck it up and go to the doctor. Phooey! I was hoping my sister and I would be the abnormal ones in the family without glasses