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I Need Glasses, What Do I Do? Your Step-by-Step Guide

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A variety of eyeglass styles sitting on a white desk top with a hand reaching out to grab a pair.

Realizing you might need glasses can feel overwhelming. You might notice that you’re squinting at road signs or getting headaches after reading, but you’re not sure what to do next.

Getting glasses involves recognizing vision changes, scheduling an eye exam, understanding your prescription, choosing frames and lenses, and adjusting to your new glasses. This process helps restore clear vision and protects your eye health for years to come. 

At Pinnacle Eyecare, we guide patients through every step of this journey with comprehensive eye exams that helps you get a vision solution that meets your needs.

How to Know When You Need Glasses

Common Signs Your Vision Has Changed

Your body gives you clear signals when your vision needs correction. These signs often develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss at first. They include situations like:

  • Squinting to see distant objects clearly
  • Headaches after reading or computer work
  • Blurry vision when looking at distant objects like road signs
  • Eye strain during daily activities
  • Difficulty seeing at night

When to Take Action

It’s best to schedule an appointment when you first notice symptoms. Prompt action means that you won’t have to spend as much time with uncomfortable vision.

Schedule Your Eye Exam

Finding the Right Eye Doctor

Look for an eye doctor in Columbus who focuses on comprehensive eye care. Choose a practice that emphasizes patient comfort and takes time to answer your questions thoroughly.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Your comprehensive eye exam covers much more than just checking your vision. The appointment typically includes several important steps. These include:

  • Health history discussion
  • Vision testing with different lenses
  • Eye health examination
  • Prescription determination

Why You Need a Professional Prescription

Eye doctors can check for underlying health issues and confirm that your prescription accurately addresses your vision needs. They can also detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma or diabetes that affect your eyes and may cause vision loss if unaddressed.

A young patient trying on a new pair of glasses at their optometrist's office after getting a new prescription during an eye exam.

Understanding Your Glasses Prescription

Key Numbers on Your Prescription

Your prescription includes measurements for each eye that indicate factors like the lens power needed to help you see clearly and how round your eye is.

How Long Prescriptions Stay Valid

Most prescriptions remain valid for one to two years, but your vision can change during this time. Regular check-ups help catch these changes early and keep your prescription current. 

Choose Your Glasses & Frames

Frame Options That Suit Your Face Shape

Different frame styles complement various face shapes and personal preferences. Your eye care team can help you select frames that look good and feel comfortable for daily wear.

Lens Types & Features

Modern lenses offer many options to meet your vision needs. Your lifestyle and vision requirements help determine which types of lens and frames might work best for you. Common options include:

  • Single vision for distance or reading
  • Bifocals for multiple vision needs
  • Progressive lenses for seamless vision correction
  • Anti-glare and protective coatings

Feel free to explore our wide selection of frames and lenses.

Where to Purchase Your Glasses

Options include optical shops, retail chains, and online retailers—each with different benefits. Many people prefer purchasing glasses from their eye doctor’s office for personalized fitting and ongoing support.

Getting Used to Your New Glasses

Adjustment Period Expectations

Your eyes and brain need time to adapt to clearer vision through your new lenses. Most people adjust within a few days to a week of regular wear. Learn more about how long it takes to adjust to new eyeglasses and what to expect during this transition period.

When to Contact Your Eye Doctor

Some discomfort during the first few days is normal, but certain symptoms require professional attention. Contact your eye care team if you experience any of the following issues:

  • Persistent headaches after one week
  • Dizziness or nausea while wearing glasses
  • Vision remains blurry or distorted
  • Eye strain continues during normal activities

Getting your first pair of glasses marks an important step toward better vision and eye health. Our team at Pinnacle Eyecare understands that this process can feel overwhelming, and we’re here to guide you through each step with personalized care and attention. 

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today to start your journey toward clearer, more comfortable vision.

Written by Dr. Nicholas King-Smith

Dr. Nicholas King-Smith was born and raised in Wooster, Ohio. He is a Northeast Ohio native and by default a sad (but proud) Browns fan. Dr. King-Smith obtained his Bachelor of Science from Xavier University in May 2010. He received his optometric degree at the Ohio State University College of Optometry in May 2014.

Dr. King-Smith has been practicing in and around the Columbus area for the last 6 years.

Pinnacle Eyecare opened in the fall of 2020 and now serves the Columbus community with quality eye care and optometric services. Dr. King-Smith envisioned a practice with a unique, modern environment, where all the latest frames and comprehensive eye care would be available in one setting.

During his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife, son, and their Bernese Mountain Dog. He loves traveling with his family, skiing, hiking, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

He is a member of the Ohio Optometric Association, the American Optometric Association, and the Epsilon Psi Epsilon professional fraternity.

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