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Needing glasses (nearsighted, farsighted, or age-related)

Also called: Nearsighted, farsighted, astigmatism, presbyopia, refractive errors

Blurry vision because the eye doesn't focus light correctly. Glasses, contacts, or surgery fix it. Trouble reading up close after 40 (presbyopia) is normal.

TypeFocusing problem
FixGlasses, contacts, surgery
After 40Reading glasses are common

Overview

Nearsighted: far things are blurry. Farsighted: close things are blurry. Astigmatism: blurry at all distances.

Presbyopia is the lens stiffening with age.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Trouble seeing far away or reading up close
  • Blurry vision

Less common

  • Headaches
  • Squinting
  • Eye strain

Look up a symptom: Blurry vision

When to get medical care

Call 911Sudden vision loss, flashes, or a curtain over vision.
Get care todaySudden blurry vision or eye pain.
See a doctor soonVision changes, or children squinting or sitting close to screens.

Causes

The shape of the eye or cornea, and aging of the lens.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
  • It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Family history
  • Lots of close-up work

Possible complications

Diagnosis

An eye exam finds the right prescription.

Questions you may be asked

  • Headaches, squinting, driving trouble

The exam

A vision and refraction test.

Treatment

Corrective lenses work well.

Self-care

  • Get regular eye exams
  • Take screen breaks: 20-20-20 rule
  • Wear sunglasses outdoors

LASIK or other surgery can reduce the need for glasses in adults.

Prevention

To protect eyes:

  • Kids: time outdoors
  • Regular eye exams

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an optometrist or ophthalmologist (eye doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Children: Vision screening catches problems early.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Correctable for nearly everyone.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • How often should I get exams?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Needing glasses (nearsighted, farsighted, or age-related)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.