Are things a little blurry recently? It may be time to change your eyeglass prescription or get glasses for the first time. The optometrists at Linsey Eyecare & Dental Health Services in Wyomissing, PA, and serving the Reading area, share a few reasons that you may need glasses.

You're nearsighted

Nearsightedness, or myopia, affects 30 percent of people in the U.S., according to the American Optometric Association. If you're nearsighted, you can see close objects clearly, but objects in the distance look blurry. Reading probably won't be a problem if you're myopic, but when you attempt to view a distant street sign, you may not be able to make out the words. Myopia can occur if your eyeball is a little too long, or your cornea curves too much. In some cases, your vision problem may caused by a combination of these two issues.

Nearsightedness is often diagnosed in childhood and tends to be inherited. If your child reports difficulties seeing the whiteboard at school or complains of eyestrain, it's a good idea to schedule an examination in our Reading area office. Although many cases of myopia develop in childhood, adults can also be diagnosed with it.

You're farsighted

Farsightedness, or hyperopia, is the opposite condition of myopia. Objects close to you are blurry, while those far away are clear if you're farsighted. Hyperopia is caused by a short eyeball or a flat cornea. If farsightedness develops during childhood, it may be possible to outgrow it eventually, unlike nearsightedness.

Signs of hyperopia including difficulty reading or viewing close objects, eyestrain and headaches. If your child is farsighted, you may notice that he or she squints often.

You have astigmatism

Astigmatism causes blurry vision whether you look at items nearby or in the distance. It's caused by a cornea that isn't perfectly rounded. It's not unusual to have astigmatism and either nearsightedness or farsightedness.

You're over 40 and suddenly having trouble seeing things close up

Aging doesn't just cause wrinkles and aching joints, but can also affect your ability to see close objects. The problem can occur whether you have myopia, hyperopia or perfect vision. Presbyopia symptoms occur when the clear lens inside your eye becomes stiff, which affects your ability to focus. In addition to difficulty reading the small print, you may also notice eyestrain, headaches and fatigue when you try to read.

No matter what type of vision problem you have, eyeglasses can help you see more clearly. If you or your children have been experiencing vision difficulties, the call optometrists at Linsey Eyecare in Wyomissing, PA, and serving the Reading area, at (610) 373-2300 to schedule an appointment.