Common Signs You May Need Glasses

Closing One Eye to Read

If you have to close one eye to read, it might be a sign of convergence insufficiency. This condition occurs when it's difficult for the eyes to work together at a close range. When you're looking at a screen or reading material close to the face, one eye might drift outward rather than focusing. This leads to a blurred image that improves when you close one eye. Even if the image doesn't look actively blurry, it might cause eye strain that improves when you angle your head or cover one eye. Some patients with convergence insufficiency might not notice the issue because their brain automatically discards the input from the drifting eye. Untreated convergence insufficiency can sometimes lead to permanent turning outward of one of the eyes, which is commonly referred to as a wall eye. School screenings and basic eye exams aren't adequate for detecting convergence insufficiency. Prism glasses and vision therapy are two of the main treatments. While prism glasses won't correct the problem, they can often decrease symptoms.

Keep reading to learn more about the warning signs indicating you may need to wear glasses now.