Distance vision feels blurry
Distant details lose sharpness while close-up vision stays comfortable.
- Road signs are hard to read.
- The television looks less sharp.
- You struggle to recognise faces from afar.
- The classroom board is hard to read.
Do I need glasses?
Blurry vision, eye strain, headaches or trouble reading? Discover the signs that may mean it's time to have your eyes checked.
It isn't always easy to know whether you need glasses. Some signs are obvious, like vision that turns blurry. Others build up slowly and go unnoticed for months.
Eye strain, headaches, squinting, trouble reading, holding your phone further away, discomfort in front of screens or less accurate night vision are all quiet signals.
This guide makes no diagnosis. Only an eye test with a professional can tell whether a correction is needed — and which one.
The main signs
None of these signs is a conclusion on its own. They simply indicate that a check would be useful.
Close-up vision feels blurry
Small print takes effort, especially late in the day or in dim light.
- Small text is hard to read.
- You hold your phone further away to read.
- A product label becomes unreadable.
- You need more light than before.
You often squint
Squinting reduces the light entering the eye and briefly sharpens the image. It's a useful reflex, but it often means the eye is compensating for an effort.
You often get headaches
Headaches have many possible causes. They can sometimes relate to sustained visual effort, especially after long reading or a full day of screens.
Your eyes feel tired
Eye strain appears when the eyes must work continuously to keep an image sharp.
- Your eyes feel heavy.
- Concentration becomes difficult.
- You need to close your eyes for a while.
- Discomfort appears after a day's work.
You see less well at night
Reduced accuracy in the dark can show up before any daytime discomfort.
- Signs are hard to make out.
- Headlights bother you.
- Vision is less precise in dark places.
Screens are uncomfortable
Using screens does not automatically mean you need glasses. Still, repeated discomfort is worth a check.
- Tiredness at the end of a session.
- Vision that turns blurry.
- General discomfort.
- Trouble staying focused.
One eye seems weaker
A difference between the two eyes is hard to notice day to day: the brain naturally relies on the stronger eye. Closing one eye then the other can help you spot it.
Your current glasses feel off
A correction changes over time. Glasses that once felt right can become insufficient.
- Vision is less sharp than before.
- Tiredness persists despite the glasses.
- You take them off to read.
- An unusual discomfort appears.
Do you recognise any of these signs?
Tick what applies to you. Nothing is recorded.
How to tell if a child sees poorly
Children rarely compare their vision to others', so they rarely report a problem. Behaviour often says more than words.
- They sit very close to the television.
- They hold books or screens very close.
- They squint.
- They sometimes close one eye.
- They rub their eyes often.
- They complain of headaches.
- They struggle to read the board at school.
- They avoid reading or lose focus quickly.
How to know for sure
An online guide cannot determine precisely whether someone needs glasses. Only an eye test can check:
- distance vision
- near vision
- the difference between both eyes
- whether a correction is needed
- how an existing correction has evolved
The Lapaire eye test is free and can be booked at the nearest store in Uganda.
Find a storeHow does the test work?
Step 1
Choose a store
Pick the city and the store that suits you best.
Step 2
Book a slot
Choose the day and time that works.
Step 3
Have your eyes checked
A professional checks your vision and explains the results.
Your vision changes with age
Discover the visual changes commonly linked to your age with the Visual Age tool.
Discover Visual AgeFrequently asked questions
How do I know if I need glasses?
Some signs come back often: blurry distance or close vision, squinting, eye strain, headaches after effort, discomfort at night. These signs are not enough to conclude: only an eye test can tell whether a correction would help.
Does blurry vision always mean I need glasses?
No. Temporary blur can come from fatigue, poor lighting or dry eyes. If it comes back regularly, a check is recommended.
Can headaches come from my eyesight?
Headaches have many possible causes. Sustained visual effort is among the most common, especially after reading or a long screen session. A check is a simple way to rule that out.
Why do I have to hold my phone further away to read?
Moving text away reduces the eye's focusing effort. This reflex often appears when near vision takes more energy than before. It is common from the forties onward, but not limited to that age.
Why do I squint?
Squinting limits incoming light and briefly sharpens the image. It's a natural compensation, not a solution: it tires the eyes over time.
Can screens tire my eyes?
Yes, long exposure reduces blinking and demands sustained near focus. That doesn't automatically mean a correction is needed, but repeated discomfort deserves a check.
How do I know if my child sees poorly?
Watch their behaviour: sitting close to the TV, holding books very close, squinting, closing one eye, rubbing their eyes, complaining of headaches or avoiding reading. Children rarely compare their vision to others', so they don't always report the problem.
Can I need to change my glasses?
Yes. A correction evolves over time. If vision becomes less sharp again, if tiredness persists despite the glasses or if you remove them to read, a new check is useful.
Can an online test replace an eye test?
No. A guide or an online test can help spot signs, never measure a correction. Only a check performed by a professional with the right equipment can do that.
Is the Lapaire eye test free?
Yes. The eye test is free in every Lapaire store and can be booked online in seconds, with no account required.