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Signs You Need an Vision Test: When to Visit an Optometrist in Olds

August 20, 2025
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Your eyes work hard every single day, yet many people don’t realize just how much their vision can change over time. Whether it’s subtle blurriness, headaches, or trouble seeing at night, these changes can sneak up on you. Scheduling regular vision tests with a trusted optometrist not only helps keep your vision sharp but also plays an important role in protecting your overall eye health. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to book an appointment, here are some of the most common signs that you may need a vision test.

6 Signs Your Need A Vision Test

Blurry or Distorted Vision

One of the clearest signs that your eyes need attention is if your vision starts to blur, whether up close, far away, or both. You may also notice wavy or distorted lines. These changes can be linked to nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or age-related conditions. A vision test can determine the cause and point you toward the right solution.

Frequent Headaches

Headaches often go hand in hand with eye strain. If you spend long hours reading, working at a computer, or driving and find yourself reaching for pain relief regularly, your eyes may be the culprit. Correcting your vision with the right prescription after a vision test can significantly reduce this strain.

Difficulty Seeing at Night

Do you struggle with glare from headlights or feel less confident driving after dark? Poor night vision can be a sign that your prescription needs updating, or it may indicate other eye issues such as cataracts. A comprehensive vision test will help identify what’s behind the problem.

Squinting or Eye Strain

If you catch yourself squinting to read road signs or holding your phone closer than usual, it’s time for a vision test. Squinting is your body’s natural way of trying to sharpen your focus, but it shouldn’t be something you rely on.

Double Vision or Frequent Changes in Focus

Seeing double, or noticing your eyes take longer to adjust between distances, can signal issues that require professional attention. A vision test will pinpoint what’s happening and whether you need corrective lenses or further care.

Dry, Watery, or Irritated Eyes

While dryness or watering can sometimes be linked to allergies or environment, they can also be connected to vision problems or digital eye strain. An optometrist can recommend treatments after your vision test to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.

What Do Old’s Optometrists Test for in a Vision Test?

A vision test checks more than just how clearly you can see. During your appointment, your optometrist will look at several aspects of your eyesight to make sure everything is working the way it should.

  • Visual Acuity: This is the classic “letter chart” test that measures how sharp your vision is at different distances.
  • Refraction: Helps determine if you need glasses or contacts, and what prescription is right for you.
  • Eye Alignment and Coordination: Checks how well your eyes work together, which is important for reading, driving, and depth perception.
  • Peripheral Vision: Tests your ability to see objects at the sides of your field of vision.
  • Colour Vision: Screens for color blindness or changes in colour perception.
  • Eye Health Screening: Many optometrists also look for early signs of conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration during a vision test.

Together, these checks give a clear picture of your overall vision and eye health. Even if you don’t notice problems, a routine vision test can catch issues early before they affect your daily life. For a more detailed overview of what The Eye Wearhouse team do during a vision test, read our blog here.

What Are the Next Steps After Your Vision Test?

After your vision test, your optometrist will go over the results with you. If your eyesight is healthy and your prescription hasn’t changed, you may simply need to book your next routine visit.

If a new prescription is needed, your optometrist will provide it and our team at The Eye Wearhouse can help you choose glasses or contacts that fit your vision needs and lifestyle. With a wide selection of frames and lenses, you can often complete everything in one visit.

Sometimes a vision test reveals early signs of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration. In those cases, your optometrist will guide you through the next steps for further testing, monitoring, or specialist care if needed.

The goal after every vision test is the same, leave with clear, comfortable vision and a plan to keep your eyes healthy long term.

Why Choose The Eye Wearhouse in Olds for Your Vision Test

At The Eye Wearhouse, every vision test is delivered with precision, comfort, and professional care. Our opticians use advanced digital technology to measure your prescription with an accuracy down to 0.01 diopters for ultra‑accurate results and a seamless experience

Every test is also reviewed by a collaborating ophthalmologist, ensuring comprehensive eye health evaluation alongside your vision needs Plus, you’ll enjoy a friendly, personalized approach in a relaxed environment rooted in over 30 years of experience serving Olds.

Book your vision test with us today and see the difference that expert care can make.


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