Free Standard Shipping: We offer free shipping to the following countries on orders above US$75: USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Philippines, Malaysia, Russia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, France, Spain, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Switzerland, Denmark, South Africa, Mexico, Belgium, Egypt, Portugal, Poland, Hungary, and New Zealand.

USA Customers: All orders shipped by K-Packet/X-Route to the USA will have no additional import charges upon delivery.

EU customers:VAT is collected at checkout where applicable. From 1 July 2026, EU orders may also be subject to a customs duty of 3€ per item, collected by the delivery carrier before or at delivery.

Free Express Shipping: Enjoy our Express/3-Day Delivery at no extra cost for orders over US$190 to indicated countries,

Warehouse Dispatch: We ship from multiple warehouses across the globe. Please be aware that orders with items from different warehouses may result in additional shipping fees, even if your total is over US$75 or $190. For seamless shipping, we recommend selecting items from the same warehouse.

Customs and Duties: Note that our shipping fees do not cover any customs duties that might be imposed by your country.

Delivery Time Breakdown:

• Processing Time: 2-4 working days (excludes additional processing/production time indicated on product pages).
• Transit Time: DHL Express delivers within 3-4 working days to most countries; other standard shipping methods can take 10-30 working days.

Exact Transit Times and Surcharges: For detailed transit times and any applicable surcharges, please use the Shipping Calculator during checkout.

Use this tracking site.

A signature may be required for certain destinations. 

This means that a recipient is absent during delivery attempt, the parcel will be sent to a local post office. A notice slip will be left at your address asking you to pick it up.

EyeCandys is not liable for any parcels that are returned due to failed retrieval from the post office. After the tracking number is provided, you are responsible for tracking your shipment.

We hold no responsibility for parcels that are misdelivered or returned to us due to either:

• Your supplying of a wrong, invalid or incomplete delivery address or details during order confirmation, such as but not limited to: 
• Your failure to pick up your parcel at the post office if the addressee is unavailable during the initial delivery attempt

If your parcel is misdelivered

In the event that your parcel is misdelivered or returned to sender) due to any of the above reasons, no compensation will be provided. This does not apply to errors on behalf of EyeCandy's which will be courteously corrected.

We can offer discounted pricing for customers who wish to repurchase the items with a correct shipping address. Please contact us for details.

If your parcel is returned

Returned parcels can be resent once they have been received and checked to be free of any damages. The following reshipment fees apply:

• For orders sent via free standard shipping (E-Express/X-Route/K-Packet): US$10
• For orders sent via DHL or other express delivery methods: the original shipping fee charged

If you would like to receive a refund for items that have been sent back to us, the below Return Policies apply.

Please note that items on sale or purchased with a coupon code are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.

Items in original condition (unopened, unmarked and unused) can be returned for a partial refund.

• You may request the refund to be issued to the original credit card used or as store credit.
• Returns are subject to a flat $8 restocking fee.
• EyeCandy's must be contacted within 10 working days of the posted delivery date documented on the online postal service or courier tracking system.
• Return shipping reimbursement is currently unavailable. Reimbursement for original shipping fees is unavailable.
• Returned items must be in original, unopened condition, including tags, booklets, labels, stickers and any other packaging materials. Contact lenses stored in vials must have the seals intact and unbroken.
• Returned items must be received at EyeCandys within 30 days of the posted initial delivery date at the customer's.
• The customer is responsible for the shipping fees back to EyeCandys. Please ship whatever shipping method you prefer. EyeCandy's strongly recommends adding delivery confirmation and/or signature confirmation to all return packages as EyeCandys is not responsible for any packages lost in the mail. It is the customer's responsibility to research any lost package shipped back to EyeCandys that may have been lost in the mail stream.
• Please contact us with your order ID for the return address.
• Upon receiving your returned ordered and checking the items are in returnable condition, the refund/store credit will be issued within 14 working days. For exchanges, the customer will be invoiced for regular shipping fees (US$10 for standard shipping, courier shipping at calculated rate) and any other price differential incurred. Exchanged items will be despatched 5 business days of receiving payment. Store credit must be used at the time of purchase and may not be applied towards an existing/previous order.

Under no circumstances can items with opened packaging be returned for a refund or exchange.

Orders that have not yet started processing and placed less than 8 hours ago can usually be changed or cancelled. In any case, please email us immediately if you require your order to be modified or cancelled, and we will do our best to accommodate. 15% administration fees may apply to cancellations outside this window. 

This does not apply to items which we find to be out of stock, in the case of which EyeCandy's will contact you for either an alternative item or full refund.

We regret to inform that custom-made products may not be cancelled.

Please note that the following fees apply for any modifications (including to but not limited to delivery addresses, phone numbers or products):

• Orders using DHL shipping: $15
• Orders using UPS shipping: $26

This fee will be invoiced to you prior to the modification.

If we happen to have sent you the wrong colour, prescription or model, we will be more than happy to correct our mistake. Please contact us with your order ID within 10 working days of receipt of your order. Provide photographic evidence to clearly show the defect or error. Certain cases may require you mailing the parcel back to us. We will replace the affected products.

Claims of lenses being defective or physically damaged (e.g. ripped, texture/coloration irregularities) require photographic evidence of the lenses still in original unopened packaging. Take pictures of the lenses through the bottoms of the clear glass vials.

Used and/or opened products are excluded from this warranty.

Please note that items marked "PROMO" or "GWP" and free products are excluded from this warranty.

The following products are backordered, requiring additional processing time beyond the usual 2-4 days: Custom-made toric, high-Rx and cosplay lenses (as indicated on the product page)

To order contact lenses, you’ll need a valid contact lens prescription that is no more than 2 years old and includes details such as power, base curve, diameter, and expiration date.

For U.S. orders, a copy of your prescription or your optometrist’s name and phone number is required for prescription verification.

You should also know how to safely insert, wear, remove, and clean your contact lenses. For reusable lenses, you’ll need multipurpose contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses.

Some items may be backordered and require additional processing time, including custom-made toric lenses, high-Rx lenses, and certain cosplay lenses.

Yes. If you are ordering contact lenses in the United States, you’ll need a valid contact lens prescription, even for non-prescription colored contacts. You can either upload a copy of your prescription or provide your optometrist’s name and phone number so we can verify it for you.

Your prescription should be current, no more than 2 years old, and include the necessary contact lens details such as power, base curve, diameter, and expiration date. This helps ensure your lenses fit properly, feel comfortable, and are safe for your eyes.

Yes. A valid contact lens prescription is required to purchase any type of contact lens in the U.S., even if the lenses do not include vision correction.

Colored, cosmetic, costume, theatrical, and plano contact lenses still sit directly on the eye, so a proper contact lens prescription helps confirm the correct fit, curve, diameter, and safety for your eyes.

A plano lens is a lens with no vision correction. In other words, it does not have prescription power.

For contact lenses, plano lenses are often chosen by customers who want to enhance or change their eye color without vision correction. Even if you do not need vision correction, a valid contact lens prescription is still required to purchase contact lenses in the U.S.

For glasses, plano lenses may be used for fashion frames, blue light glasses, sunglasses, or other non-prescription lens options. Depending on the frame and lens type, plano glasses may still be available with add-ons such as tints, blue light filtering, or anti-reflective coating.

You can provide your prescription during checkout by uploading or sending a photo of your valid contact lens prescription.

If you do not have a copy available, you may be able to provide your eye doctor’s name and phone number so we can verify your prescription. Please note that doctor verification may add processing time, since we’ll need to contact your provider for the required details.

Glasses prescriptions and contact lens prescriptions are not the same, so you should not use the exact same power for both.

Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, while glasses sit farther away from the eye. Eye doctors may use a vertex conversion chart to help convert glasses prescription powers into contact lens powers, especially for stronger prescriptions.

Because contact lenses also require fit details like base curve and diameter, it’s best to consult your eye doctor before ordering contacts from a glasses prescription.

No. Eyeglasses and contact lenses usually require different prescriptions because they sit at different distances from your eye.

Contact lens prescriptions also include fit details such as base curve and diameter, which are not typically included in a glasses prescription. Always use a valid contact lens prescription when ordering contacts.

Your eye care provider can tell you when your prescription expires. In the U.S., contact lens prescriptions are generally valid for up to 2 years, unless your eye doctor gives you a shorter expiration date based on your eye health.

If your prescription has expired, schedule an eye exam before reordering contact lenses.

Annual eye exams are usually recommended for adults, but the right schedule depends on your vision, eye health, age, and medical history.

Children’s needs vary by age, and people with certain health conditions or eye concerns may need exams more often. Ask your eye doctor what schedule is best for you.

If you’re running low or have run out of contact lenses, you can place a new order through EyeCandys anytime. Make sure your contact lens prescription is still valid before ordering, as U.S. customers will need a current prescription or their optometrist’s name and phone number for verification.

If your prescription has expired, schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor before reordering. Wearing contacts with an outdated prescription or poor fit can cause discomfort, blurry vision, or eye health issues.

Before reordering, check that your prescription is current, your lens power and fit details are correct, your favorite lenses are in stock, and you have fresh contact lens solution for reusable lenses.

Never stretch lenses past their recommended wear period. If your lenses are expired, uncomfortable, damaged, or past their replacement schedule, it’s time for a fresh pair.

Yes, colored contacts can be safe when they are properly manufactured, prescribed or verified when required, and used with correct lens care.

EyeCandys prioritizes safety by carefully assessing the products it carries and working with lenses manufactured to recognized quality standards. Many lenses sold by EyeCandys carry certifications from organizations such as the FDA, Health Canada, KDFA, and/or CE.

Colored contacts should always be worn as directed. Proper cleaning, storage, wear time, and handling are essential for keeping your eyes safe and comfortable.

Colored contacts are not suitable for everyone. People with certain eye conditions or health concerns should speak with an eye care professional before wearing contact lenses.

Colored contacts may not be recommended for people with dry eye syndrome, severe nearsightedness that cannot be corrected with available lens powers, allergies to contact lens materials or cleaning solutions, diabetes depending on a doctor’s recommendation, eye infections, corneal conditions, allergic eye conditions, or chronic eye diseases such as glaucoma.

Children should only wear contact lenses under the guidance of an eye care professional, as their eyes are especially sensitive.

Colored contacts may be made from several types of soft lens materials, each with different comfort and oxygen-performance benefits.

HEMA is a classic soft hydrogel material with high water content. It can feel comfortable right away but may have lower oxygen permeability and may dry out faster during longer wear.

MPC is often used as a surface treatment for HEMA lenses. It helps the lens surface attract moisture, work better with the tear film, and resist buildup from proteins and lipids.

Silicone hydrogel allows more oxygen to reach the cornea compared to traditional hydrogel materials. It is often used for lenses designed for longer or more comfortable wear.

HEMA + MPC combines soft hydrogel comfort with improved moisture retention and cleanliness, making it a popular option for comfortable everyday wear.

No matter the material, all contact lenses require proper care, fresh solution, and the correct wearing schedule.

The two main types of contact lenses are soft contact lenses and rigid gas permeable lenses.

Soft contact lenses are made of flexible materials that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea. They are often comfortable and easy to adjust to, which makes them a popular choice.

Rigid gas permeable lenses are more durable and resistant to deposit buildup. They may provide crisp vision but can take longer to get used to.

Contact lenses may also be categorized by replacement schedule, such as daily, bi-weekly, monthly, or longer-wear lenses. Your eye doctor can recommend the best type based on your vision, eye health, and lifestyle.

The best contact lenses for you depend on your prescription, eye shape, comfort needs, lifestyle, and how often you plan to wear them.

Your optometrist can recommend the safest and most comfortable lens type for your eyes, including the correct material, power, base curve, diameter, and replacement schedule.

Recommended wear time depends on the type of contact lenses you have. Always follow the wearing schedule listed for your specific lenses and any instructions from your eye doctor.

Do not wear lenses longer than recommended, and never sleep in contacts unless your eye doctor has approved lenses specifically designed for overnight wear.

You should not sleep in contact lenses unless they are specifically approved for overnight wear and your eye doctor has told you it is safe for your eyes.

Sleeping in lenses that are not designed for overnight wear can increase the risk of irritation, dryness, and eye infection.

If a contact lens feels stuck, do not panic and do not use sharp tools or excessive force to remove it.

Wash and dry your hands, use rewetting drops or sterile contact lens solution, and gently blink to help the lens move. If you cannot remove the lens, feel pain, notice redness, or experience changes in vision, contact your eye doctor or seek urgent medical care.

To care for colored contact lenses safely, always follow proper hygiene and lens care steps.

Do consult your optician or eye doctor before wearing colored contacts.

Do wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.

Do soak lenses in fresh contact lens solution before wearing them.

Do clean lenses with solution if they touch anything other than your eyes.

Do keep your lens case clean and replace the solution regularly.

Do insert lenses with clean hands and avoid getting makeup on them.

Do remove lenses before sleeping, bathing, showering, or swimming.

Do take lenses out immediately if you feel irritation, soreness, redness, or excessive watering.

Do seek medical advice if discomfort continues.

Do not wear lenses past their recommended replacement period.

Do not use tap water, saliva, or household products to clean lenses.

Do not let lenses come into contact with makeup, deodorant, or hairspray.

Do not insert lenses that appear damaged, torn, or compromised.

Do not wear more than one pair of lenses at a time.

Do not share lenses with another person.

Do not refrigerate or freeze lenses to extend their lifespan.

For dark eyes, look for colored contacts designed with high coverage and rich pigmentation. Since brown eyes are the most common eye color worldwide, many colored contacts are made with dark-eye coverage in mind, but not every lens will create the same bright or vivid effect.

EyeCandys offers collections designed to show up beautifully on dark eyes, including the Isla series in brown, green, blue, and grey, as well as the EyeCandys Desire collection for lighter, more noticeable color transformations.

The best colored contact lens brand depends on your eyes, your prescription, your comfort needs, and the look you want.

EyeCandys carries a wide variety of colored contact lens brands, including its own EyeCandys branded lenses as well as well-known brands like Acuvue, Bausch & Lomb, and many more. All brands stocked by EyeCandys are selected with quality, safety, and style in mind.

For the best fit and comfort, consult your eye doctor to confirm the right lens material, size, prescription, and wearing schedule for your eyes.

Some of the most natural-looking EyeCandys customer favorites include Glossy Ivory, Glossy Hazel, and Sunlit Hazel. These are designed to brighten dark brown eyes while still looking soft and believable.

For grey lenses, popular natural-looking options include Isla Mirage Grey and Sugarlook Grey.

For green lenses, EyeCandys recommends Glossy Green and Satin Olive.

These lenses are designed with non-pixelated patterns and graduated translucency toward the center to help the color blend more seamlessly with your natural eye color.

The best brown contact lens depends on whether you want a subtle enhancement, a warm glow, or a more defined eye look.

EyeCandys brown lens recommendations include Libre Beige for a warm, sweet brown look with a larger-eye effect, Sunlit Hazel for a bright brown-hazel finish, Desire Toffee Brown for a caramel-toned pop, and Pink Label Grang Choco for rich chocolate tones that enhance your natural eye color.

For a blue eye transformation, EyeCandys offers several standout options depending on how bold or natural you want the look to be.

Recommended blue lenses include Bunnie Jelly Blue for a unique blue eye look, Isla Blue Grotto for deep blue tones with hints of violet, Glossy Blue for a radiant pattern that works well on dark eyes, and Sugarlook Blue for a three-tone blue effect that blends with your natural eye color.

Green contact lenses are a beautiful choice for creating a rare, eye-catching look.

EyeCandys green lens recommendations include Pink Label Obsession Khaki Green for a layered green effect, Desire Lush Green for a fresh green look with a darker outer ring, and Glosseline Green for a rich, multi-tonal green finish.

Hazel contacts are great for adding dimension because they blend green, brown, and golden tones.

Recommended hazel lenses include Pink Label Dewy Hazel for a soft hazel look, Glossy Ivory for a fast natural-looking transformation, Desire Sandy Beige for a lighter hazel effect with a darker outer rim, and Pink Label Nouveau Large Hazel for a wide-eyed enlarging look.

Black contact lenses can help define and visually enlarge the eyes for a dolly, wide-eyed effect.

EyeCandys black lens recommendations include Pink Label Pearl Black for a large glossy black-pearl effect, Extra Magic Black for a bold black-eye look suitable for Halloween or everyday styling, and Lacelle Modest Black for a softer dark-eye look.

Pink and purple contacts are perfect for playful, fantasy, cosplay, or statement beauty looks.

EyeCandys pink and purple lens recommendations include Pink Label Galaxy Pink and Violet for a dreamy starry effect, Pink Label Rio Grey Violet for a blended violet-grey look, and Pink Label Obsession Pink for a soft pink finish.

These shades are ideal when you want your lenses to feel fun, creative, and expressive.

Grey contacts are a popular choice for a striking yet wearable eye color change.

EyeCandys grey lens recommendations include Pink Label Shade Grey for a two-tone swirl pattern, Libre Grey for a slightly larger printed diameter and brighter eye effect, and Desire Mist Grey for a grey look with a dark outer rim that adds definition.

EyeCandys lenses are designed to be both high quality and affordable, with prices varying by brand, lens type, replacement schedule, prescription availability, and design.

We carry a wide range of options, from everyday natural lenses to more detailed cosplay and specialty styles, so you can choose the look, comfort level, and price point that works best for you. While pricing may vary, we’re committed to offering safe, stylish lenses at accessible prices without compromising on quality.

For the most accurate pricing, please check the product page for the specific lenses you’re interested in. Any promotions, bundle offers, or discounts will also be shown there or at checkout.

Yes. EyeCandys offers glasses online so you can shop frames from home and enter your prescription details during checkout when applicable.

Availability may vary depending on your prescription, frame selection, and lens options.

Yes. You may be able to order glasses without vision correction by selecting plano or non-prescription lens options when available.

Plano glasses are a great choice for fashion frames, blue light glasses, sunglasses, or other non-prescription eyewear needs.

Depending on the product, some frames may be available without prescription lenses. Check the product page and checkout options to see what is available for the frame you want.

No, we’re not able to add prescription lenses to frames purchased from another store. EyeCandys is an online-only retailer, so we do not have an in-person optical lab or frame-fitting service for outside frames.

If you’d like to order prescription glasses from us, you can choose from the frames available on our site and enter your prescription details during checkout.

Glasses orders typically require 2–4 working days of processing time before they ship. This does not include any additional processing or production time that may be noted on the product page, especially for prescription lenses or specialty lens options.

Once your order ships, delivery time depends on the shipping method selected at checkout and your location. DHL Express usually delivers within 3–4 working days to most countries, while standard shipping methods can take approximately 10–30 working days.

For the most accurate delivery estimate, please use the shipping calculator at checkout. You’ll also receive tracking information once your order has shipped.

If your glasses feel loose, uneven, or uncomfortable, they may need an adjustment. Because EyeCandys is an online-only retailer, we recommend visiting a local optical shop for in-person adjustments.

If you believe there is an issue with your order, please contact EyeCandys customer support for help.

It can take a few days to adjust to a new glasses prescription, especially if your prescription changed or you are wearing a new lens type.

If you experience ongoing blurry vision, eyestrain, headaches, dizziness, or discomfort, stop wearing the glasses and contact your eye doctor or EyeCandys customer support for guidance.

It depends on your prescription, frame choice, and available lens options. Some strong prescriptions may require specific lens materials, frame shapes, or additional review before they can be filled.

Check the product and lens options during checkout, or contact customer support if you need help confirming whether your prescription can be made online.

Availability may vary by frame and lens type. If prescription sunglasses are available for a specific frame, you’ll be able to choose sun lens options and enter your prescription details during checkout.

Anti-reflective coating, also called AR coating, is a lens treatment that helps reduce reflections on the lens surface.

AR coating can improve visual clarity, reduce glare, and make your lenses look cleaner and more transparent.

Anti-reflective coatings help reduce unwanted reflections, improve clarity, and make lenses look less noticeable. They may also help reduce glare from screens, headlights, and bright lighting depending on the lens type.

Photochromic lenses are lenses that darken automatically when exposed to UV light outdoors and become clearer again indoors.

They are convenient for customers who want one pair of glasses that can adapt to changing light conditions. Please note that many photochromic lenses may not darken as much inside a car because most windshields block some UV light.

Transitions is a well-known brand of photochromic lenses. These lenses darken outdoors when exposed to UV light and fade back toward clear indoors.

The amount and speed of darkening may vary based on sunlight, cloud cover, temperature, and whether you are indoors or inside a vehicle.

Polarized lenses help reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as water, roads, snow, and car hoods.

They can improve clarity, enhance contrast, support depth perception, and reduce eye strain in bright conditions.

UV protection helps shield your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Sunglasses with proper UV protection can help protect both your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

A dark tint does not always mean strong UV protection, so look for lenses that specifically include UV protection.

A progressive lens is a multifocal lens that provides distance, intermediate, and near vision in one lens without a visible line.

Progressives are often used by people who need help seeing at multiple distances, such as driving, computer work, and reading.

Progressive lenses have different viewing zones for distance, intermediate, and near vision.

To look at something far away, use the upper part of the lens. For reading, move your eyes downward through the lens rather than lowering your whole head. For side viewing, gently turn your head so you are looking through the clearest central part of the lens.

It can take a few days to adjust to progressives, especially if they are new to you.

A bifocal lens provides two focal points, usually one for distance and one for near vision. Many bifocals have a visible line that separates the two viewing areas.

An optimized prescription means the lens design may have been adjusted to work best with the specific frame and lens type selected.

This can sometimes make the final lens details look slightly different from your original prescription, even though the lenses are designed to provide the intended vision correction.

PD stands for pupillary distance. It is the distance between the centers of your pupils.

This measurement helps place the optical center of each lens in the correct position for your eyes. A precise PD is important for comfortable and accurate vision in prescription glasses.

You should clean your lenses and frames often, ideally at least once a day. Oils, makeup, dust, and debris can build up on your glasses and may affect lens clarity or coating performance over time.

Use a mild liquid soap or approved eyewear cleaner with warm, not hot, water. Rinse thoroughly and dry your lenses with a clean microfiber cloth.

Avoid using paper towels, tissues, clothing, or rough fabrics, as they can scratch your lenses. If your lenses are only lightly smudged, use a clean microfiber lens cloth.

Avoid exposing your glasses to hairspray, household cleaners, ammonia, bleach, harsh chemicals, and excessive heat. Do not leave glasses on a car dashboard, near a stove, or on a radiator.

To help prevent scratches, do not lay your glasses lens-side down. Store them in a clean case when you are not wearing them.

EyeCandys accepts popular credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, as well as PayPal.

Customers are directed to a secure payment page during checkout. The payment processor is PCI Level 1 compliant and monitored for Payment Card Industry security standards.

EyeCandys does not accept vision insurance directly at checkout. However, many customers may be able to use their HSA or FSA card for eligible contact lens purchases.

Depending on your insurance plan, you may also be able to submit your EyeCandys receipt for reimbursement after your order. Coverage varies by provider, so we recommend checking with your insurance company before purchasing to confirm what’s eligible and what documentation they require.

An FSA, or Flexible Spending Account, is a benefit that allows you to set aside pre-tax money for eligible health-related expenses.

FSA eligibility can vary depending on your plan, insurance provider, and current guidelines. Check your plan details before purchasing.

Many FSA plans allow funds to be used for eligible vision care products, including prescription eyeglasses, but every plan is different.

Check your FSA benefits before ordering to confirm what is eligible and what documentation may be required.

Coupon codes cannot be combined.

Some product discounts may be combined. Customers should add all desired items to their cart and check the cart page for details.

EyeCandys products are made through a variety of trusted manufacturing partners around the world, depending on the product, brand, lens type, material, and collection.

Because we offer different categories, including colored contacts, clear contacts, glasses, and press-on nails, there is not one single manufacturing location for every item we carry. What stays consistent is our focus on quality, comfort, and safety. We carefully select our manufacturing partners and products to ensure they meet the standards required for the type of item being sold.

For contact lenses specifically, we prioritize lenses made with safe, high-quality materials and proper certifications, so you can shop with confidence and wear them as directed.

An optometrist is an eye doctor who performs eye exams, checks vision, diagnoses certain eye conditions, and provides prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses.

An optician helps fit and adjust eyewear, such as glasses and contact lenses, based on a prescription provided by an eye doctor.

Nearsightedness, also called myopia, means nearby objects appear clear while distant objects look blurry.

Farsightedness, also called hyperopia, means distant objects may appear clearer than nearby objects.

On a prescription, a minus sign usually indicates nearsightedness, while a plus sign usually indicates farsightedness.

Presbyopia is the natural age-related loss of near focusing ability. It often becomes noticeable around age 40 to 45, when reading small print or seeing things up close becomes more difficult.

Presbyopia is not a disease. It is a normal change that can affect people whether or not they have worn glasses or contacts before.

As you age, you may be more likely to experience vision changes or eye health conditions such as presbyopia, dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and low vision.

People with diabetes may also have a higher risk of certain eye health concerns. Regular eye exams can help monitor changes and catch potential issues early.

Dry eye can happen when your eyes do not produce enough tears, when tears evaporate too quickly, or when the tear film is not balanced.

Dry eyes may cause burning, stinging, redness, blurry vision, or discomfort during screen use, reading, or contact lens wear. If dry eye symptoms continue, speak with an eye care professional.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that can damage the optic nerve, often related to pressure inside the eye.

Because glaucoma may not cause obvious symptoms early on, regular eye exams are important, especially for people over 40 or those with risk factors.

Cataracts occur when the clear lens inside the eye becomes cloudy over time. They are common with aging and may cause blurry vision, glare, faded colors, or difficulty seeing at night.

An eye doctor can diagnose cataracts and discuss treatment options.

Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD, affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision.

AMD is more common with age and can affect tasks like reading, driving, and recognizing faces. Regular eye exams can help detect signs early.

Store-bought reading glasses may work for some people, but they are not the right solution for everyone.

Readers usually have the same power in both lenses and do not account for astigmatism, different prescriptions between eyes, or other vision needs. Ask your eye doctor whether readers are appropriate for you.

A visual acuity test checks how clearly you can see. During the test, you read letters on an eye chart, usually one eye at a time, as the letters get smaller.

A cover test checks how well your eyes work together. Your eye doctor covers and uncovers each eye while you look at a target to observe how your eyes move and align.

An eye muscle movement test checks how well your eyes move and track objects. Your eye doctor may ask you to follow a target in different directions while they observe your eye movements.

Dilation is the process of using special eye drops to widen the pupils. This allows an eye doctor to examine the inside of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.

Your near vision may be blurry for several hours after dilation, and your eyes may be more sensitive to light.

It depends on your individual situation. After dilation, your close-up vision may be blurry and your eyes may be more sensitive to light for several hours.

Ask your eye doctor whether it is safe for you to drive after your exam.

After age 40, your eye doctor may look more closely for age-related vision and eye health changes, such as presbyopia, glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, and dry eye.

Be sure to share any changes in your vision, medical history, medications, and overall health with your eye doctor.

Children’s vision should be checked regularly as they grow. Many children have vision screenings during pediatrician visits, but a full eye exam may be recommended if there are concerns.

Consider taking your child to an eye doctor if you notice squinting, headaches, trouble reading, sitting too close to screens, eye rubbing, or other vision-related symptoms.