You don't necessarily get headaches or eyestrain. Your vision can change in a very subtle way, and you sometimes don't notice it until you realize you can't see some of the detail you used to see. At your periodic eye exam, you probably won't perform as well on the Snellen chart, either.
If you wait until you really have trouble seeing and get eyestrain or headaches, you've probably waited too long.
Do you have headaches or anything like that? My aunt says that when she needs new glasses she starts getting headaches.
You should have a yearly or so exam to check for medical conditions. If your vision changes you should have a check.
Dr. O.