About 83% of people use some form of vision correction, such as glasses or contact lenses. But can wearing glasses actually cause more problems than it fixes?
The truth is, no, glasses cannot make your vision worse. That's a myth! But there are some instances where wearing glasses can lead to eye strain or eye fatigue.
Keep reading to find out more.
Key Takeaways
- Glasses are worn to correct a refractive error, such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
- Glasses do not make your vision worse - they simply help your eyes focus light on the retina.
- Wearing glasses can prevent eye strain, blurry vision, or headaches, so wear them if you need them!
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Why Do I Need Glasses?
According to The Vision Council, the majority of people need some form of corrective eyewear. If you develop a refractive error, you will likely need corrective eyewear to see clearly. Some of the most common refractive errors include nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
To understand the importance of corrective lenses, it's important to understand what refractive errors are:
- Nearsightedness (myopia): If you have myopia, you may experience difficulty seeing distant objects clearly. This is caused by the eye being too long or the cornea being too curved.
- Farsightedness (hyperopia): You may experience difficulty seeing nearby objects clearly. This is caused by the eye being too short or the cornea being too flat.
- Astigmatism: This is a condition caused by the cornea having an irregular shape.
- Presbyopia: This is caused by the lens naturally hardening over time.
If you think you could benefit from glasses, visit your local optometrist. It's important to have regular eye exams in order to detect signs of vision problems or eye disease.
Bonus: Can You Be Nearsighted and Farsighted?
Debunking the Myth: Do Glasses Make Your Eyes Worse?
No, this is a myth. It's not true that glasses make your eyes worse!
So, let's break down the reasoning behind this myth.
Some people believe that wearing glasses or contact lenses can lead to a dependence on corrective lenses, weakening the muscles in your eyes. This suggests that your eyes become lazy and weak, leading to a natural and progressive decline in your visual capabilities.
Though this can sound reasonable, it's far from the truth.
The truth is that the muscles in your eye are able to function independently of your glasses. Your eyes can adjust and focus on objects, near or far, with or without glasses.
The role of glasses is to aid in focusing light properly on the retina. When you have a refractive error, light isn't focused on the retina in the right way. Glasses help to improve visual acuity but don't alter the structure or strength of the eye itself.
So, we've now established that glasses do not make your eyes worse. But how can they make them better?
How do Glasses Make Your Eyes Better?
It should be a no-brainer, but glasses help you see clearly!
If you have an uncorrected vision problem, you may be used to squinting to see street signs or holding your Kindle way too close to your face to see the print. But glasses make it so that you can live life comfortably and confidently.
This prevents eye strain and eye fatigue, which can lead to issues like blurry vision and dry eyes.
If you need help finding new glasses or frames, visit our South Lake Union boutique and clinic. We know the importance of comfortable and functional eyewear, which is why our collection of specialty-curated eyewear only features the best independent eyewear brands in the world.
People Also Ask
Is it better for your eyes to wear glasses or not?
If you need corrective lenses to see, then wear them! Whether you wear glasses for reading books or driving at night, not wearing glasses can actually lead to eye strain and eye fatigue.
Why do my eyes feel worse with glasses?
If you recently got new glasses or new contact lenses, you may experience some eye discomfort or fatigue. This is a normal part of getting a new prescription, as it takes time for your eyes to adjust to a different prescription.
It's also important to make sure you're using the correct prescription glasses, as wearing the wrong prescription glasses can lead to more issues down the road. Visit your eye doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your glasses prescription.
Will my eyesight get worse without glasses?
No - this is a myth. Wearing your corrective eyewear won't cause your eyesight to worsen. Be sure that you have the most accurate lens prescription to avoid discomfort or strain.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that no, wearing glasses doesn't make your eyesight worse. However, wearing the wrong prescription glasses can lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and eye strain.
Keep Reading: How To Put in Contacts: A Step-by-Step Guide
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.