There is a common misconception that wearing glasses can make your eyesight worse over time, like such conditions as myopia. This belief is often based on the idea that the eye becomes dependent on the corrective lenses and stops working to improve its vision.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. In fact, wearing glasses can actually help prevent further deterioration of eyesight by correcting refractive errors, while allowing individuals to see more clearly. Regular eye examinations and the appropriate use of corrective lenses can play a crucial role in maintaining overall eye health.
Myopia & Glasses
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision problems worldwide—in fact, by 2050, over 50% of the population worldwide may have this condition.
Myopia occurs when the eye is too long, or the cornea too curved, causing light to be focused in front of the retina (the tissue in the back of the eye that sends light signals to the visual center of the brain) rather than directly onto it. The result is blurry vision at a distance.
While it has often been argued that wearing glasses for myopia can make eyesight worse, the evidence does not support this claim. Properly prescribed glasses can help manage myopia by decreasing strain on the eye muscles and reducing squinting.
Overcorrecting with Glasses
Another concern is that overcorrection with glasses can cause a person’s eyesight to become worse. Overcorrection is when corrective lenses are prescribed with a stronger prescription than needed.
While overcorrection may lead to discomfort, it does not permanently damage the eyes—though you should go and get your prescription adjusted.
In fact, overcorrection can actually be beneficial in some cases. For example, children with strabismus (a condition where the eyes do not align properly) may require slightly overcorrected glasses to help improve eye coordination.
Natural Vision Improvement
Some people believe that wearing glasses prevents natural vision improvement, as the corrective lenses take away the need for the eye to work on its own. However, this also is not the case in reality. Many optometrists recommend a combination of glasses and eye exercises for those who wish to improve their vision naturally. Glasses provide the necessary correction, while eye exercises can help strengthen the eye muscles, improving how the two eyes work together.
Possible Reasons for Your Eyesight Worsening
While wearing glasses may not be the cause of worsening eyesight, there are other factors that can contribute to weakening vision. These include genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle habits.
- Genetics: Eye conditions, such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, are hereditary. If one or both of your parents have a vision problem, you are more likely to develop that condition as well.
- Environmental Factors: Constant exposure to screens and digital devices can strain the eyes and lead to worsening eyesight. Additionally, poor lighting or working in environments with harsh lighting may also contribute to eye strain.
- Lifestyle Habits: Poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, and inadequate rest can all affect overall eye health. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimal vision.
- Age: As we age, our eyes naturally weaken and our vision may deteriorate. This is why regular eye exams are important in detecting and addressing any changes in vision.
How to Get the Right Eyeglass Prescription
It is important to remember that not all prescriptions are created equal. A proper prescription should be determined by a qualified eye care professional through a comprehensive eye exam.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right eyeglass prescription:
- Accurate Measurements: The eye care professional will take accurate measurements of your eyes, including the distance between your pupils and the curvature of the front surface of your eye, the cornea.
- Lifestyle & Visual Needs: Your eyeglass prescription should be customized based on your lifestyle and visual needs. For example, if you spend a lot of time working on a computer, you may benefit from blue light-blocking lenses with an anti-glare treatment and near-focusing boost feature.
- Follow-Up Appointments: It is important to attend follow-up appointments after getting a new prescription. This allows for any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal vision correction.
- Quality of Lenses: It is important to choose high-quality lenses when getting new glasses. This can make a significant difference in the clarity and comfort of your vision.
- Maintenance & Care: Proper maintenance and care of your glasses can also impact the effectiveness of your prescription. Regularly clean your glasses, store them properly, and have them adjusted by a professional if needed.
Getting the Right Frames
In addition to making sure that you are wearing the right prescription, choose glasses that make you feel good about yourself. At Eye Love Optometry, we offer a wide array of brands, one of which will surely pique your interest.
We also offer personalized styling to help you find both the right glasses and the right prescription, plus we even allow you to try glasses on virtually to get a sense of how your new frames might look.
Elevate Your Vision with Eye Love Optometry
Wearing proper glasses is detrimental to your eyesight. In fact, when used to slow the progression of myopia, or nearsightedness, which is associated with a higher incidence of eye diseases, it can be essential for maintaining good eye health and preventing further vision problems in the future. Consult with your optometrist, in order to determine the best possible eyeglass prescription. Follow any recommended guidelines for wearing your glasses.
Taking care of your eyes includes making sure that you have the correct eyewear for your individual needs.
At Eye Love Optometry, our team can assist you in finding the perfect eyeglass prescription for your unique visual needs. Schedule an eye exam with us today and let us help you see the world clearly. Your eyesight is priceless, so do not delay in getting the proper care for your vision.
