You’re not alone if you’ve been told that glasses will only worsen your vision. Many people, including concerned parents, wonder if wearing prescription glasses can harm their eyesight over time. The short answer is no—glasses will not make your eyes worse. Instead, they improve your vision and allow you to see the world with clarity. There’s a lot to uncover regarding this common eye-health myth.
Whether you have myopia (nearsightedness), are selecting your child’s first pair of glasses, or are considering long-term eye health, the quality of frames and lenses can also make a difference. Purchasing eyewear from an optometrist provides options that support both vision and comfort.
Why Do People Think Glasses Make Eyes Worse?
The belief that glasses weaken your eyes often stems from the experience of needing stronger prescriptions over time. For instance, someone might notice their vision deteriorates further after they begin wearing glasses and assume the two are linked. But in reality, needing a stronger prescription is usually due to an existing condition or aging—not because you’ve been wearing glasses.
Common Myths About Glasses & Vision
You’ll Become Dependent on Glasses
People believe that wearing glasses can “weaken” your eyes, making you reliant on them. However, glasses don’t change how your eyes work; they simply correct your vision to make everyday tasks easier.
Kids’ Eyes Will Stop Developing Naturally If They Wear Glasses
Some parents worry that introducing glasses to a child will inhibit the eye’s natural growth. This isn’t true. On the contrary, untreated vision problems can negatively affect a child’s ability to learn and play, potentially leading to developmental delays.
Blue Light Glasses Means You’ll Never Need a New Prescription
Blue light glasses can help reduce screen strain, but they don’t replace prescription lenses for people with refractive errors.
Why Do Prescriptions Change?
When you start wearing glasses, it’s easy to notice your vision might be worse without them in ways you perhaps didn’t realize before. Does this mean your glasses have made things worse? No. This heightened awareness can make it feel like your vision is deteriorating faster, but here’s what’s likely happening:
- Natural eye condition: Myopia, hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism tend to progress over time, especially during childhood through early adulthood.
- Presbyopia & aging: Adults over 40 may develop presbyopia, an age-related issue where the eye’s lens becomes less flexible, making it harder to focus on close objects. This tends to progress in our 40’s and 50’s.
- Lifestyle factors: Prolonged screen use, poor lighting, and lack of breaks can also lead to eyestrain and the need for updated prescriptions.
Vision can deteriorate because of these factors, not because you’re wearing glasses. That’s why it’s important to work with an optometrist who can closely monitor these changes and recommend the right corrective lenses.
The Importance of Quality Frames & Lenses
A big part of maintaining eye health involves selecting the right frames and lenses. Here’s why purchasing your glasses from your optometrist is an investment in your vision:
- Prescription matching: Optometrists provide lenses tailored for your prescription, providing higher accuracy and comfort.
- Durability: Frames and lenses from your optometrist tend to be crafted with higher-quality materials that last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Lens technology: Optometrists offer advanced lens coatings, like anti-glare, scratch-resistant, UV protection, and high definition lenses.
Buying online might be tempting, but poorly made lenses and improperly fitted frames can lead to discomfort, headaches, and even worsened eyestrain. By trusting your optometrist with your eyewear needs, you’re setting yourself up for clearer, healthier vision.
Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy
While wearing glasses won’t harm your eyesight, practicing proactive eye care is important for vision health. Here are some tips:
- Schedule regular eye checkups: Routine check-ups allow your optometrist to detect and address any changes in your vision early on.
- Take breaks from screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain during long hours of screen use. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Invest in proper eyewear from your optometrist: Choose frames and lenses that balance quality, fit, and prescription accuracy. Your optometrist will help you seek options that suit your lifestyle, whether you’re working long hours on a screen or spending time outdoors.
- Stay hydrated & eat vision-friendly foods: A well-balanced diet full of leafy greens, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin-rich vegetables can support eye health.
- Protect your eyes from harmful lights: Sunglasses with UV protection are important for sunny days, while blue light glasses can help reduce strain from digital devices.
Understanding Glasses & Vision Health
Glasses are not a threat to your vision—they serve as a helpful tool for clearer and more comfortable sight. Rather than weakening your eyes, they correct and improve vision, making daily activities more manageable and enjoyable.
Stoney Creek Eye Care offers personalized guidance for those experiencing vision changes or selecting glasses for the first time. Our team helps you find the right frames and lenses to support your eye health and visual needs.
