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Does Wearing Glasses Make Your Eyes Worse?

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Maybe you’ve gotten your first pair of glasses, and someone tells you that your eyes will start to depend on them if you wear them all the time. Our team at Restore Vision Center knows this is a common myth, but we’re here to help our patients understand the truth.

It’s time to clear the air and look at how glasses really help your vision. Wearing glasses does not make your eyes worse or weaker. Instead, using the prescription from your eye exam, glasses help your eyes focus properly, reducing strain and letting you see clearly. 

How Your Eyes and Vision Work

Sometimes, your eyes need a little help focusing on the world. This can happen when the shape of your eye makes it hard for light to land on the right spot, creating a blurry picture.

Nearsightedness and Farsightedness

If you have nearsightedness, things far away look blurry. With farsightedness, it’s the up-close objects that are out of focus. Both are very common, and while they sound similar, they affect your vision differently

Astigmatism

Astigmatism means the front surface of your eye is shaped more like a football than a baseball. This different curve can make your vision blurry at all distances.

The Job of Your Eyeglasses

Your glasses have 1 main job: To correct your vision. They work by bending light before it enters your eye so that it hits the back of your eye in the right spot for clear, sharp vision.

Common Myths About Glasses and Eyesight

It’s time to separate fact from fiction so you can feel confident about your vision care and not worry about wearing glasses.

Do Glasses Make Your Eyes Weaker?

No, glasses do not weaken your eyes. What really happens is your brain gets used to seeing things clearly, so when you take your glasses off, the blurriness seems more obvious than before because you now know what sharp vision feels like.

Why Vision Seems Worse After a While

You might feel like your eyesight is getting worse after you start wearing glasses. This can be because your eyes naturally change over time, whether you wear glasses or not. These age-related vision changes are normal, and it’s not the glasses causing the shift.

A person wearing turtle shell coloured glasses and smiling

Should You Give Your Eyes a Break from Glasses?

Whether you should wear your glasses all the time depends on your prescription and your daily activities. If you only need them for certain tasks, like reading or driving, then you only need to wear them for those moments. For example, some people use glasses specifically to improve their visual comfort while working. 

For others, wearing their glasses all the time might be necessary. We can recommend a schedule for wearing your glasses that works for your life, prescription, and needs. 

When to Check in with Your Eye Doctor

If you ever notice a change in your vision, it’s a good idea to come see us for an eye exam. Our team of eye doctors in League City, Texas, can help figure out what’s going on and confirm your prescription is just right for you.

Signs Your Prescription Needs an Update

It might be time for an eye exam if you experience:

  • Frequent headaches
  • The need to squint to see clearly
  • Tired or strained eyes
  • Blurry vision, even with your glasses on

The Value of Regular Eye Exams

A full eye exam does more than just update your prescription: It’s a chance to check on the overall health of your eyes. Regular exams help catch any potential issues early and are a key part of health care for your whole family.

Discover Comfortable Vision with Our Team

We know how important your vision is, which is why understanding how glasses work can help you feel at ease about your eye care. If you have questions about your vision or it’s time for an exam, our team at Restore Vision Center would love to see you. Schedule a visit today.

Written by Tracy Eickhoff

Dr. Tracy Eickhoff grew up in Friendswood, Texas and graduated from Friendswood High School. She went on to attend Texas A&M University and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Science in 2004. From there she attended the University of Houston College Of Optometry where she received her Doctor of Optometry Degree in 2008. She is a member of The American Optometric Association, The Texas Optometric Association, and The Gold Key International Optometric Honor Society, The Ocular Nutrition Society, and has served as Adjunct Clinical Faculty at The University of Houston College of Optometry.

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