Here at Capital Eye, your optometrist in Canberra, we often hear patients are hesitant about wearing glasses as they don’t want to weaken their eyes and then become dependent on them. This is a common misconception, but in fact, glasses do not worsen your eyesight. They, in fact, help reduce eye strain and allow you to see in the distance and near clearly and comfortably.
Why People Think Glasses Make Vision Worse
Many people notice that their vision feels blurry when they take their glasses off, even after wearing them for a short period. This leads to a common misunderstanding: that glasses somehow make the eyes “dependent” and weaker over time. But what’s really happening is all about contrast and perception.
When you’re accustomed to seeing clearly through your glasses, removing them reveals the difference in clear vision more noticeably. It doesn’t mean your eyesight has worsened; you have just become more aware of how blurry things are naturally when you’re not wearing your glasses…or conversely, how clear things can be when you wear them.
Vision changes are usually due to natural processes, not the use of glasses. Common causes include:
- Myopia (Nearsightedness): Often develops or worsens in childhood and adolescence.
- Hypermetropia (farsightedness) occurs in both children and adults. Generally, hyperopic adult patients first require reading glasses, and then over time, they may start to notice a decline in their distance vision.
- Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty focusing up close, usually starting after age 40.
- Astigmatism: Caused by irregularities in the shape of the cornea, which can shift over time.
These changes would occur with or without glasses. Glasses help correct these vision problems, not cause them.
It’s normal for your vision to shift gradually as you age. This doesn’t mean your glasses are to blame. Regular eye exams are essential to ensure your prescription is up to date and that your eyes remain healthy.
The Bottom Line
Glasses are tools, like a magnifying glass or a flashlight. They help you see better, but they don’t alter the biology of your eyes. Skipping your glasses to “train” your eyes doesn’t improve your vision and can lead to unnecessary strain and discomfort.
So go ahead—wear your glasses proudly. They’re improving your quality of life, not harming your eyesight.
Suppose it has been a while since you last updated your prescription glasses or visited your optometrist in Canberra. In that case, we recommend scheduling an appointment with your optometrist at least every two years.