Eyeglasses are the most well-known way to correct vision. The idea behind glasses is simple—to change how light enters your eye in order to allow you to see more clearly. Glasses are incredibly effective, and having the right prescription means you can keep your vision clear. But do glasses make your eyes worse?
Many people think glasses make their vision worse, but this isn’t the case. Glasses don’t worsen vision—they correct it. If your vision is worsening, visit your optometrist so they can check for underlying eye conditions and diseases.
Is It Dangerous to Wear the Wrong Glasses Prescription?
Wearing an outdated prescription—or one that wasn’t right to begin with—isn’t dangerous in of itself. However, it’s going to be uncomfortable. Your eyes need light to focus at a specific point, and the wrong lenses mean this doesn’t happen as it should.
Wearing the wrong lenses can cause problems like strain and headaches. Though these issues are distracting, they’re not really a serious problem. They can’t cause long-term harm and won’t make your vision permanently worse.
However, you might notice some unusual symptoms immediately after taking your glasses off. This is normal, and it goes away quickly.
How to Tell If Your Glasses Prescription Is Wrong
When you’re wearing the right prescription, it’s easy to forget they’re even there. You should enjoy comfortable vision with no strain or pressure at any point. But if you’re wearing the wrong prescription, your eyes and brain have to work harder to make sense of what they’re seeing.
Look out for signs your eyes are struggling, like:
- Blurred vision when wearing your glasses
- Eye fatigue after short periods of wear
- Dizziness or feeling off-balance
- Discomfort during extensive screen time or reading
- Frequent headaches, especially after using your glasses or reading
- Squinting to see clearly despite wearing your glasses
If you notice one or more of these signs, it’s time to talk to your optometrist. Either your prescription is out of date or there’s an underlying problem with your eyes.
Does Vision Get Worse Over Time?
Vision changes happen at different stages of life. Most people experience minor adjustments over the years—and this is entirely normal. For children, vision changes are especially noticeable. As children’s eyes develop, they grow and change shape. This can often lead to unusual blurriness and strain.
Regular children’s eye exams are key to making sure a child’s eyes are developing properly. Your optometrist can check your child’s eyes regularly and monitor any changes. This way, you can stay ahead of problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Is It Normal to Experience Vision Changes as an Adult?
Vision changes aren’t limited to children. Adults also experience shifts in eyesight—especially as they age. Plenty of eye conditions develop over time and alter how your eyes receive information.
Some common causes of vision changes for adults include:
- Presbyopia, a natural loss of near vision that typically occurs after the age of 40.
- Cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens and can affect clarity and brightness of vision.
- Glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and may lead to peripheral vision loss.
- Age-related macular degeneration, which primarily affects central vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy, which can damage the blood vessels in the retina and impair vision.
If you ever notice changes in your vision, don’t ignore them. Instead, contact your optometrist. We can examine your eyes, diagnose the cause of your symptoms, and create a treatment plan going forward.
How Often Should You Update Your Glasses Prescription?
If you wear glasses, make sure to note any unusual symptoms. Glasses should be improving your vision—not worsening it—so never ignore the signs of something wrong.
Generally, you should schedule comprehensive eye exams at least once every year. During your appointment, your optometrist can check for potential problems before they damage your vision. We’ll also be able to give you an up-to-date prescription to help you avoid unwanted strain and blurriness.
How to Tell if You Need New Glasses
Small changes are normal over the years. The human eye is extremely complex. However, significant vision issues should never be ignored. If you’re ever concerned about your vision and eye health, visit your optometrist as soon as you can.
To tell if you need to update your prescription, watch out for:
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting to see clearly
- Blurred or double vision
- Difficulty focusing on objects, either near or far
- Eye fatigue or strain, especially after extended screen time
- Holding reading material closer or farther away than usual
Regularly checking in with your eye doctor can make all the difference. It’s the easiest way to stay on top of your eye health and vision. Whether you need a new prescription or a new treatment plan, your optometrist can help.
Find Your Perfect Eyewear
Good eyesight is about more than seeing clearly. It’s the key to interacting with the world around you and staying on top of any changes in your eyes. Your glasses prescription plays a big role—so make sure you’re always watching for signs of something wrong.
Remember, your glasses should make your vision better, not worse. So if you notice anything unusual or plan to update your prescription, book an appointment with us at iSight Optometry. We’re here to help keep your vision clear, just like you deserve.
