You may have heard somewhere that glasses improve eye health. We all know that glasses can improve vision, so it makes sense why some might assume that glasses must also improve their eye health, but is it true?
Glasses correct vision
The only function of prescription glasses is to improve how well you can see. Glasses can correct a wide range of refractive errors, such as:
Myopia (near-sightedness)
Those who have myopia can see things clearly up close, but objects in the distance appear blurry. This condition is hereditary, as children are much more likely to develop it if one or both parents also have it. Rates of myopia are increasing; some eye care professionals believe this may be due to a huge increase in screen time.
Hyperopia (far-sightedness)
Hyperopia causes objects up close to become blurry, this condition is also hereditary and the opposite to myopia. Children may have hyperopia only until they grow to their teen years, as the eyes change and grow, which can lead to improved vision.
Presbyopia
Similar to Hyperopia, this condition causes objects up close to become blurry, whilst objects in the distance can be seen clearly. Presbyopia occurs due to hardening of the lens within the eye, this more rigid lens makes it more difficult to focus on objects. Presbyopia is a natural part of ageing and will happen to everyone eventually, it is most common in those aged over 40.
Although this condition cannot be prevented, it can be easily fixed by wearing glasses. Some may require varifocal or progressive glasses (or multifocal contact lenses). These lenses contain several prescriptions, allowing the wearer to switch between close, intermediate and distance vision seamlessly.
Can glasses improve eye health?
No, corrective eyewear cannot improve your eye health. It’s also worth noting that glasses cannot correct your vision if you aren’t wearing them, and not wearing glasses/contact lenses won’t cause you any harm, although it may inhibit your ability to do certain tasks depending on how strong your prescription is.
There are many things you can do to keep your eyes in good health, but corrective eyewear is not one of them. Below are some of the things you can implement to keep your eyes healthy.
- A varied and healthy diet
- Exercise
- A thorough contact lens cleaning routine (if you wear 2 weekly or monthly lenses)
- When outdoors, always wear sunglasses that protect against 100% of UVA and UVB rays
- Have regular eye tests – at least every 2 years
- If you experience pain or discomfort while wearing contact lenses, take them out and switch to glasses for a while
- Take regular breaks from digital screens
How to look after your contact lenses
If you do wear contact lenses, even occasionally, it’s important to keep your lenses and eyes clean to avoid any issues. You should always:
- Clean your 2 weekly or monthly contact lenses after each use, and store them in solution before bed
- Keep your contact lenses away from water
- Replace your contact lens case every 3 months
- Never sleep in your lenses
- Never wear your lenses for longer than the recommended wearing time
It’s important to also get your eyes tested every 2 years, or sooner, if you are having sight problems. Routine eye tests are particularly important for finding eye conditions early before they have time to progress. Eye tests can also determine whether your prescription has changed or not, to ensure you are always wearing the correct eyewear for your specific needs.
Where can I buy affordable prescription glasses?
You can buy glasses online for more affordable prices than you would find on the high street. You are also more likely to find a broader range of styles and brands available online compared to brick-and-mortar shops. There are lots of other eye care products available to buy online such as lid wipes, eye drops, and supplements, which can all contribute towards keeping eyes clean, comfortable, and healthy.