It is a common concern among those who need to wear glasses that their eye power may keep increasing over the years. Some believe that wearing glasses will weaken their eyesight, while others argue that wearing them can help prevent their eyesight from declining. Such concerns are common, especially among those who need to frequently renew their prescription. But do spectacles actually increase your eye power? Let’s take a look at the facts behind this question.
Does Wearing Spectacles Make Your Eye Power Worse?
There is a commonly held myth that wearing glasses weakens your eyes as you age. However, this is not true. Eyeglasses are made to bring your vision back to clarity. They do not cause eye structure damage or a rise in eye power. If you have been going back to the optician and you find that your prescription is shifting quite a lot, then it is typically other factors causing this, not your glasses. The impact of spectacles on vision is often misunderstood, but they do not contribute to worsening eyesight.
Why Does Eye Power Change?
Spectacles are not a reason for changes in eye power, there are many reasons for it. This includes some of the major causes:
1. Natural Growth and Development
- Children and adolescents tend to go through changes in their vision as their eyes are still developing. The power of the eye may change due to the shape of the eye changing. Most changes to your vision will stabilize once you reach early adulthood.
2. Genetics and Family History
- You may be genetically predisposed to similar reductions in your eye power if both or one of your parents have high myopia (short sightedness) or other sight problems. Genetics matter in whether a person’s vision will deteriorate as they get older.
3. Increased Screen Time and Eye Strain
- Excessive screen time is one of the primary causes of eye strain due to the digital era we’re living in. Staring at computers, mobile phones, and tablets for extended periods of time without interruption can cause digital eye strain, resulting in headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes. Over time, unnecessary strain on the eyes can factor into changes in prescription. The impact of spectacles in such cases is to provide necessary correction rather than causing further deterioration.
4. Unhealthy Reading Habits
- Reading in poor lighting, bringing books or screens too close to the eyes or not sitting up straight can cause added strain on the eyes. Constantly repeating these practices can lead to eye strain and might even affect your vision over time.
5. Eye Conditions and Diseases
- Some eye disorders like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), astigmatism are progressive over time, causing the eye power to change. Other conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy can also produce fluctuating vision.
6. Uncorrected Vision Problems
- It can put additional stress on the eyes and may eventually worsen the vision if the correct prescription glasses are not worn or glasses are avoided altogether. And wearing the wrong prescription can cause unnecessary strain on your eyesight.
Can You Prevent Eye Power from Increasing?
Reading in poor lighting, bringing books or screens too close to the eyes or not sitting up straight can cause added strain on the eyes. Constantly repeating these practices can lead to eye strain and might even affect your vision over time.
1. Take Regular Breaks from Screens
- Use the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. It helps to de-stress your eye muscles and avoid strain.
2. Follow a Healthy Diet for Better Eye Health
- Eating foods high in Vitamin A helps vision, and Vitamin C and E works on connectivity in the body. Carrots, spinach, fish, nuts, and citrus fruits are good for sustaining eye health.
3. Ensure Proper Lighting While Reading or Working
- Read in good light and avoid reading in dark or directly under bright light. Trifles like good lighting helps reduce strain on the eyes and enhances comfort.
4. Get Regular Eye Check-ups
- Changes to your eye power usually don’t make an impression on you until they start affecting how clear your vision is. Eye check-ups guarantee that prescription changes are identified early. If you are experiencing the power of eye changes frequently then, consulting with an eye specialist can help you in finding the underlying cause.
5. Limit Screen Time and Use Protective Glasses
- Wearing anti-glare or blue-light-blocking glasses when you are on a screen can reduce your strain and help minimize damage from being on a digital device for too long.
6. Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
- Excessive rubbing of the eye can damage the cornea of the eye and also exacerbate other eye conditions like keratoconus, which affects vision. If your eyes are irritated or feel dry, use lubricating eye drops instead.
When Should You Be Concerned About Increasing Eye Power?
A few degrees of changing eye power is normal, but rapid or frequent changes in prescription can suggest an underlying issue. You should see an eye specialist if you notice:
✔️ Frequent headaches and eye strain
✔️ Sudden changes in vision clarity
✔️ Difficulty focusing despite wearing glasses
✔️ Double vision or distorted images
✔️ Increased sensitivity to light
Progressive myopia, astigmatism, and other vision-related problems that require medical assistance may be indicated by these symptoms.
The impact of spectacles on vision does not cause an increase in eye power. Vision changes are typically caused by normal growth, genetics, too much screen time, or underlying medical conditions. Follow good eye care practices, give your eyes a break from screen time, eat healthy, and visit an eye specialist for regular eye check-ups.
If you have noticed frequent changes in your vision, don’t wait! Book your appointment today at The Eye Foundation for expert eye care and personalized treatment.
