What Happens If You Don’t Wear Your Prescription Lenses

Your prescription glasses are not just a fashion accessory. They play a crucial role in maintaining your vision health. Despite having likely been informed of this by their optometrist, some choose to not wear their prescription glasses or contact lenses regularly. In this blog, we will explore what happens if you don’t wear your prescription lenses for both long-term and short-term discomfort.

Short-term effects of not wearing glasses

One of the immediate consequences of not wearing your prescribed eyewear is eye strain. This can lead to persistent headaches or migraines. Refractive errors are the reason why people suffer from conditions such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness). These refractive errors cause the eyes to work harder to focus, causing discomfort that can impact your day-to-day life.

If these refractive errors are neglected, then the major result will be an inability to see things clearly. This can hinder your performance at work or school, leading to decreased productivity and engagement. This can also impact the way you interact with the world around you. Compromised vision increases the likelihood of accidents, whether you are driving or simply carrying out daily activities. Clear vision is essential in ensuring your personal safety as well as those around you.

Whether driving, operating machinery, or navigating everyday surroundings, compromised vision increases the likelihood of accidents. Clear vision is paramount for ensuring personal safety and also, just as importantly – the safety of those around you.

Long-term effects of not wearing glasses

The long-term effects of not wearing your glasses are unsurprisingly worse than the effects of wearing them! Your eyes adjust to incorrect focus, potentially leading to irreversible damage that regular use of prescriptions could have prevented.

Individuals who consistently disregard their prescriptions may be more susceptible to developing eye conditions such as astigmatism, myopia, or even more severe issues like glaucoma. Regular use of prescribed eyewear not only makes life more comfortable but also serves as a preventive measure against such conditions.

Alternatives to traditional eyewear

For those opposed to the look or feel of traditional eyewear, contact lenses provide a discreet and convenient alternative. They offer clear vision without the appearance of glasses. If you want a more permanent solution, laser eye surgery and other corrective procedures are viable. If you’re interested in any of these options then a consultation with an eye care professional can provide insights into the best options for your individual needs.

Adopting a healthier lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can positively impact vision health. While not a substitute for prescriptions, these practices can complement eye care.

Looking to book a consultation?

Neglecting to wear your prescription glasses can have both short-term and long-term consequences on your vision health. Our professional opinion is to always wear your prescription glasses unless you suspect your vision has changed over time, which is normal.

If you are overdue an eye exam or are looking to update your existing glasses feel free to get in touch. Give the practice a call on 01323 442 062 or email info@focusmedicaleyecentre.co.uk for some additional information.