Do Spectacles Weaken Your Eyes? Find Out!
In India, there is a widespread belief that wearing spectacles can weaken your eyes. This myth has been around for a long time, causing many to avoid glasses even when they need them. However, renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Neeraj Sanduja debunks this misconception, stating that spectacles are designed to correct refractive errors, such as myopia (near-sightedness) and hyperopia (far-sightedness), without altering the eye's structure.
Dr. Sanduja explains, “Spectacles do not make your eyes lazy or weaker. They help you see clearly by bending light so that images focus correctly on the retina.” Many individuals report a decline in their eyesight after starting to wear glasses, but experts clarify that this is often coincidental rather than a direct result of wearing spectacles. In children and young adults, myopia can naturally progress due to growth, and the glasses simply reveal this change.
A common reason for this myth's persistence is the perception of vision clarity. When individuals begin to see clearly with the correct prescription, their brain becomes accustomed to sharp vision. Consequently, when they remove their glasses, the blurred vision feels more pronounced, leading to the misconception that their eyes have weakened. Dr. Sanduja emphasizes that this is not dependency but rather an increased awareness of what clear vision entails.
Neglecting to wear prescribed spectacles can lead to several issues, including eye strain, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, especially among professionals who spend long hours in front of screens. For children, the stakes are even higher, as uncorrected vision can adversely affect their learning and overall development.
Dr. Jeevan Kasra, Chairman at Steris Healthcare, reiterates that spectacles merely correct defects in vision and do not harm the eyes in any manner. Changes in prescription over time are typically due to natural eye development, aging, or increased near-vision demands, not because of glasses.
To maintain good eye health, regular eye examinations are crucial. Updating prescriptions when necessary is vital. Dr. Sanduja concludes, “Wearing spectacles when prescribed is a sign of proper eye care.” In summary, spectacles do not weaken your eyes; instead, they protect you from unnecessary strain and help enhance your daily functioning. Clear vision is not a dependency; it is a necessity.
