Have you ever heard a mom tell her child not to wear someone else’s glasses because it will ruin his eyes? This common belief comes from the thought that straining to see out of a wrong prescription can damage your eyes. Similarly, some believe that it is unhealthy to switch prescription glasses from day to day. Is there any truth to this thought, or is it simple an “old wives” tale?
The Truth About Your Eyes
So can a different prescription harm your eyes? The answer to this question begins with understanding what causes eye problems to begin with. Poor eyesight is caused by the shape of the eye. While prolonged exposure to certain activities, such as reading or watching TV, when the eye is developing can change its shape, in general you cannot damage the shape of your eye by one or two actions, such as wearing someone else’s glasses or changing between prescriptions from day to day.
Why Do You Need to Switch?
If you are concerned about the safety of switching between prescription glasses on a regular basis, consider the reason why you need to switch. Are you switching between reading glasses and glasses for nearsightedness? Do you need to wear safety lenses at work? Perhaps you are switching between regular prescription glasses and prescription sunglasses. Some people even feel that a weaker prescription works better for them when they are using the computer or reading, and a stronger prescription is necessary when driving or looking long distances.
Possible Alternatives
If you are concerned about constantly switching between prescriptions, you may have some alternatives. If you are switching because you need reading glasses and regular glasses, you have probably found this to be incredibly inconvenient. You have to always remember to bring your reading glasses with you, and they are very easy to forget. You also have to switch every time the need to read arises, whether to write a check at the grocery store, scan the magazines to find an interesting headline, or check the price of your purchases before putting them in your cart. An alternative to this situation is to get bifocals. Today’s bifocals are as fashionable as regular glasses, and bifocal contact lenses are also available this will eliminate the hassle of always dealing with two pairs of glasses.
Perhaps you are wishing to wear sunglasses but want to avoid the look of clip-ons. One option for you would be to purchase special lenses that darken when you are in the sun. Otherwise, keep your prescription sunglasses in the car, and switch when you are driving. There is no danger in doing this, although it is a slight hassle.
Another option for some people may be to have laser surgery to eliminate the need for glasses. This is not always ideal, due in part to the cost and also to the risks associated with laser eye surgery. Be sure to discuss all of the potential risks before you sign up for this procedure.
So Is There Any Danger?
Research has shown that switching between prescription glasses from day to day does not cause permanent damage, so if it works for you, go ahead and do it. However, some people experience headaches when they switch from one pair of glasses to another as their eyes attempt to adjust to the new prescription. Also, eyestrain is a common problem associated with switching from one prescription to another. These issues do not cause permanent damage, but they can be uncomfortable. However, if you do not suffer from eyestrain or headaches, and switching makes life more convenient, then continue to do it without worry!
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