What happens if you don t wear glasses if you need them?

As an optometrist with over a decade of experience, I've observed a wide range of consequences that can arise from not wearing glasses when they are needed. Let's delve into the potential outcomes and the science behind why these occur. Eyesight Deterioration: The most immediate effect is that your eyesight may worsen over time. When you have a refractive error such as myopia (nearsightedness) or hyperopia (farsightedness), your eye's lens doesn't focus light correctly onto the retina. Without glasses, your eyes are constantly overworking to compensate, which can lead to further deterioration of vision. Eye Strain: Not wearing glasses can cause significant eye strain. This is because your eyes are working harder to see clearly. The ciliary muscles, which control the shape of the lens, are in a constant state of tension as they try to adjust the focus. This strain can manifest as discomfort or pain around the eyes. Headaches: Eye strain often leads to headaches. The tension and overuse of the eye muscles can radiate pain to the forehead and temples, leading to what's commonly known as a tension headache. Blurred Vision and Double Vision: Struggling to see without glasses can result in blurred vision, where objects appear hazy and indistinct. In some cases, hyperopia can cause double vision, where one object appears as two because the eyes are not working together properly. Reduced Depth Perception: Glasses help correct the way light enters the eye, which is crucial for depth perception. Without them, it can be challenging to gauge distances accurately, which can affect everyday activities like driving or playing sports. Accidents and Injuries: Poor vision can increase the risk of accidents and injuries. It's harder to navigate unfamiliar environments or to react quickly to sudden changes in your surroundings. Fatigue: The constant effort to see clearly can be exhausting. Many people report feeling fatigued after a day of straining to see without their glasses. Impact on Daily Life: The inability to see well can significantly impact daily life. It can affect work performance, social interactions, and the ability to enjoy hobbies and activities that require clear vision. Long-Term Ocular Health: Prolonged neglect of vision correction can potentially lead to long-term ocular health issues. For instance, untreated severe myopia can increase the risk of conditions like retinal detachment. Psychological Effects: There can also be psychological effects from not being able to see well. It can lead to feelings of frustration, self-consciousness, and in some cases, depression. Adaptation and Habituation: Interestingly, the brain can adapt to poor vision over time. This is known as habituation. However, this doesn't mean the eyes are healthier; it just means the brain is learning to interpret the blurry images it's receiving. Cost of Not Correcting Vision: The cost of not getting glasses when needed can be high, both in terms of quality of life and potential long-term health issues. In conclusion, not wearing glasses when you need them can have a range of negative effects on your vision and overall quality of life. It's always best to consult with an eye care professional to determine the best course of action for your individual needs.

It will cause eyestrain, just as not wearing glasses for myopia and hyperopia will do. That eyestrain will lead to headaches, an inability to focus, double vision, and other symptoms, which makes it even more difficult to see, and weakens the muscles in the eye.