Stephen J Manton B.Sc.(Hons.), F.C.Optom.

WEARING SPECTACLES

Here are a few answers to some of the questions often asked about the wearing of spectacles.

QUESTION : Will wearing spectacles weaken or strengthen my eyes?

ANSWER : Spectacles correct optical errors when they are worn, but they have no effect - good or bad - on the optical system within the eye and cannot therefore make the eyes weaker or stronger. When you wear spectacles you see better and more comfortably.

QUESTION : If I have perfect vision, surely this means I do not need spectacles?

ANSWER : Young people who are very long-sighted can use their strong near focusing muscles to see clearly at a distance and thus correct their long-sightedness. The constant use of these muscles for other than their intended function can cause eye fatigue, eye-strain, and headaches, especially while they are reading. Spectacles will alleviate the symptoms and allow good vision without taxing those muscles.

QUESTION : Can I damage my eyes if wear the wrong spectacles?

ANSWER : It is not a good idea to use a prescription that is not intended for your eyes, but you cannot inflict any damage to your eyes if you do. Someone else's spectacles could give you a headache, make you dizzy, and cause eye-strain, so using them is not recommended.

QUESTION : Are tinted lenses bad for my eyes?

ANSWER : Tinted lenses can be worn if you enjoy the cosmetic effect or want to shield your eyes from glare or bright sunlight.

QUESTION : If I read a lot or do lots of close work will I ruin my eyes?

ANSWER : Optical errors are never caused by reading or by any other visual demand. The causes of these errors are within the eye, and you cannot inflict them on yourself in any way. People who read a lot may be more aware of optical symptoms of headaches and eye-strain, which will give them a greater motivation to correct their problem with spectacles. The reading is certainly not causing the optical error.