Can the Wrong Glasses Prescription Damage Your Eyes?

Maybe you haven’t updated your prescription in a while, or recently broke your glasses and switched back to an older pair, or maybe you’re just curious if the wrong prescription can damage your eyes. Thankfully the short answer for most people is no. While an incorrect prescription can cause headaches and discomfort, permanent damage won’t occur to your eyes.

What Happens If You Wear the Wrong Prescription?

Wearing incorrect prescription glasses or contact lenses short-term will not cause permanent damage to the eyes of most adults, but it can certainly lead to temporary discomforts such as eye strain, headaches, and blurred vision. Incorrect prescriptions can also affect depth perception, leading to dizziness or imbalance. While it won’t be harmful in the long run, if you experience any of these symptoms you should go ahead and get your prescription updated.

It’s very important to know that for children, there are risks to wearing an incorrect prescription for an extended period of time. The development of their eyes can be negatively impacted and conditions like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism can even worsen. Making it extra critical for them to have the correct prescription in their glasses.

How Do You Know If You Have the Wrong Prescription Glasses?

The signs of an incorrect prescription are often evident. People with new glasses might initially struggle with discomfort, which could subside after an adjustment period ranging from a few days to two weeks. However, ongoing issues such as persistent headaches, blurred vision, or the need to squint to see clearly can indicate that the prescription is not optimal. If this is the case, then you should go see an optometrist and get your prescription updated.

What Are the Consequences of Long-Term Use of the Wrong Prescription?

Long-term use of incorrect prescriptions can lead to chronic eye strain and may contribute to the worsening of existing vision problems. While adults generally do not face severe risks from wearing the wrong prescription, it is crucial to address any discrepancies to avoid discomfort and potential safety issues, like impaired driving vision.

If left unchecked your eyes may attempt to compensate for an incorrect prescription, over time making it feel normal. When you get a new pair of glasses with your proper prescription it will take time for your eyes to readjust, even feeling like the new prescription is wrong.

About The Author:

Will Benjamin is an advocate for independent eyewear and one of the driving forces behind Project Spex. With a passion for unique, collectible, and limited-edition eyewear, Will aims to inspire people to build their own collections through Project Spex, while supporting the success of independent opticals.