Why Do Wrong Prescription Glasses Cause Dry Eyes?

If people put on glasses with the wrong prescription, they strain themselves far much more than they should. This can affect how frequently they will blink and how well tears correct focus in their eyes. 

Is Wearing Wrong Prescription Glasses; A Cause Of Dry Eyes?

Non-prescription glasses appear not to cause eye dryness by themselves but they elicit conditions that cause the eyes to dry up. Let’s explore how this happens:

Increased Eye Strain: Diseases of accommodation result from trying to reconcile two prescriptions, and they cause tiredness and discomfort to the eyes. This strain often leads to an effect of the eyes being unable to blink.

Reduced Blinking Rate: Blinking is essential to spreading tears across your eyes. When focusing harder due to wrong prescriptions, blinking becomes less frequent, leading to dry spots.

Prolonged Digital Usage: Blurred vision from incorrect lenses might make you squint or lean closer to screens, intensifying digital eye strain and dryness.

What Are the Causes or Contributing Factors?

Here are some common reasons why wrong prescription glasses might worsen dry eyes:

Unnecessary Eye Fatigue:

• Overworking your eye muscles can impact tear gland performance.

• The added strain reduces your eyes’ natural ability to stay lubricated.

Incomplete Blinking:

• Fewer and incomplete blinks lead to uneven tear distribution.

• This exposes certain areas of your eyes to dryness.

Prolonged Focus on Screens:

• Suboptimal prescriptions can aggravate computer vision syndrome (CVS).

• Tear evaporation increases when focus shifts frequently.

Pre-existing Eye Conditions:

• Mild dry eye syndrome may become more noticeable with eye strain.

• Conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction can worsen with improper glasses.

Poor Fit of Glasses:

• Glasses positioned incorrectly can disturb natural airflow, accelerating tear evaporation.

Practical Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes from Wrong Glasses

If you’re experiencing dry eyes and suspect your glasses might be a factor, here’s what you can do:

Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam:

• Check that your prescription is current and accurate.

• Ask for a tear function test to evaluate underlying dryness.

Consciously Blink More Often:

• Make an effort to blink fully, especially when using screens.

• Set reminders to pause and blink every few minutes.

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule:

• Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• This simple habit reduces eye strain and encourages natural blinking.

Use Moisturizing Eye Drops:

• Choose preservative-free artificial tears to replenish moisture.

• Avoid drops designed to reduce redness as they may irritate sensitive eyes.

Ensure Proper Glasses Fit:

• Visit an optician to adjust the fit of your frames.

• Consider wrap-around frames in dry environments to retain moisture.

Switch to Blue Light Filtering Lenses:

• These lenses reduce strain from digital screens and may alleviate dryness.

Humidify Your Environment:

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. This really helps when you have the heating or cooling on

Seek Professional Advice:

• Persistent symptoms warrant a visit to an eye care specialist for tailored solutions.

Are dry eyes making your daily tasks uncomfortable? Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Book a consultation with our dry eye specialist today at Refine Optometry for a personalized prescription and relief from dryness.