Wrong Eye Prescription: Is It Bad for Your Eyes?

People with refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, usually need prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. If you are among them, you must regularly get eye exams to ensure you have the appropriate eyewear. It is to ensure you see clearly and comfortably. 

Your local optician explains what can happen if you wear the wrong eye prescription. 

Is Wearing the Wrong Prescription Harmful to Your Eyes?

Eyeglasses correct your vision by refracting the light that enters your eyes. Prescription lenses allow light to focus on the right area of the retina to provide clear vision. Your optometrist will perform a series of tests to determine which lens type is necessary to correct your vision. 

If you suspect you have the wrong prescription, do not worry because they cannot cause lasting damage to your eyes. However, they can make you uncomfortable and get in the way of your daily activities. It is best to see your eye doctor if your eyeglasses or contacts are causing discomfort.

What Happens When You Wear the Wrong Eye Prescription?

Dizziness or Vertigo

Vertigo is when you suddenly feel that your surroundings are spinning or shifting. Dizziness, nausea and loss of balance are among its common symptoms. It can happen out of the blue and last for a couple of seconds. However, those with severe cases of vertigo experience symptoms that last for days. 

Prescription lens errors associated with depth perception changes from bifocal or reading glasses can cause vertigo. If you have been diagnosed with vertigo, incorrect eye prescription can worsen its symptoms. This sensation can also be a symptom of another health condition. 

Frequent Headaches

Have you been experiencing headaches a lot lately? An eyewear with an incorrect prescription could be the culprit if you feel pain around and behind your eyes. You could also suffer from headaches from poorly fitting frames. When your glasses are not the right fit for your face, they can put pressure on your nose bridge or temples, resulting in pain. 

To determine if your eyeglasses are causing discomfort, try not wearing them at certain times of the day. If you only get pain when your glasses are on, it may be time to schedule an eye exam.

Eye Strain

Today, people use digital devices for work, entertainment and educational purposes. It is not uncommon to lose track of time while using your computer, tablet or smartphone. Spending hours in front of screens without breaks can increase your risk of developing digital eye strain. 

Blurred vision, dry eyes and headaches characterize digital eye strain. If you have this condition, you might also get pain in your neck and shoulder. Among the most common causes of digital eye strain include glare on screens, poor seating posture and inadequate lighting. Uncorrected refractive errors and wearing the wrong prescription eyewear can also trigger its symptoms. 

Blurred Vision

Even the slightest error in your eye prescription can result in blurred vision. Did you recently get new glasses or contacts? If so, you could experience blurriness as you adapt to your new lenses. This adjustment period can last for up to two weeks. You likely have the wrong prescription if the blurriness persists for over two weeks. Get in touch with your eye doctor if you believe your eye prescription is inaccurate. 

How Do You Know If You Need New Prescription Eyewear?

You Have Damaged Eyewear

Eyeglasses with scratched lenses might not be able to correct your vision effectively. Your glasses will not properly sit on your face if their frames have damage, resulting in discomfort. While wearing faulty eyewear will not cause permanent damage to your eyes, it can increase your risk of getting eye strain, blurred vision and headaches. 

It Has Been Over Two Years Since You Got Your Glasses

When did you purchase your eyeglasses? If it has been at least two years since you got your pair, you should definitely consider replacing them. Eyeglass prescriptions often need to be updated every one to two years. That is why you should routinely schedule eye examination appointments. 

Are you a contact lens wearer? Be sure to take note of their expiration dates. To avoid eye infections and vision problems, replace your contacts as your eye doctor recommends.

You Keep Squinting

Do you find yourself squinting to see things more clearly? It could be that your prescription has changed, and you need to update your contacts or glasses. Some people do not even realize they have been constantly squinting until they get headaches. The more you squint, the more prone you will become to eye strain. 

How Do You Ensure You Have the Right Eye Prescription?

Regular eye examinations will help you keep track of your vision and eye health. They allow eye care professionals to catch changes in your vision and early signs of sight-threatening conditions. Various eye problems do not manifest symptoms in their initial stages. These include glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Eye doctors can also detect signs of health problems while examining your eyes, including diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. They will recommend further testing by a specialist if they find a potential health issue during your assessment. 

Regardless of your age, routinely see your eye doctor. Good vision plays a crucial role in a child’s development. Regular visits to your eye doctor can help ensure your little one sees clearly and performs well in school. An eye exam is the only way to determine if your child needs prescription glasses.