The Big Glasses question
Should you wear other people’s glasses?
Often you see people borrowing each other’s glasses to see things. One of the most common times is at restaurants to view the menu.
Growing up, there was always somebody telling us that borrowing other people’s glasses would worsen our vision or change it somehow. This is a myth. It won’t damage your eyes as such, but you won’t see as clearly, and you may get a headache or feel dizzy depending on how long you wear them.
On the flip side, you may see better. It doesn’t mean your vision is bad, as overpowered shortsighted glasses often make vision seem clearer, but it might be worth getting your eyes checked just in case.
If you lend people your glasses, it may also affect how your glasses fit you, as the borrower might have a wider head, so then the arms of your glasses, which fitted you perfectly, are now loose.
Nothing worse than getting new glasses and someone saying, “Gee, they look great, can l try them on?”
But how can different glasses affect your eyes?
Children under 13 should never wear someone else’s glasses, as they are in a particular period of their vision development called the critical period, and their eyes are still developing. It is common sense because children are still growing and developing, and their brains and bodies are sensitive to all sorts of changes. As we grow older, our brain becomes less prone to changes, but a child’s vision is developing, especially between the ages of 7 to 9. So if they were to mess about with someone else’s glasses during those ages, it could harm their eyesight. Of course, it depends on how long they wear them and vary by how old they are.
As mentioned, with adults, it isn’t going to harm your eyes, but it can contribute to eye fatigue, eye strain, and headaches if worn for a long time. People often buy glasses from the chemist, making you see better, but may give you headaches, etc.
Everyone should have regular checkups, wear their own glasses, and keep them updated. The additional benefit is visiting an independent optometrist regularly. There are numerous systemic and ocular diseases they can uncover by looking into your eyes. Many people have visual inefficiencies that can negatively impact their day-to-day activities. Clear vision is not always comfortable, optimal vision.