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If you have a vision impairment — whether it’s astigmatism, myopia, age-related macular degeneration, or something else — you rely on your prescription eyeglasses to see. However, if you have the wrong prescription or your glasses are not properly tailored to your needs, your eyeglasses can become more of a hindrance than a help.
Beyond the temporary annoyance of not being able to see clearly, there can be more significant consequences when you wear glasses with the wrong prescription, whether the lenses are outdated or simply incorrect.
At Wolcott Optical, we understand how important it is to empower our customers to make the right decisions about their vision health. That’s why we wrote this blog post explaining the risks of wearing the wrong prescription, signs your glasses aren’t right for you, and how the right prescription can enhance your life.
What Does ‘Wrong Prescription’ Mean?
Everyone’s vision is different, which means their eyeglasses are different. From the distance between the pupils to additional magnification to the shape of lenses, there are several important measurements that go into an eyeglasses prescription.
There are a few ways you can wind up with the wrong prescription. One of the most common reasons is vision changes over time. That’s why it’s important to visit your eye doctor regularly and track these changes.
Another way you can get the wrong prescription is if the measurements are incorrect. No matter how carefully each measurement is taken, mistakes can sometimes happen, whether due to faulty equipment or incorrect documentation. This is one of the reasons why it’s important to stay away from purchasing cheap glasses online and skipping a proper fitting.
Risks of Wearing the Wrong Prescription
Wearing the wrong prescription may seem harmless, especially if it’s only in the short term, but there can be serious consequences.
The immediate effects of wearing glasses with the wrong prescription can include:
- Eye strain due to overworking the eye muscles
- Tension headaches from struggling to focus
- Blurred or distorted vision and difficulty focusing at different distances
- Nausea or dizziness, which are especially common with significant prescription mismatches
If you continue wearing glasses with the wrong prescription for your needs, you may experience more significant effects, including an increased risk of eye fatigue and chronic discomfort. Your overall eye health may worsen, and issues such as myopia or astigmatism may progress.
Additionally, your safety will be compromised as you perform daily activities like driving — if you can’t clearly see obstacles in your way, how can you avoid them? Not only does this put yourself at risk, but it’s dangerous for others on the road, as well.
How to Identify If Your Prescription Is Wrong
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time for a visit to the eye doctor to make sure your prescription is correct:
- Persistent headaches or migraines
- Double vision or difficulty focusing
- Feeling off-balance or disoriented
- Eyes feeling tired or dry more often than usual
Preventing the Risks
Regular eye exams are crucial for ensuring your prescription is always up to date. It’s best to have checkups with your optometrist every 1–2 years, or more often if you notice changes.
Precise measurements, from lens strength to pupillary distance, are the key to glasses that fit properly and are tailored to your unique needs. Only an optical professional can take these measurements accurately, so avoid buying cheap glasses online without professional input.
Investing in quality lenses and frames may come with a higher upfront cost, but it’s the best way to ensure your long-term comfort and eye health. Low-quality glasses may be more susceptible to damage, affecting their ability to properly meet your vision needs. Plus, when you factor in frequent repairs and replacements, cheap glasses aren’t so inexpensive in the long run.
How the Right Prescription Improves Quality of Life
The right eyeglasses prescription can change your life, especially if you have more severe vision problems. Glasses made especially for you can reduce eye strain and fatigue, enhance vision clarity and focus for better productivity, improve your safety as you perform daily activities, and provide comfort and confidence.
Quality Prescription Eyeglasses from Wolcott Optical
If you’ve been suffering with the wrong prescription, it’s time to take charge. Once you’ve visited your eye doctor, come to Wolcott Optical to explore our comprehensive selection of stylish frames and lenses. We can provide you with the quality solutions you need to enjoy clear vision.
