Can Wearing Glasses Improve Eyesight Over Time?

Glasses and contacts make it possible for millions of people across the globe to see clearly, allowing them to work, drive, read, care for themselves, and simply enjoy life more fully. For those who rely on corrective lenses, a common question is how they can best preserve their vision and, more specifically, whether wearing glasses and contacts can improve their eyesight long-term. While corrective lenses unfortunately don't alter the eyes themselves or indefinitely improve vision, they may help to slow the progression of certain vision changes.

At SPEX, Dr. Scott Campbell and our team of Seattle, WA eye care specialists are committed to helping patients maintain clear vision for as long as possible through a comprehensive range of advanced vision treatments and procedures, lifestyle modification guidance, premium corrective lenses, and more. Keep reading to learn how wearing glasses may help your overall eye health in the long run, and find out what else you should and shouldn't do to help set yourself up for a lifetime of clearer vision.

Can glasses make your vision better after a few years?

Glasses and contact lenses are considered corrective in the sense that they help correct a person's vision while being worn. However, when these corrective lenses are removed, the patient's "normal" — meaning usual — vision is restored. This is because glasses and contacts do not address the structural causes of diminished eyesight, like the shape of the eye and the way the eye bends light.

In some cases, wearing glasses and contacts regularly may help to slow down certain vision changes, but it is essential that patients wear an appropriate and current prescription for the maximum benefit. At SPEX, we offer in-depth eye exams that go beyond routine vision screenings not only to give patients a more complete picture of their eye health but also to identify unique risk factors and provide recommendations that can help you maintain clearer vision for as long as possible.

Are glasses or contacts better for your eyes?

Both glasses and contact lenses have distinct characteristics that may make each one a potentially "better" choice for you. In some cases, patients alternate between glasses and contacts based on the situation or even the time of day. Generally speaking, glasses offer protection from the elements and the opportunity to make a personal style statement, while contacts may be preferred by those who are interested in discretion and convenience. In either case, our knowledgeable team is here to help you better understand whether eyeglasses or contacts may be right for you, and our in-house optic laboratory makes it possible to have your lenses created while you browse our versatile selection of designer frames and other accessories.

What are some tips for maintaining my eyesight?

Maintaining your eyesight can help preserve your well-being and quality of life for longer, making it essential to be proactive about your eye health. While it's not always possible to avoid changes in your vision, some preventive and protective eye health tips include:

• Get your vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams annually or as recommended by your provider
• Wear your current prescription as directed
• Wear UV-protective sunglasses while outdoors or exposed to the sun
• Protect your eyes from harsh weather, debris, and injury with appropriate eyewear
• Do not smoke
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes plenty of leafy greens and Omega-3 fatty acids (consult with your doctor or other healthcare providers before making any changes to your diet)

With these healthy habits and regular eye exams, you can help keep your eyes healthy for longer.

Get a closer look at the health of your eyes with a complete eye exam in Seattle, WA

More than a vision screening alone, a comprehensive eye exam can help to identify potentially serious and often asymptomatic eye conditions that would otherwise go unnoticed —– though having your prescription updated regularly is also an important part of preserving your eye health and clearer vision. Take the first step in being proactive about your vision and ocular health today by calling SPEX to schedule your eye exam or consultation with Seattle, WA eye specialist Dr. Scott Campbell and learn more about caring for your eyes in the long term.