As much attention as you pay to your heart, lungs, and liver health, it is as important to look after your eyes. In a world, where we have become so dependent on our phones and laptops, whether at work or otherwise, protecting your eyes is of utmost importance. If you’re diagnosed with poor eyesight, an ophthalmologist is likely to prescribe a pair of glasses. But what if you have perfect vision? Can you still put on zero power glasses? Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Madhusmita Behera, Senior Consultant-Ophthalmologist, Rotary Techno Nethralaya, Salt Lake, helps provide some answers.
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What It Means To Have A Perfect Vision
“In medical terms, a perfect vision is one with 20/20 (6/6) vision without any glass power correction,” said Dr Behera. According to her, 20/20 vision is a term used to express normal visual acuity (the clarity or sharpness of vision) measured at a distance of 20 feet. However, it only indicates the clarity or sharpness of vision at a distance, she explained. “Other important parameters of perfect vision are peripheral visual field, coordination of eye movements, depth perception and colour vision, all of which contribute to the overall visual ability,” the doctor added.
Can You Wear Zero Power Glasses With Perfect Vision?
The belief that eyeglasses weaken eyesight is a common myth and has not been scientifically proven. There are several reasons why people choose to wear eye glasses. Dr Behera said, "Although spectacles are in fashion today, there are a lot of medical benefits that come with them. Wearing glasses with anti-reflective or anti-glare coatings is extremely good for the eyes because it reduces eye strain and provides sharpness of vision. Others may choose to wear glasses as a protective shield against dust, allergens, or blue light, besides adding a speck of spark to their costumes."
The decision is completely up to you. If your eyes are okay and your vision is fine, then eyeglasses may not be necessary. However, if you want to put it on to protect your eyes, you can opt for a zero power glasses at the advice of your doctor.
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Might Take Some Time To Adjust
Dr Behera said, “There might be a concern for new users of spectacles to adjust. Yes, some patients might take a few days or weeks to get adjusted to the new pair of glasses, provided their glass power and centration of glasses are properly maintained. However, if these feelings persist for several days, it is best to consult one's ophthalmologist and get their eyes examined to change the prescription. It is best to get regular eye examinations to wear the correct glass power always.”
People Who Need Glasses Should Wear Them
According to the doctor, there are a few probable reasons why people don't always wear glasses. “The main cause could be cosmetic: a person might dislike the way they look with their glasses and feel more comfortable without them, whereas, some people feel that using their eyes to concentrate without glasses would strengthen the eye muscles and will slow the progression of refractive errors,” the doctor said. However, if we don't wear spectacles, we are sure to get blurred vision, and ultimately, eye strain and fatigue, which can, in turn, affect our work. Especially for children, this might affect their academic performance and can have behavioural issues also, added Dr Behera.