Struggling with Glasses? Here's What You Can Do

Glasses have long been cherished as a solution to vision impairments, enabling individuals to regain clear eyesight and enhance their overall quality of life. In today’s world, where digital screens and excessive nearsightedness prevail, the number of people relying on eyewear has increased significantly. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, over 2.2 billion people around the world have vision impairments that are affecting their ability to see. However, along with the advantages that glasses offer these individuals, they sometimes come with their fair share of frustrations and issues. Here are a few of these struggles and what can be done about them.

Comfort

One of the primary causes of discomfort when wearing glasses is ill-fitting frames. When glasses are not properly adjusted to an individual’s face, they can create pressure points, causing pain and soreness. This discomfort can occur behind the ears, on the nose, or even on the temples. The constant pressure can lead to headaches or even bruising and skin irritation. Many individuals find themselves constantly readjusting their glasses, trying to find a more comfortable position, but often without success.

In such cases, exploring alternative methods may be beneficial. Contact lenses offer a convenient and comfortable alternative for those who find glasses uncomfortable or incompatible with their lifestyles. With advancements in lens materials, contact lenses are now available for various vision conditions, including astigmatism and presbyopia. They can also come in various “life spans,” such as the Acuve Oasys 1-Day lenses and the OPSM Monthly Sphere. With the many choices available, consultation with an eye care professional will ensure the correct selection and fitting of contact lenses.

Flexibility

Constantly taking off and putting on eyeglasses can be cumbersome, particularly when switching between different activities or frequently transitioning between near and distant vision tasks. This becomes especially challenging while juggling work, hobbies, and recreational activities.

For those who find themselves encountering these problems, it may be worth exploring eyeglasses that cater to multiple distances. For example, Warby Parker’s Daisy multifocal lenses or EyeBuyDirect’s Amity bifocal reading glasses can address vision correction for several distances simultaneously. Furthermore, advancements such as transition lenses, lightweight frame materials, magnetic closure systems, and foldable designs have made eyeglasses more portable, convenient, and, most importantly, flexible for varying circumstances. Embracing these options can significantly enhance versatility and ease of use without compromising vision correction needs.

Style

Unlike other accessories such as earrings or necklaces, prescription glasses are not easily interchangeable. Once a person requires glasses to correct their vision, they must wear them constantly, limiting the variety of styles they can experiment with. This restriction is particularly significant for those who match accessories to their outfits. Moreover, glasses can interfere with the application and visibility of makeup. Frames may conceal eyeliners and eyeshadows and can also cause smudging, leading to constant touch-ups. These challenges may discourage wearers from experimenting with makeup, limiting their ability to express their style fully.

To maximize their style without letting go of their glasses, individuals can explore more subtle frame options. Over the years, thin, rimless, and clear frames that don’t obscure the face have become widely available. Additionally, individuals can try out setting spray products like Urban Decay All Night Setting Spray and Tatcha Dewy Skin Mist to keep their makeup in place even while wearing eyeglasses. This can help them experiment with makeup techniques and color palettes to complement the frames and maintain a balanced and cohesive look.

Confidence

One of the main reasons people struggle with wearing glasses is the fear of being perceived as different or unattractive. Society often emphasizes narrow beauty standards, and those who deviate from these norms may face judgment or exclusion. Unfortunately, wearing glasses is still stigmatized in some circles, leading to negative assumptions and stereotypes. Individuals may worry that their glasses will draw attention to their appearance, making them feel self-conscious and vulnerable.

Building self-esteem and confidence should also be a priority for individuals who struggle with glasses. One way to do this is by engaging in self-care activities such as mirror gazing or skincare routines, setting achievable goals, and surrounding oneself with supportive communities. All of these can contribute to boosting confidence and challenging negative self-perceptions.