6 Ways Wearing Glasses Is Good For Your Mental Health

Affiliate Link Notice: As an affiliate of BetterHelp and other third-party vendors, we will receive compensation if you make a purchase using the links provided on this page. For more information, please visit our disclosure page.

Last updated on July 25, 2024 by Randy Withers, LCMHC

In late 2023, a systematic review of 692 records found strong evidence that eyeglass correction increased mental health scores. Children who had undergone correction of myopia Students experienced a significant reduction in physical and learning anxiety, which translated into improved educational well-being: they achieved higher scores in mathematics and literacy and a 44% reduction in the likelihood of failing a subject.

Glasses are often thought of as mere tools for correcting vision, but the study above shows that their impact goes far beyond improving eyesight. From reducing anxiety to improving quality of life, here are six ways wearing glasses can benefit your mental health.

Wearing glasses for mental health: 6 key benefits

Wearing glasses is often overlooked as a simple tool for correcting vision, but its effects go far beyond improving eyesight. From relieving stress and boosting self-esteem to improving overall quality of life, glasses play a crucial role in mental health. Here’s a look at how wearing glasses can positively impact several aspects of your well-being.

Reduces tension and stress.

Stress is a normal aspect of everyday life. However, chronic stress at extreme levels can be deadly. It can accelerate the rate of brain atrophy or release ACTH and cortisol to suppress the body’s immune system. Meanwhile, its psychological consequences can manifest in the form of excessive worry, causing you to pace, bite your nails, or even turn to vices like alcohol to relax.

The risks are even greater in today’s digital age, where prolonged screen time is the norm, leading to increased mental stress and eye strain. According to the Vision Council, 59% of adults report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, including headaches, blurred vision, and neck pain.

Wearing glasses with the correct prescription helps reduce the frustration and discomfort associated with visual impairment. This can improve your mood and allow you to sleep more and better.

It gives you peace of mind

Constantly struggling to see is not only mentally exhausting but also dangerous. People with poor vision Seniors are twice as likely to suffer falls, multiple falls and related fractures, which may be the most common health condition in older age. Glasses provide peace of mind by ensuring you can see clearly in a variety of situations, from navigating the kitchen to climbing stairs or even driving.

This security allows you to focus on tasks without the distraction and stress that comes with visual impairment. Knowing that you can rely on your glasses to perform daily activities also reduces cognitive load, allowing for a calmer, more serene state of mind.

Improve the quality of life

When you have difficulty seeing clearly, everyday tasks can become a challenge. This is a common experience among older people, whose lenses have become less flexible with age. This can contribute to a lower quality of life, as the person becomes less able to enjoy hobbies or live independently.

Glasses allow people to interact more confidently in the private corners of their homes. Even without a prescription, reading glasses They can help seniors see images up close and participate in activities they enjoy, such as reading, cooking, or using digital devices. Today, these devices come in various designs that you can use with confidence, even in social settings.

Wear a stylish pair of reading sunglasses like Readers’ Bermuda on your next vacation, or swap them for Conrad’s wire-frame sunglasses during a fancy dinner, and you’ll be able to easily enjoy the pleasures of senior life.

Promotes a positive self-image

The variety of eyeglass designs available today means that glasses are no longer associated with a “nerdy” or “uncool” image. Contrary to what is portrayed in movies like The Princess Diaries, many celebrities wear glasses as an accessory, such as the Queen of Genovia, Anne Hathaway, who wears a universally flattering pair of glasses. Tortoiseshell frames at the premiere of Rio.

The trick here is to choose what flatters your features, taking into account your face shape, hair color and everyday wardrobe.

You can wear round frames to soften the square shape of your face or pair black frames with red lipstick for a great color contrast. This tactical use of glasses can enhance your appearance and contribute to a positive self-image and better self-esteem overall.

Helps reduce social anxiety.

Glasses can be comfortable in stressful social situations. Take actor and former wrestler Dave Bautista, who has been a popular wearer of glasses. colored sunglasses On screen, with the Carrera CA1005-S in the film Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, and even off-screen. In the latter, he opts for large black-rimmed frames with a tint similar to ski goggles.

Dr. Gregory Scott Brown explains that there is a scientific basis for using tinted lenses. Initial studies on “chromotherapy glasses” have found that red tints induce the largest positive late potentials, or brain waves that get bigger when we see something that catches our attention.

Try starting with rose-colored lenses if you have difficulty in social situations, and use your glasses as a “grounding object” to focus on during high-stress events.

Improve productivity

Good vision reduces the time and effort required to complete tasks, as well as the likelihood of errors and the need to redo work. Studies have shown that Compromised vision can lead to lost productivity.and the annual cost of potential productivity losses caused by visual impairment and blindness amounts to US$410.7 billion worldwide.

With vision correction through glasses and other optical devices, you will be able to better cope with tasks that require concentration and precision and improve your work performance and productivity.

This increase in productivity not only improves financial well-being, but it also improves self-esteem. When people can perform their work more effectively and efficiently, they feel more competent and satisfied with their work. This sense of accomplishment and capability reduces stress and improves overall happiness.

Final thoughts

Glasses not only improve vision, but also play an important role in improving mental health and overall well-being. As shown in the discussion, the right pair of glasses can reduce stress, increase confidence and improve daily functioning.

By addressing eye strain and helping in many different aspects of life, glasses can transform the way we perceive the world. They bring clarity not only to our eyes, but also to our mental state, helping us to function in social situations, perform better at work, and enjoy life’s activities.

Understanding these benefits highlights the importance of proper eye care and the impact it has on our mental and emotional health. Taking advantage of the full range of benefits that glasses offer can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. For more information on how to make the most of your mental health, be sure to check out the Blunt Therapy blog.