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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 suffered myopia correction showed a significant reduction in physical stress and learning stress. This translated into improved educational well-being, with students receiving higher scores in maths and literacy and a 44% reduction in the odds of failing a subject.
Eyeglasses are often thought of as simple tools for correcting vision, but the above study shows that their effect extends far beyond improving vision. From reducing stress to enhancing quality of life, here are six ways wearing glasses can benefit your mental health.
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Wearing glasses for mental health: 6 key benefits
Glasses are often overlooked as a simple tool to correct vision, but their effects extend far beyond improving vision. From relieving stress and boosting self-esteem to improving overall quality of life, glasses play a critical role in mental health. See how wearing glasses can positively affect various aspects of your well-being.
It reduces strain and stress
Stress is a normal aspect of everyday life. However, chronic stress at extreme levels can be life-threatening. It can speed up the rate of atrophy in your brain or release ACTH and cortisol to suppress your body’s immune system. Meanwhile, its psychological effects can manifest as excessive worry, causing you to pace, bite your nails, or even rely on vices like alcohol for relaxation.
The risks are even higher in today’s digital age, where extended screen time is the norm, leading to increased mental stress and visual strain. According to the Vision Council, 59% of adults report experiencing symptoms of digital eye strain, such as headaches, blurred vision and neck pain.
Using glasses with the correct prescription helps reduce the frustration and discomfort associated with visual impairment. This can improve your mood and allow for longer and more restful sleep.
It gives you peace of mind
Constantly struggling to see is not only mentally exhausting but also dangerous. People with poor eyesight they are twice as likely to have falls, multiple falls, and associated fractures, which may be the most common impaired health condition in old age. The glasses provide peace of mind, ensuring you can see clearly in a variety of situations, from navigating the kitchen to climbing the stairs or even driving.
This safety allows you to focus on tasks without distraction and visual stress. Knowing that you can rely on your glasses to navigate daily activities also reduces cognitive load, allowing for a calmer and more composed state of mind.
It enhances the quality of life
When you have trouble seeing clearly, everyday tasks can become challenging. This is a common experience among the elderly, whose eye lenses have become less flexible with age. This can contribute to a lower quality of life, as a person becomes less able to enjoy their hobbies or live independently.
Glasses allow individuals to engage more confidently in the private corners of their homes. Even without a prescription, Reading Glasses it can help seniors see close-up graphics and engage in activities they enjoy, such as reading, cooking or using digital devices. Today, these come in various designs that you can wear with confidence, even in social settings.
Throw on a stylish pair of reading sunglasses like the Bermudas from Readers on your next vacation, or swap them out for Conrad wire-framed readers during a classy dinner and you can easily pursue the joys of old life.
Encourages positive self-image
The various designs of glasses today mean that glasses are no longer associated with a “nergy” or “flawless” image. Contrary to narratives in films such as The Princess Diaries, many celebrities accessorise with glasses, with the Queen of Genoa Anne Hathaway herself sporting a universally flattering pair. tortoise frames at the Rio premiere.
The trick here is to choose what’s flattering to your features, taking into account your face shape, hair color and your everyday wardrobe.
You can use round frames to soften the square face shape or combine black frames with red lipstick for a great color contrast. This regular use of glasses can improve your appearance and contribute to a positive self-image and improved self-esteem overall.
Helps reduce social anxiety
Glasses can provide comfort in nerve-wracking social situations. Check out actor and former wrestler Dave Bautista, who has worn it widely colored sunglasses on screen, wearing the Carrera CA1005-S in the movie Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, even off screen. During the latter, she opts for large frames with a black frame with a tint of ski glass.
Gregory Scott Brown, MD, explains that there is science behind wearing tinted lenses. Initial studies of “chromotherapy glasses” found that red hues elicited the largest positive late potentials, or brain waves that become larger when we see something that grabs our attention.
Try starting with rose-tinted lenses if you’re in social situations and use your glasses as a “grounding object” to focus on high-pressure events.
It improves productivity
Good vision reduces the time and effort required to complete tasks, as well as the potential for errors and the need for rework. Studies have shown that Compromised vision can lead to lost productivitywith the annual cost of potential productivity losses caused by visual impairment and blindness estimated at $410.7 billion worldwide.
With vision correction through glasses and other eyewear, you’ll be better able to tackle tasks that require focus and precision, and boost your performance and productivity at work.
This increase in productivity not only boosts economic well-being but also boosts 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 competence reduces stress and enhances overall happiness.
Final thoughts
Glasses offer more than just improved vision. play an important role in enhancing mental health and overall well-being. As shown in the discussion, the right pair of glasses can reduce stress, boost confidence and improve daily function.
By addressing visual strain and supporting various aspects of life, glasses can transform the way we experience the world. They provide clarity not only to our eyes but also to our state of mind, helping us navigate 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. Embracing the full range of benefits that glasses offer can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life. For more on getting the most out of mental health, be sure to check out the Blunt Therapy Blog.
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