What do people with perfect vision think needing glasses is like?

People with good vision (it doesn't even have to be perfect) do not appreciate what it is like to have to wear glasses or contact lenses. Understandably, they think of glasses as akin to an article of clothing that can be readily put on or taken off as needed. In reality, glasses are more like a crutch: they help you to function reasonably well in the world of sight but seldom make your vision "normal."

For example, the more nearsighted a person is - the more distortion occurs from their glasses. The image looks further away and smaller than normal. As almost any contact lens wearer will attest, the 20/20 with their contact lenses is not the same 20/20 from otherwise equivalent glasses.

As vision technology continues to improve, glasses will inevitably become more of a fashion and protective accessory. They can help out in demanding situations, but don't create total dependence on an external "device."

_Written by J. Trevor Woodhams, M.D. - Chief of Surgery, Woodhams Eye Clinic