Myopia Getting Worse? Improper Lens Care Could Be the Cause

If you’ve noticed your nearsightedness (myopia) getting worse, you might assume it’s just part of the natural progression of your eyesight. While myopia can increase over time, poor lens care could be making it worse faster than expected. Many people unknowingly damage their eyeglass lenses, leading to eye strain, headaches, and deteriorating vision clarity.

Let’s explore how improper lens care can contribute to myopia progression and what you can do to keep your lenses—and your vision—in the best condition.

Why Does Myopia Increase Over Time?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too long, or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Myopia can worsen due to several factors, including:
✅ Genetics – If your parents are nearsighted, you’re more likely to be, too.
✅ Prolonged screen time – Staring at screens for hours can strain your eyes.
✅ Poor lighting – Reading in dim light may increase eye fatigue.
✅ Lack of outdoor time – Natural sunlight helps slow myopia progression.

But did you know that improper eyeglass lens care can also contribute to faster myopia progression?

How Improper Lens Care Affects Your Vision

Many people neglect proper lens care, leading to scratches, smudges, and damaged coatings that cause eye strain and worsen vision clarity.

1. Scratched Lenses Can Strain Your Eyes

Even small scratches on your lenses can scatter light and create visual distortions. This forces your eyes to work harder to focus, leading to eye fatigue and strain. Over time, excessive strain can contribute to worsening myopia.

Solution:
🔹 Always store your glasses in a protective case when not in use.
🔹 Avoid placing them face-down on hard surfaces.
🔹 Use only a microfiber cloth to clean your lenses—never paper towels or tissues.

2. Smudged or Dirty Lenses Reduce Vision Clarity

Dirty lenses covered in oils, dust, and smudges make it harder to see clearly. Your brain compensates by making your eyes work harder, leading to increased strain and discomfort.

Solution:
🔹 Clean your lenses daily with a gentle lens cleaner and a microfiber cloth.
🔹 Avoid touching your lenses with fingers, as oils can smudge them.
🔹 If you're outside, shield your glasses from dust and debris.

3. Using the Wrong Cleaning Solutions Can Damage Lenses

Many people clean their lenses with household glass cleaners, alcohol, or hot water, which can strip protective coatings like anti-reflective (AR) and UV protection. Damaged coatings increase glare and reduce lens effectiveness, making it harder to see.

Solution:
🔹 Use only eyeglass-specific lens cleaners.
🔹 Avoid alcohol-based or ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex).
🔹 Rinse lenses with lukewarm water before wiping to remove dust particles.

4. Wearing Outdated or Ill-Fitting Glasses Can Worsen Myopia

If your prescription is too weak or too strong, your eyes may overcompensate, leading to faster deterioration. Additionally, poorly fitted frames—especially non-Asian fit eyewear that slips down the nose—can cause incorrect lens positioning, leading to blurred vision and discomfort.

Solution:
🔹 Have your eyes checked annually to ensure your prescription is up to date.
🔹 Choose Asian fit glasses for better stability and alignment if you have a lower nose bridge.
🔹 If your vision still feels off, visit an optometrist to check for incorrect lens positioning.

Best Practices for Proper Lens Care

Taking care of your lenses doesn’t just protect your glasses—it also protects your vision. Follow these tips to maintain clear, comfortable sight:

1. Clean Your Lenses Correctly

🔹 Use lukewarm water and a drop of mild soap to remove debris before wiping.
🔹 Dry with a soft microfiber cloth, not tissues or rough fabric.
🔹 Use a lens spray cleaner if needed, but avoid alcohol-based solutions.

2. Store Your Glasses Properly

🔹 Always keep glasses in a hard-shell case when not in use.
🔹 Never place them lens-down on a surface.
🔹 Avoid exposing glasses to excessive heat (e.g., leaving them in a hot car).

3. Handle Your Glasses with Care

🔹 Always use both hands when putting glasses on or taking them off.
🔹 Don’t push glasses onto your head, as this can loosen the fit.
🔹 Avoid adjusting glasses by grabbing the lenses—use the frame instead.

4. Get the Right Frame Fit for Maximum Comfort

🔹 If your glasses slide down your nose, Asian fit frames may be a better choice.
🔹 Ensure the nose pads and temple arms are properly adjusted for a snug fit.
🔹 High prescriptions? Consider smaller frames to keep lenses thinner and lighter.

Can Proper Lens Care Help Slow Myopia Progression?

While lens care alone won’t stop myopia, maintaining clear, undamaged lenses reduces unnecessary eye strain and helps preserve vision quality. Combined with good eye habits—like taking breaks from screens, spending time outdoors, and wearing the correct prescription—proper lens care can help keep your vision stable for longer.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Vision with Better Lens Care

If you’ve noticed your myopia worsening, don’t ignore your lens care habits. Scratched, dirty, or outdated lenses can strain your eyes, making nearsightedness progress faster. By keeping your lenses clean, protected, and properly fitted, you can reduce eye fatigue and help maintain clear, comfortable vision.

👓 Take care of your lenses—your eyes will thank you!