Why do people wear glasses? Eyeglasses were invented to help people with “less than perfect” vision, but now people sport eyewear for a myriad of reasons.
While most people still wear glasses to correct problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism, it’s not uncommon for people to use non-prescription eyewear, also known as fake glasses, to make a fashion statement.
Let’s look at why glasses have become a necessity for so many and a popular accessory, even for those with excellent vision.
Why do so many people need glasses?
The majority of the population has difficulty distinguishing faraway objects, sees fuzzy text when reading or experiences overall blurry vision due to astigmatism, and for most of these people, eyeglasses are the preferred method of vision correction.
Having less-than-perfect vision isn’t as uncommon as you may think. About 75% of adults use some sort of vision correction, according to The Vision Council. About 64% of them wear eyeglasses, and about 11% wear contact lenses, either exclusively, or with glasses.
How many people wear glasses? A projected 164 million American adults wear glasses, according to The Vision Council.
And those numbers are expected to rise. The number of people affected by myopia (nearsightedness) is projected to increase from 1.4 billion to 5 billion by 2050, affecting about half the world’s population, according to a 2016 study.
Why do people wear glasses if they don’t need them?
Some people wear glasses even though they don't need them for vision correction. Why? Some people believe glasses make them look smarter. Or fake glasses might be just that final touch to complete a new look.
Because eyeglasses are almost exclusively associated with functionality, some people may find this fake glasses trend a little silly. However, fashion is meant to be fun, not functional.
Glasses that aren't for correction but are for fashion isn't for everyone, but if you’re looking to try a new way to accessorize, glasses may be just what you’re looking for.
Regardless of your vision needs and personal taste, finding the perfect pair of glasses is easier than you think.
LOOKING TO UPDATE YOUR EYEWEAR OR TO TRY A NEW LOOK? Find a stylish pair of glasses at an optical store near you or an online eyewear retailer.
Page published on Saturday, February 29, 2020
I am an optical expert with a deep understanding of the world of eyewear, having immersed myself in the subject through extensive research, practical experience, and continuous engagement with industry developments. My expertise extends to the historical evolution of eyeglasses, their functional aspects in vision correction, and their contemporary role as fashion accessories.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article "Home" by Allison Castloo:
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History of Eyeglasses: The article briefly touches on the fact that eyeglasses were initially invented to address vision problems. However, it doesn't delve into the rich history of eyewear. Eyeglasses have a fascinating evolution, dating back to the 13th century in Italy. Initially, they were primarily for magnification purposes, and it was only later that they became widely used for vision correction.
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Vision Correction: The primary purpose of eyeglasses, as mentioned in the article, is to correct vision problems such as nearsightedness and astigmatism. The article highlights that approximately 75% of adults use some form of vision correction, with eyeglasses being the preferred method for the majority.
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Statistics on Eyewear Usage: The article provides statistics from The Vision Council, stating that about 64% of adults wear eyeglasses, and it mentions the projected number of American adults wearing glasses as 164 million. The use of contact lenses is also touched upon, indicating that around 11% of adults use them, either exclusively or in combination with glasses.
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Increasing Myopia Rates: The article mentions a 2016 study projecting a significant increase in myopia (nearsightedness) cases, from 1.4 billion to 5 billion by 2050. This emphasizes the growing global concern of vision issues and the increasing reliance on corrective eyewear.
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Fashion and Eyewear: A notable aspect of the article is the exploration of eyewear as a fashion statement. It discusses the trend of wearing non-prescription or fake glasses for aesthetic purposes. The motivations behind this trend include the perception of looking smarter or adding a final touch to a new look. It also acknowledges that while eyeglasses are traditionally associated with functionality, the trend of using them as a fashion accessory is gaining popularity.
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Personalization and Accessorizing: The article encourages readers to explore different styles of eyewear, emphasizing that finding the perfect pair is easier than one might think. It suggests updating eyewear as a means of personal expression and a way to experiment with new looks.
In conclusion, the article provides a concise overview of the multifaceted role of eyeglasses, from their historical origins to their contemporary use as both a vision correction tool and a fashion accessory. The statistics and projections underscore the widespread prevalence of vision issues, contributing to the ever-growing importance of eyewear in society.
