The Effects of Long-Term Glasses Wear on the Face

Hello,

This is Cheongdam SNU Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Glasses are an essential item

that many people use daily

for vision correction.

What changes can occur on the face

when wearing glasses for a long time?

Today, we will provide information

on the relationship between glasses wear

and facial changes.

The Effects of Glasses Wear on the Face

1. Changes in Skin and Soft Tissues

Wearing glasses for a long period

can lead to the following subtle changes

in the skin and soft tissues:

Nose Bridge Marks

When wearing heavy glasses

for an extended period,

pressure can be applied to the bridge of the nose,

causing marks on the skin.

Most of these marks

naturally recover over time

once the glasses are removed.

Skin Changes at Contact Points

If the glasses frame continuously contacts

the cheekbone area or behind the ears,

the skin and subcutaneous fat layer

in those areas may thin.

2. Impact on Skeletal Structure (Low Probability)

The impact of wearing glasses

on facial bone structure is as follows:

For adults,

even with long-term glasses wear,

the pressure exerted by glasses is not strong enough

to deform bone structure.

Therefore, noticeable deformation of skeletal structures

like the nasal bones or cheekbones is rare.

While it does not cause fundamental changes

to the facial structure,

temporary marks may appear

on the skin or soft tissues.

For growing children,

whose bones are still developing,

continuous wear of heavy glasses

may have a subtle impact

on their growth process.

3. Facial Muscles and Symmetry

If glasses are tilted to one side

or if the height of both ears differs,

it can lead to imbalanced use of facial muscles,

potentially causing subtle asymmetry.

However, this phenomenon is mostly

Frequently Asked Questions

Do glasses leave marks on the bridge of the nose if worn for a long time?

Yes, they can. Wearing heavy glasses for an extended period can apply pressure to the bridge of the nose, causing marks on the skin. However, most of these marks naturally recover over time once the glasses are removed.

Does wearing glasses deform facial bone structure?

For adults, it is rare for glasses wear to noticeably deform bone structure, as the pressure from glasses is not strong enough to deform bones. However, there is a possibility of subtle effects on growing children.

Can glasses cause facial asymmetry?

Yes, subtle asymmetry can occur. If glasses are tilted to one side or if the ear heights differ, it can lead to imbalanced use of facial muscles, resulting in subtle asymmetry. This is mostly related to muscle use and posture.

What are some ways to reduce discomfort or marks caused by wearing glasses?

It is important to choose glasses of appropriate weight and size, and to ensure the nose pads and temples fit comfortably. Additionally, taking adequate breaks when you can remove your glasses is recommended.

What kind of skin changes can occur due to wearing glasses?

Nose bridge marks and skin changes at contact points can occur. Nose bridge marks from heavy glasses usually recover naturally, and if the frame continuously contacts the cheekbones or behind the ears, the skin and subcutaneous fat layer in those areas may thin.

What impact can long-term glasses wear have on growing children?

There is a possibility of subtle effects on their growth process. Since children's bones are still developing, continuous wear of heavy glasses may have a more subtle impact on their bone structure compared to adults.