The effect of eyeglasses on self-esteem.

Self-esteem of optometric patients was shown to be affected by when eyeglasses were first prescribed but not by the length of time they had been worn. Glasses have more negative effects on self-esteem when first prescribed during childhood or adulthood than during adolescence. Children may be more likely than adolescents to internalize negative social reactions evoked by glasses, whereas adults who obtain glasses may be reacting negatively to evidence of aging and physical decline.