Pinhole glasses are made of black plastic lenses that are filled with pinhole-sized perforations. Eye care specialists often use them as a diagnostic tool to quickly determine if refractive error or a more serious condition is behind a person's reduced vision. Unlike prescription glasses and contact lenses, pinhole glasses work by reducing the number of light rays that enter your pupils. By helping your eye lens focus light precisely on your retina, pinhole glasses can help support normal visual acuity.

According to research, wearing pinhole glasses provides several other benefits for your eyes. Looking through pinholes is known to be a great exercise for your ciliary muscles, which control the shape of your eye lens. Exercising your ciliary muscles is an excellent way to support optimal eye fitness because it helps your eyes maintain their natural ability to focus properly. Pinhole glasses can also help reduce eye strain and protect your eyes from the glare of digital screens.

In this feature article, you will learn all about pinhole glasses, the science behind how they work and the many ways wearing pinhole glasses can benefit your eyes.