Why Can't I See Clearly with My New Glasses? A Common Eye Care Dilemma

A pair of glasses has been adjusted twice but still isn't fitting well, so I'm heading for a third adjustment?

Initially, I felt uncomfortable wearing my old glasses and wanted to get a new pair.
I had heard advertisements for an optical shop on the radio and thought it sounded good, so I decided to get my prescription there.
When I first received my new glasses, they felt uncomfortable and didn’t seem to provide clearer vision, so I went back for another fitting.
This time, the owner, who is also an instructor, assisted me.
During the fitting, I felt that my vision wasn’t very clear, but I thought it might be because I hadn’t taken a nap that afternoon (I went for the fitting in the afternoon) and was too tired, so I dismissed it, thinking I could still see well enough.
After a few days, I returned to pick up the glasses again.
The discomfort had significantly decreased, but I still felt that my vision wasn’t very clear.
I thought it might be due to not being used to the new glasses.
After comparing them at home, I realized that they really weren’t clearer.
What could be the issue?
Note: During the first fitting, the staff thought the glare was too strong and removed it.
However, during the second fitting with the instructor, they added the glare back in.
My old glasses have a prescription of about -650 diopters, while I can’t recall the exact prescription of the new ones, but it should be between -675 and -750.
I have a question: why is it that a higher prescription seems to provide less clarity?

★Lan Shui Di☆, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/10/04

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

If your myopia exceeds 600 degrees, it is classified as high myopia, and there may be some degree of retinal changes.
Even if the degree increases further, it will not be beneficial.
It is recommended that you visit an outpatient clinic to thoroughly examine the causes of your poor vision before seeking solutions.
Wishing you and your family safety and happiness.
Sincerely, Dr.
Wang Zhang-ji, Department of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2002/10/04

More Info

When it comes to experiencing unclear vision with new glasses, several factors could be at play. It's not uncommon for individuals to face challenges when transitioning to new eyewear, and understanding these factors can help you adapt more effectively.

Firstly, the prescription itself is a critical aspect. If your new glasses have a higher prescription than your previous pair, it might seem counterintuitive that they don't provide clearer vision. However, a higher prescription can sometimes lead to distortions, especially if the lenses are not made from high-quality materials or if they are not properly fitted to your face. Additionally, if the lenses are thicker or have a different curvature, this can affect how light enters your eyes, potentially leading to visual discomfort or distortion.

Another factor to consider is the adaptation period. When you switch to a new prescription, your eyes and brain need time to adjust to the new visual input. This adjustment period can vary from person to person, but it typically lasts a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, you may experience blurred vision, discomfort, or even headaches as your visual system learns to interpret the new lens configuration. If the discomfort persists beyond this adjustment period, it may indicate that the prescription is incorrect or that the lenses are not suited to your needs.

The quality of the lenses is also crucial. If the lenses have not been manufactured to precise specifications or if they have defects, this can significantly impact your vision. It's essential to ensure that the optical center of the lenses aligns with your pupils. Misalignment can lead to visual distortions, especially in higher prescriptions. If you notice that your vision is consistently unclear, it may be worth returning to the optometrist to have the lenses checked for proper alignment and quality.

Additionally, the type of lenses you choose can affect your visual clarity. For instance, if you have a high prescription, as you mentioned (between 675 and 750), you might benefit from high-index lenses, which are thinner and lighter than standard lenses. These lenses can reduce distortion and improve comfort, making it easier to see clearly.

Moreover, if you have specific visual needs, such as astigmatism or presbyopia, you may require specialized lenses, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or progressive lenses for presbyopia. If your new glasses do not address these specific needs, it could lead to unclear vision.

Lastly, environmental factors can also play a role. If you are wearing your new glasses in different lighting conditions than you did with your old ones, this could affect your perception of clarity. For example, if your new glasses have a coating that enhances contrast or reduces glare, you might notice a difference in how you perceive objects in bright light versus dim light.

In conclusion, if you find that your new glasses are not providing the clarity you expected, consider the following steps:
1. Consult Your Optometrist: Return to the optometrist to discuss your concerns. They can check the prescription, lens quality, and alignment to ensure everything is correct.

2. Allow for Adjustment Time: Give yourself a few days to adjust to the new lenses. If the issues persist beyond this period, further evaluation is necessary.

3. Consider Lens Quality and Type: Discuss with your optometrist the possibility of using high-index lenses or specialized lenses that cater to your specific vision needs.

4. Evaluate Environmental Factors: Pay attention to how different lighting conditions affect your vision with the new glasses.

By addressing these factors, you can work towards achieving clearer vision with your new eyewear. Remember, clear vision is essential for daily activities, so don't hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

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