Prescription Glasses: Addressing Common Eye Issues

Regarding prescription eyewear issues?

Hello, doctor.
I apologize for coming back again.
A few days ago, I asked you a question, and I have a follow-up inquiry related to it.
I would like to consult you about something.
For the past 7 to 8 years, my prescription for my left eye has been overcorrected by 100 to 200 degrees.
During my recent visits to several ophthalmology clinics, I discovered that my left eye only requires a prescription of 550 degrees, whereas I had been prescribed between 750 and 550 degrees in the past.
My right eye has consistently been around 800 degrees.
After visiting three different clinics, I found this issue at one of them and had my glasses re-fitted there.
I have been wearing them for a week now, but I have noticed that my daytime vision has slightly decreased, and my nighttime vision has dropped by about 40%.
Sometimes, I can see with one eye but not the other (at night, I can see with my right eye but not my left; during the day, it’s the opposite.
When I can't see with one eye, that eye tends to wander, which I have experienced before).
For example, when driving into a tunnel, some directional signs or LED warnings are only visible with my right eye; my left eye sees a bright blur.
Unless I am close enough, like the distance between two cars, I can see both clearly, but one eye tends to drift.
I also experience this issue when watching an LCD TV indoors from about 2.5 meters away.
When I return to my old glasses, my vision immediately improves.
I went back to the clinic to ask the doctor to re-evaluate my prescription, but the doctor said there was no problem and attributed it to an eye muscle issue, suggesting that my eyes might be adjusting to the lower prescription after being used to a higher one for a long time.
He advised me to wear the new glasses for one to two months before reassessing and felt that there was no need to change the lenses.
I would like to ask you a few questions: 1.
Is the explanation regarding the eye muscles correct? Will my vision at night or indoors improve over time? 2.
The clinic mentioned that as long as I can see something with one eye, it is sufficient, and there is no need for both eyes to see clearly or to cover one eye for testing.
Is this acceptable? 3.
Would you recommend going to a larger hospital for a detailed examination? Thank you.

Mr. Weng, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/12/21

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello, it is recommended to undergo a detailed examination at a major hospital.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Tsai Wen-Yuan, Chief of Ophthalmology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/12/21

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding your vision and prescription glasses. It sounds like you’ve been through quite a journey with your eye health, and I’m here to help clarify some of your concerns.

1. Eye Muscle Adjustment: The notion that your eye muscles need time to adjust to a new prescription is indeed valid. When you have been wearing glasses with a higher prescription for an extended period, your visual system adapts to that level of correction. Transitioning to a lower prescription can initially cause discomfort or visual disturbances as your eyes and brain recalibrate to the new input. This adjustment period can vary from person to person, but it’s not uncommon for it to take a few weeks for your vision to stabilize. During this time, it’s essential to give your eyes breaks and avoid straining them, especially in low-light conditions where your eyes might work harder.

2. Single Eye Vision: The statement from your clinic that it’s acceptable for only one eye to see clearly while the other does not is somewhat concerning. Ideally, both eyes should work together to provide a clear and cohesive visual experience. If one eye is significantly weaker or not functioning correctly, it can lead to issues such as double vision or strabismus (crossed eyes). While it’s true that some individuals can function with one eye better than the other, it’s crucial to ensure that both eyes are healthy and working together effectively. If you find that your vision is significantly impaired in one eye, it may warrant further investigation.

3. Further Evaluation: Given your ongoing symptoms and the complexity of your situation, I would recommend seeking a comprehensive eye examination at a larger hospital or specialized eye clinic. A detailed assessment can help rule out any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your visual difficulties. This examination may include tests for eye muscle function, depth perception, and overall eye health, which can provide a clearer picture of your visual system's status.

In addition to these points, it’s essential to consider the impact of your previous higher prescription on your current vision. If your left eye was overcorrected for years, it might have developed a dependency on that correction, leading to difficulties when transitioning to a lower prescription. This can also contribute to feelings of visual confusion or discomfort, especially in varying lighting conditions.

Moreover, if you experience significant visual disturbances, such as seeing halos or blurriness, especially at night, it’s crucial to communicate these symptoms to your eye care provider. They may need to reassess your prescription or explore other options, such as vision therapy, which can help improve coordination and function between your eyes.

Lastly, remember that your comfort and visual clarity are paramount. If you feel that your current glasses are not meeting your needs, don’t hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek a second opinion or further evaluation. Your vision is a vital part of your daily life, and ensuring it is as clear and comfortable as possible is essential.

I hope this information helps clarify your concerns, and I wish you the best in your journey toward better vision!

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