Does Wearing Incorrect Glasses Worsen Myopia and Astigmatism? - Ophthalmology

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Wearing incorrect glasses can indeed have implications for your vision, particularly if you have myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. To address your question, let’s break down the potential effects of wearing outdated or incorrect prescriptions on your eye health.


Understanding Myopia and Astigmatism
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Astigmatism, on the other hand, is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Both conditions can change over time, and regular eye exams are essential to ensure that your prescription remains accurate.


Effects of Wearing Incorrect Glasses
1. Increased Eye Strain: Wearing glasses that do not match your current prescription can lead to increased eye strain. This is because your eyes have to work harder to focus, which can result in discomfort, headaches, and fatigue. Over time, this strain can contribute to a worsening of your vision.

2. Potential Progression of Myopia: While wearing incorrect glasses does not directly cause myopia to worsen, it can lead to a cycle of eye strain and discomfort that may encourage you to avoid using your glasses altogether. This avoidance can lead to less effective vision correction and may result in a perception that your myopia is worsening.

3. Astigmatism Management: For astigmatism, wearing glasses with an incorrect prescription can lead to blurred vision and difficulty focusing, which can also contribute to eye strain. If the astigmatism is not corrected properly, it can lead to further complications in visual clarity.

4. Adaptation Issues: If your prescription has changed significantly, wearing old glasses can lead to adaptation issues. Your brain may struggle to process the visual information correctly, leading to symptoms such as dizziness or visual distortions.


Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Given that your prescription has changed over the years—your left eye's astigmatism increased from 250 to 360, and your right eye from 250 to 300, with myopia increasing from 500 to 600—it is crucial to have regular eye exams. These exams allow your eye care professional to monitor changes in your vision and update your prescription accordingly.

Recommendations
1. Get a New Prescription: If you have not done so recently, I recommend scheduling an eye exam to obtain an updated prescription. This will help ensure that your glasses provide the correct level of correction for both myopia and astigmatism.

2. Avoid Prolonged Use of Incorrect Glasses: If you notice that your current glasses are causing discomfort or if your vision seems to be deteriorating, it is best to limit their use until you can get a new pair.

3. Consider Lifestyle Factors: Factors such as screen time, reading habits, and overall eye health can also influence the progression of myopia and astigmatism. Make sure to take regular breaks from screens and practice good eye hygiene.

4. Discuss Options with Your Eye Care Professional: If you have concerns about the progression of your myopia or astigmatism, discuss them with your eye care provider. They may suggest options such as specialized lenses, orthokeratology, or other treatments that can help manage your vision effectively.

In conclusion, while wearing incorrect glasses does not directly worsen myopia or astigmatism, it can lead to discomfort and strain that may affect your overall visual health. Regular eye exams and updated prescriptions are essential for maintaining optimal vision and eye health.