Vision Changes: New vs. Old Glasses Dilemma

Q: Vision Changes: New vs. Old Glasses Dilemma

Hello Emma： 1. It is possible that the slight increase in your prescription is due to eye strain; your vision may not have been as poor initially. 2. The optical properties of new and old glasses may differ, such as pupillary distance, the distance from the le

Issues with New and Old Glasses

Hello, Doctor.
In mid-May this year, my glasses' nose pad broke, so I got a new pair.
My old glasses had a prescription of -5.25 for the left eye and -5.00 for the right eye, and I had been wearing them for over two years.
My new glasses have a prescription of -5.50 for the left eye and -5.00 for the right eye, and they have a flat design.
The nose pads are different; the old ones were thin plastic, while the new ones are the common thick transparent type.
The old glasses sit closer to my eyes, while the new ones are farther away, so when I first put on the new glasses, everything looked smaller.
While walking with the new glasses, I noticed that the letters on signs appeared a bit blurry, but I could still recognize them.
Recently, when sitting further back in class, I found it difficult to read small text and couldn't identify the words, although my classmates who also wear glasses said they could see them, albeit a bit blurry.

So, on July 20th, I went back to the original optical shop for a refraction test, and it turned out that my right eye's prescription had indeed increased.
The optical shop replaced my lenses, keeping the left eye prescription at -5.50 and changing the right eye from -5.00 to -5.50.
I have a few questions for you:
1.
Why did my right eye's prescription increase by 0.50 diopters in just two and a half months? The prescription didn't change that much when switching from the old to the new glasses, and I had been wearing the old ones for at least two years.

2.
Because of the new lenses, I wore my old glasses for about two days, and I adapted to them in less than five minutes.
I found that I could read signs clearly without any blurriness.
Why is that? Is it because I haven't gotten used to the new glasses after two and a half months?
3.
Today, when I picked up the glasses with the new lenses, I felt a bit dizzy, and I still found the signs to be somewhat blurry.
Why is this happening?
4.
As a student, I spend more time reading than looking at the blackboard in class.
Would you recommend wearing my old glasses? If I use the newly prescribed glasses for reading, aside from eye fatigue, will there be any other issues?
I wrote this long message while wearing the glasses I picked up today, and my eyes feel a bit strained, as I haven't adjusted to the new lenses yet (I haven't worn my old glasses for the past two and a half months; I've been using the new ones for class, reading, using my phone, and working on the computer).
Thank you, Doctor.

Emma, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/29

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Emma:
1.
It is possible that the slight increase in your prescription is due to eye strain; your vision may not have been as poor initially.

2.
The optical properties of new and old glasses may differ, such as pupillary distance, the distance from the lens to the eye, and the curvature of the lenses (concave or flat), all of which can affect wearing comfort.
If you can see clearly with a lower prescription, it indicates that your prescription is not as strong as the new glasses suggest.

3.
The same factors apply.

4.
For individuals with myopia, if you can see clearly, please use glasses with a lower prescription.
An overly strong prescription can also contribute to fatigue.
I recommend visiting an ophthalmologist for a proper measurement.

Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses are for reference only; it is essential to seek medical care at a healthcare facility if necessary.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.

Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2018/07/29

More Info

When transitioning from old to new glasses, especially with changes in prescription and frame design, it’s common to experience a variety of visual adjustments and discomfort. Your situation highlights several important factors that can affect vision clarity and comfort, particularly when there are changes in lens prescription, frame style, and fitting.

1. Prescription Changes: You mentioned that your right eye's prescription increased from 500 to 550 in just a couple of months. Such a significant change can be attributed to several factors, including natural progression of myopia (nearsightedness), which is common in younger individuals, especially students. The eye's shape can change over time, leading to increased refractive error. It’s also possible that the previous prescription was not adequately correcting your vision, leading to eye strain and a perceived need for a stronger prescription. Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor these changes, especially if you notice rapid shifts in vision.

2. Frame and Lens Design: The difference in frame design between your old and new glasses can significantly impact your visual experience. Your old glasses had a more rounded shape and were closer to your eyes, which may have provided a different field of view and depth perception compared to the flatter design of your new glasses. The thickness of the nose pads and the distance from your eyes can also affect how you perceive objects, especially at varying distances. If the new glasses feel like they make objects appear smaller or cause a "foggy" vision, this could be due to the lens design or how they sit on your face.

3. Adaptation Period: It’s not uncommon to experience an adaptation period when switching to new glasses, especially if the prescription has changed or if the lenses are of a different type (e.g., from single vision to progressive lenses). This adaptation can take several days to weeks. If you feel dizzy or experience blurred vision, it may indicate that your eyes are still adjusting to the new lenses. If these symptoms persist beyond a couple of weeks, it would be advisable to revisit your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a re-evaluation.

4. Using Old vs. New Glasses: Given that you are a student and spend considerable time reading and using screens, it’s essential to have the right prescription for your primary activities. If your old glasses provide clearer vision and comfort for reading, it may be beneficial to use them for that purpose until you feel more comfortable with the new prescription. However, ensure that you are not straining your eyes by using an outdated prescription for extended periods, as this can lead to further vision problems.

5. Eye Strain and Fatigue: If you continue to experience eye strain, discomfort, or blurry vision with the new glasses, it could be due to several factors, including the lens type, frame fit, or even the need for additional adjustments. It’s essential to communicate these issues with your eye care provider, as they can help determine if the lenses need to be remade or if there are other underlying issues contributing to your discomfort.

In summary, transitioning to new glasses can be a complex process influenced by prescription changes, frame design, and individual adaptation. If discomfort persists, it’s crucial to seek professional advice to ensure your vision is adequately corrected and to prevent further strain on your eyes. Regular eye exams and open communication with your eye care provider will help you maintain optimal vision health.

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