Managing Eye Strain: When to Update Your Glasses and Screen Setup - Ophthalmology

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Hello Doctor, I have been wearing my glasses for 15 years.
My prescription has increased by about 100 degrees compared to when I first got them (from over 500 to over 600).
Three years ago, I tried to get new glasses; the first optical shop provided the correct prescription, but I experienced severe adaptation issues and returned within seven days to have the prescription changed back to what it was 15 years ago.
However, after wearing them for a month, I still felt unable to adapt.
Eventually, after adjusting the frame to match the old glasses, I wore them for a year but again experienced discomfort.
Out of frustration, I reverted to my old glasses from 15 years ago.
Last year, around mid-year, I suddenly felt dizzy and had slight headaches (mainly in the forehead area, sometimes near the upper edge of my eyes) and noticed that things appeared overly bright.
I consulted a neurologist, and both the EEG and CT scan showed no abnormalities.
An ophthalmologist conducted some basic tests (without dilating my pupils due to driving) and mentioned that there were some poor readings due to my high myopia, but nothing significant was found.
After a few months of enduring these symptoms, they gradually disappeared.
However, two days ago, I suddenly experienced severe headaches again (also in the forehead and sometimes near the upper edge of my eyes), which started upon waking and worsened throughout the day, making it difficult to manage tasks by the evening (using my eyes significantly exacerbated the symptoms).
I work from home and bought a 42-inch monitor about five or six years ago, adjusting the brightness and contrast to acceptable levels for my eyes.
I use this monitor for both work and leisure, but due to limited space, I can only sit about one meter away from the screen, which is not far enough.
I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Is it possible to suddenly have difficulty adapting to glasses worn for 15 years, leading to severe headaches and dizziness? 2.
Could using a large television at close range be a cause of my symptoms? Given that this episode is more severe, I want to resolve this issue.
Whether I get a new pair of glasses or a smaller monitor will incur costs, especially since my previous attempt to change glasses was unsuccessful without any symptoms.
I would appreciate your advice on whether I should prioritize addressing my glasses or the television (I have a caregiver at home for the elderly, and the budget is limited).
Thank you very much for your help.

Mr. Huang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/04/02

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology


1.
Is it possible to suddenly have difficulty adapting to glasses after wearing them for 15 years, leading to severe headaches? The likelihood is low.

2.
Could using a large television at close range be a possible cause of my symptoms? It's possible.
Try to reduce eye strain and take more breaks.
If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.

Reply Date: 2020/04/02

More Info


Managing eye strain and determining when to update your glasses can be a complex issue, especially after years of wearing the same prescription. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be related to your long-term use of glasses, changes in your vision, and possibly the setup of your workspace.

1. Adaptation Issues with Old Glasses: Wearing the same pair of glasses for 15 years can lead to several issues. Over time, your vision can change, and while you mentioned that your prescription has increased by about 100 degrees, the fact that you have reverted to your old glasses suggests that your eyes may not be adapting well to the newer prescription. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and visual discomfort. The brain can struggle to process visual information correctly if the prescription is not optimal, leading to eye strain and associated headaches.
2. Impact of Screen Distance: Using a large screen at a close distance can exacerbate eye strain, especially if the screen is not properly adjusted for brightness and contrast. The recommended distance for viewing a screen is generally at least an arm's length away, which can be difficult in smaller spaces. If you are sitting just one meter away from a 42-inch screen, this could indeed contribute to your symptoms. The eyes have to work harder to focus on the screen, especially if it is too bright or if the text is small, leading to fatigue and discomfort.

3. Recommendations for Improvement:
- Eye Examination: It is crucial to have a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They can assess your current vision needs and determine if a new prescription is necessary. Given your history of headaches and dizziness, it may be beneficial to have a thorough evaluation, including tests for eye strain and possibly a refraction test with dilation to get an accurate prescription.


- Consider New Glasses: If your current glasses are not providing the clarity you need, it may be time to invest in a new pair. You might want to consider progressive lenses or bifocals if you find yourself needing different prescriptions for distance and near vision. This could help alleviate some of the strain you experience when switching between tasks.

- Screen Setup: If possible, consider adjusting your workspace to create a more ergonomic setup. This could include using a smaller monitor that can be placed at a more comfortable distance or adjusting the height and angle of your current monitor. Additionally, using software to adjust the color temperature of your screen can help reduce glare and strain.

- Breaks and Eye Exercises: Implementing the 20-20-20 rule can also be beneficial. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps to relax the eye muscles and reduce fatigue. Simple eye exercises, such as rolling your eyes or focusing on different distances, can also help alleviate strain.

4. Budget Considerations: Given your concerns about budget, it might be wise to prioritize your eye health. While it may seem costly to invest in new glasses or a better monitor, the long-term benefits of reducing eye strain and preventing further vision deterioration can outweigh the initial costs. You might also want to explore options for vision insurance or discounts at local optical shops.

In conclusion, it is essential to address both your glasses and your screen setup to manage your symptoms effectively. A comprehensive eye exam will provide clarity on your current vision needs, and making ergonomic adjustments to your workspace can significantly reduce eye strain. Taking proactive steps now can help prevent further complications and improve your overall comfort while working or enjoying leisure activities.

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