Myopia Progression and Contact Lens Clarity Issues

Q: Myopia Progression and Contact Lens Clarity Issues

Hello Krystal： Please have your doctor prescribe contact lenses for you, and remember to include the astigmatism correction of 2 diopters; otherwise, your vision may not be clear. <br>If you still experience these issues, you may not be able to wear contact lenses. <br>You might

Myopia progression makes it difficult to see clearly with contact lenses?

Hello Doctor: I am 23 years old.
I have been experiencing recurrent eye inflammation since July 2019, which occurs whenever I wear contact lenses.
This has been happening repeatedly for a while.
I stopped wearing them for about six months, and in January 2020, my vision was measured, revealing that my left eye's myopia had increased by one diopter compared to July 2019 (after dilation).
Initially, my prescription was L: -6.75 / R: -9.00, and now it is L: -7.75 / R: -9.25, with astigmatism of -2.00 in both eyes.
I then tried wearing the same contact lenses as before (contact lens prescription L: -6.50 R: -8.00), but I cannot see clearly at near or far distances; everything appears blurry on my phone and laptop.
Now, after a year, I can only see clearly at a distance with my left eye, while near vision remains blurry.
I have been having retinal examinations every six months, and both eyes have holes, which have been treated with laser therapy.
A few days ago, I had a follow-up appointment, and the doctor said there were no issues with my eyes.
However, the doctor did not explain why my contact lenses cause blurriness at near distances.
I would like to ask what might have caused my myopia to suddenly increase by one diopter after not changing for over three years, especially during the six months of recurrent inflammation? Additionally, why do I experience blurriness with the same prescription contact lenses after stopping for six months? Should I consider getting a new contact lens prescription? Thank you, Doctor!

krystal, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/01/21

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello Krystal: Please have your doctor prescribe contact lenses for you, and remember to include the astigmatism correction of 2 diopters; otherwise, your vision may not be clear.
If you still experience these issues, you may not be able to wear contact lenses.
You might consider wearing regular glasses with multifocal lenses, which will help you see clearly at both distance and near.
This could be due to your poor accommodation ability for distance and near vision.
As for the sudden worsening of your vision, further examination is necessary to determine the cause.
In Taiwan, the ophthalmology department at Puzi Hospital is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses can only serve as a reference; it is essential to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility if needed.
I hope to have the opportunity to assist you.
Dr.
Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2021/01/21

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding myopia progression and issues with contact lens clarity. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing a combination of factors that could be contributing to your vision problems. Let’s break this down into several key areas to better understand your situation.

Myopia Progression
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that typically begins in childhood and can progress into early adulthood. The increase in your prescription from -6.75 to -7.75 in your left eye and from -9.00 to -9.25 in your right eye over a relatively short period is concerning, especially since you mentioned that you had not experienced significant changes in your prescription for several years prior to this.
Several factors can contribute to the sudden progression of myopia, including:
1. Environmental Factors: Increased screen time, especially during the pandemic, has been linked to worsening myopia. If you have been spending more time on digital devices, this could be a contributing factor.

2. Genetic Predisposition: If there is a family history of myopia, you may be more susceptible to its progression.

3. Eye Health Issues: You mentioned having retinal holes and undergoing laser treatment. These conditions can sometimes be associated with changes in vision and may indicate underlying issues that could affect your refractive status.

4. Contact Lens Use: Prolonged use of contact lenses, especially if they are not fitting properly or if they are worn for extended periods, can lead to complications such as inflammation or infection, which may indirectly affect your vision.

Contact Lens Clarity Issues
You noted that your contact lenses, which were previously comfortable and effective, are now causing you to see things as blurry, particularly when looking at close objects. This could be due to several reasons:
1. Incorrect Prescription: If your myopia has progressed, your current contact lens prescription may no longer be suitable. It is essential to have your prescription updated to ensure optimal vision correction.

2. Lens Fit and Condition: If your contact lenses are not fitting properly or if they are old and worn, this can lead to discomfort and blurred vision. It’s crucial to ensure that your lenses are in good condition and that they fit your eyes correctly.

3. Dry Eyes: You mentioned experiencing inflammation and possibly dryness, which can significantly affect how well you see through contact lenses. Dry eyes can lead to blurred vision, especially when wearing lenses.

4. Inflammation or Infection: If you have been experiencing recurrent inflammation, this could be affecting your vision clarity. Conditions such as keratitis or conjunctivitis can cause discomfort and visual disturbances.

Recommendations
1. Consult an Eye Care Professional: Given your history of eye issues and the recent changes in your vision, it is crucial to consult with an eye care professional. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam, including checking your prescription and assessing the health of your eyes.

2. Update Your Prescription: If your myopia has progressed, you will likely need a new prescription for your contact lenses. It’s essential to ensure that your lenses are tailored to your current vision needs.

3. Consider Lens Type: Depending on your eye health and lifestyle, your eye care provider may recommend different types of lenses, such as daily disposables or lenses designed for dry eyes.

4. Monitor Eye Health: Since you have a history of retinal issues, regular check-ups are vital. Ensure that you keep up with your scheduled eye exams to monitor any changes in your eye health.

5. Manage Screen Time: If you find that your vision worsens with prolonged screen use, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

In conclusion, your situation involves multiple factors that could be contributing to your vision changes. It’s essential to work closely with your eye care provider to address these issues comprehensively. Regular monitoring and appropriate adjustments to your vision correction strategy will help you manage your myopia effectively. Thank you for your question, and I wish you the best in your eye health journey!

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