Does Wearing Contact Lenses Increase Myopia? Eye Health Concerns

Will wearing contact lenses increase my myopia?

Since middle school until after having my second child, my myopia has remained stable (right eye -1.50, left eye -1.25).
I have a habit of not wearing glasses unless necessary because wearing frames causes headaches.
My vision has generally been good.
After giving birth to my first child, I tried wearing contact lenses, but due to reduced tear production and possibly not having the right prescription, I found them uncomfortable and had difficulty seeing up close, so I gave up.
However, after having my second child, I was determined to try again and successfully got a new pair of contact lenses.
Unfortunately, after wearing them for three months, I noticed that my vision has become increasingly unstable.
Especially when I take off the contact lenses, I find it very difficult to see clearly, even though the prescription for both the contact lenses and glasses is the same (-1.75).
It seems that the contact lenses are not sufficient.
The doctor mentioned that this could be due to eye strain causing pseudomyopia.
My job as an assistant requires me to frequently focus on a computer screen, but I have been doing this for several years without an increase in workload, and I have never experienced this before, which makes me quite anxious.
Is this really pseudomyopia? I am 32 years old.
Additionally, with my mild prescription, am I a suitable candidate for the recently popular myopia laser surgery? Thank you for your answers!

Chen, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/02/25

Dr. Chen Anping reply Ophthalmology

1.
You are not a suitable candidate for laser surgery for myopia (your prescription is too mild).
2.
Prolonged exposure to computers may increase the degree of myopia.
Caring for two babies requires significant effort and can affect nighttime sleep, while daytime work may accelerate eye fatigue.
Prevention strategies: 1.
Use yellow-tinted lenses for computer work.
2.
Avoid causing frequent physical fatigue.

Reply Date: 2003/02/25

More Info

Wearing contact lenses can indeed have an impact on myopia (nearsightedness), but the relationship is complex and influenced by various factors. Your experience of stable vision prior to wearing contact lenses, followed by changes in your vision after starting to wear them, raises several important points regarding eye health.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that myopia is primarily caused by the elongation of the eyeball or changes in the cornea, leading to light focusing in front of the retina instead of directly on it. While wearing contact lenses does not inherently cause myopia to worsen, certain behaviors associated with their use can contribute to visual strain and discomfort, which may mimic or exacerbate myopic symptoms.

In your case, you mentioned experiencing difficulty seeing clearly after wearing contact lenses for a few months, particularly when switching back to glasses. This could be indicative of a few potential issues:
1. Eye Fatigue and Accommodation: Your work as an assistant, which requires prolonged focus on a computer screen, can lead to eye fatigue. This condition, often referred to as "computer vision syndrome," can cause symptoms such as blurred vision, headaches, and discomfort. The term "pseudomyopia" refers to temporary myopia that can occur due to excessive near work, where the eye's focusing mechanism becomes strained. This might explain why you feel your vision is unstable after wearing contact lenses.

2. Lens Fit and Tear Film: You noted that your tear production may have decreased, which can affect the comfort and effectiveness of contact lenses. If the lenses do not fit well or if your eyes are not adequately lubricated, this can lead to discomfort and visual disturbances. It’s crucial to ensure that your contact lenses are properly fitted and that you maintain good eye hydration.

3. Changes in Prescription: It’s also possible that your prescription needs adjustment. Even if the prescription for your contact lenses matches that of your glasses, the way they sit on your eye can affect your vision. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, while glasses are positioned further away, which can lead to differences in how you perceive clarity.

Regarding your concern about laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, it is generally considered for individuals with stable prescriptions and sufficient corneal thickness. Given your mild myopia, you may be a candidate for such procedures, but a thorough evaluation by an ophthalmologist is necessary to determine your suitability. They will assess your overall eye health, corneal shape, and refractive error to provide personalized recommendations.

In conclusion, while wearing contact lenses does not directly cause myopia to worsen, factors such as eye strain, lens fit, and hydration can significantly influence your visual comfort and clarity. If you continue to experience difficulties, it is advisable to consult with an eye care professional who can provide a comprehensive evaluation and discuss potential solutions, including adjustments to your contact lens prescription, recommendations for eye exercises, or exploring surgical options if appropriate. Maintaining regular eye exams is crucial to monitor your vision and overall eye health, especially as you navigate changes related to pregnancy and work demands.

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