How to Choose Glasses for High Hyperopia and Amblyopia in One Eye - Ophthalmology

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For the right eye with high hyperopia and amblyopia, how should glasses be prescribed for distance and near vision?


Dear Dr.
Gao,
I am 57 years old and usually do not wear glasses.
I have high hyperopia with amblyopia in my right eye, and when the prescription is fully corrected, I experience double vision.
A lesser prescription feels almost the same as not wearing glasses at all.
In recent years, my near vision has become increasingly unclear, and I would like to get multifocal lenses primarily focused on my right eye (high hyperopia with amblyopia) for both distance and near vision.
However, I am not accustomed to wearing glasses and am concerned about the double vision.
How should the prescription be adjusted to optimize the vision in my right eye and prevent further deterioration of its condition? My right eye had a hyperopia of 400 diopters in my youth, while my left eye's prescription remains unchanged.
Currently, my left eye has a myopia of 100 diopters, and my right eye has a hyperopia of 700 to 800 diopters (with amblyopia, the glasses allow me to see distance and television relatively clearly).
Thank you!

Zhuang Xiansheng, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/04/15

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello Mr.
Chuang: Typically, hyperopia does not increase with age; rather, during youth, the accommodative ability is strong, and the ciliary muscle reduces your hyperopia.
After middle age, the accommodative ability of the ciliary muscle declines, which is why hyperopia becomes more pronounced.
Therefore, currently, your right eye is not experiencing vision deterioration due to not wearing glasses.
If you want to see clearly, you should rely primarily on your left eye.
For distance vision, ensure that your left eye is adequately corrected.
For near vision, if you want your right eye to see reasonably well, it would need to be corrected to over +1000 diopters, which may not be ideal.
So, it is sufficient to see clearly with your left eye, and there is no need to worry about the degree of hyperopia in your right eye worsening.
If there is cataract in the right eye, cataract surgery can also help reduce the hyperopia in that eye.

Taiwan E-Hospital Puzi Hospital Ophthalmology: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Wednesday from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Online responses are for reference only; if necessary, you should visit a medical institution for treatment.
I hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2021/04/15

More Info


When it comes to choosing glasses for high hyperopia (farsightedness) and amblyopia (lazy eye) in one eye, there are several important considerations to keep in mind. Given your situation, where your right eye has high hyperopia and amblyopia, and your left eye has mild myopia, a tailored approach is necessary to optimize your vision and comfort.


Understanding Your Condition
1. High Hyperopia: This condition means that your eye is shorter than normal or has a cornea that is too flat, causing light rays to focus behind the retina. This can lead to blurred vision, especially for near tasks.


2. Amblyopia: This is a condition where one eye does not develop normal vision, often due to a significant difference in refractive error between the two eyes. In your case, the right eye's high hyperopia and amblyopia can cause it to be less effective in focusing, leading to issues like double vision (diplopia) when corrected fully.


Choosing the Right Glasses
1. Prescription Adjustment: Since you experience diplopia when your right eye is fully corrected, your optometrist may suggest a partial correction for the right eye. This means that instead of correcting the right eye to its full prescription (700-800 degrees), you might use a slightly lower prescription that still allows for improved vision without causing double vision.
2. Multifocal Lenses: Given your need to see both near and far, multifocal lenses (such as bifocals or progressive lenses) can be beneficial. These lenses allow for different prescriptions in different parts of the lens, accommodating both distance and near vision. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the transition between different zones in the lens does not exacerbate your diplopia.

3. Dominant Eye Consideration: Since your left eye is myopic and your right eye is hyperopic, it’s important to determine which eye is your dominant eye. Typically, the dominant eye is used more for tasks requiring focus. In your case, if the left eye is dominant, it may be beneficial to have the right eye corrected enough to support the left eye without overwhelming it.

4. Lens Material and Coating: Consider high-index lenses, which are thinner and lighter, especially important for high prescriptions. Anti-reflective coatings can also help reduce glare, which can be particularly beneficial for night driving or using screens.


Regular Monitoring
1. Frequent Eye Exams: Given your history of amblyopia and the changes in your vision, regular check-ups with your eye care professional are essential. They can monitor your vision and make adjustments to your prescription as needed.

2. Vision Therapy: In some cases, vision therapy may be recommended to help improve the function of the amblyopic eye. This could involve exercises designed to strengthen the weaker eye and improve coordination between the two eyes.

3. Lifestyle Adjustments: Since you mentioned not wearing glasses regularly, it may take time to adjust to wearing them consistently. Gradually increasing the time you wear your glasses can help your eyes adapt.


Conclusion
In summary, choosing the right glasses for high hyperopia and amblyopia involves a careful balance of correcting the vision in a way that minimizes discomfort and maximizes clarity. Working closely with your eye care professional to find the right prescription, considering multifocal options, and ensuring regular monitoring will help manage your vision effectively. Remember, the goal is to enhance your visual function while minimizing any adverse effects like diplopia.

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