Increased Myopia and Astigmatism: When to Seek Further Evaluation - Ophthalmology

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Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your vision changes, particularly the increase in astigmatism and the discomfort you are experiencing. It’s important to address these issues comprehensively, as they can significantly impact your quality of life.

Firstly, regarding your myopia and astigmatism: it is not uncommon for individuals with myopia to experience changes in their prescription over time. The fact that your astigmatism has increased from 100 to 175 in both eyes is noteworthy. While a slight increase in astigmatism can occur naturally, a sudden or significant change can sometimes indicate underlying issues, such as corneal irregularities or other ocular conditions. You mentioned that your corneal topography was normal, which is reassuring and suggests that conditions like keratoconus may not be present. However, it is still advisable to monitor this change closely.

Given that your vision has become blurrier and you are experiencing discomfort, it would be prudent to consider a few steps:
1. Update Your Prescription: Since your astigmatism has increased, it would be beneficial to update your glasses prescription to reflect this change. A proper fitting and updated lenses can alleviate some of the discomfort you are experiencing.
2. Further Evaluation: If you continue to experience visual disturbances, such as the sensation of seeing the frame of your glasses or having difficulty focusing, it may be wise to seek further evaluation from an ophthalmologist. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam, including tests for visual acuity, refraction, and possibly imaging studies if necessary.
3. Assessing Binocular Vision: The symptoms you described, such as seeing straight lines as slanted when using your left eye, could indicate issues with binocular vision or alignment. This might not necessarily be related to your prescription but could be a result of how your eyes work together. An eye care professional can assess for conditions like strabismus or other alignment issues that may require specific treatment.

4. Difficulty Focusing: The difficulty you are experiencing with focusing could be attributed to several factors, including the increase in astigmatism, changes in your prescription, or even fatigue. Astigmatism can cause blurred vision at all distances, leading to discomfort and difficulty focusing. It’s also possible that your eyes are straining to compensate for the changes in your vision, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: If you decide to update your glasses, monitor your symptoms closely. If the discomfort persists or worsens, or if you notice any new symptoms, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation.
In summary, while it may be appropriate to start with updating your glasses prescription, given the changes in your vision and the discomfort you are experiencing, a follow-up with an eye care professional is recommended. They can provide a thorough assessment and determine if any additional testing or treatment is necessary.
Your vision is crucial, and addressing these changes promptly can help ensure that you maintain optimal eye health. Please take care, and do not hesitate to reach out for further assistance.

Best regards.