Myopia Progression and Contact Lens Safety: Expert Answers - Ophthalmology

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Hello! Thank you for your questions regarding myopia progression and contact lens safety. These are important topics, especially for individuals with myopia, as understanding how to manage your vision can significantly impact your eye health and overall well-being.

1. Myopia Progression: An increase of 70 degrees in myopia over five years can be considered within the range of normal progression, particularly in younger individuals. Myopia typically stabilizes in the late teens to early twenties, but this can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Factors such as increased screen time, lack of outdoor activities, and family history of myopia can contribute to its progression. Regular eye exams are essential to monitor changes in your vision and to discuss potential interventions, such as orthokeratology or myopia control lenses, which may help slow down the progression.

2. Contact Lens Prescription: When it comes to wearing contact lenses, it is crucial to have a proper fit and prescription. If your glasses prescription is -4.25 for the left eye and -4.00 for the right eye, wearing -3.50 contact lenses in both eyes may not provide adequate correction. This could lead to visual discomfort, eye strain, or headaches, especially if you are used to wearing glasses that correct your vision more accurately. It is always best to consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure that your contact lens prescription is tailored to your specific needs, taking into account the curvature of your cornea and the overall health of your eyes.

3. Wearing Old Glasses: If you have a new pair of glasses with a lower prescription, it is generally safe to wear your old glasses as long as they do not cause discomfort or strain. However, wearing glasses that are significantly weaker than your current prescription may lead to visual fatigue, especially during tasks that require clear vision, such as reading or using a computer. If you find that your old glasses are causing discomfort or if you experience headaches, it may be best to reserve them for occasional use or to consult with your eye care provider about the best options for your vision needs.

In addition to these points, it is essential to maintain good eye care practices. Here are some tips to help manage myopia and ensure the safety of your contact lenses:
- Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with your eye care professional to monitor your vision and eye health. This is especially important if you notice any changes in your vision or if you experience discomfort while wearing contact lenses.

- Proper Contact Lens Hygiene: Always follow the recommended guidelines for cleaning and storing your contact lenses. This includes washing your hands before handling lenses, using the appropriate solution, and not exceeding the recommended wear time.

- Limit Screen Time: To reduce eye strain, take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

- Outdoor Activities: Encourage outdoor activities, as studies suggest that spending time outside may help slow the progression of myopia in children and adolescents.

- UV Protection: When outdoors, wearing sunglasses with UV protection can help shield your eyes from harmful rays, which is particularly important for preventing conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration later in life.

In conclusion, understanding myopia progression and ensuring the safe use of contact lenses are vital for maintaining good eye health. If you have further concerns or specific symptoms, do not hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider for personalized advice and treatment options. Thank you for your questions, and I wish you the best in your eye health journey!