Eyeglass Prescription Adjustments and Eye Health Concerns

Q: Eyeglass Prescription Adjustments and Eye Health Concerns

Hello, Dr. <br>Gao：<br>Q1. <br>Regarding my glasses, where the right lens is undercorrected by 25 diopters and the left lens is fully corrected, Dr. <br>Gao replied, "A difference of 25 diopters is not a problem." Does this mean： (1) In terms of myopia, it is acceptable to have a

Follow-up Question #182591: Inquiry about Prescription Glasses?

Dear Dr.
Gao,
Thank you very much for your personal response and guidance in the consultation regarding the prescription glasses in “#182591.” I have greatly benefited from your insights.
I would like to ask you the following questions:
Q1.
Regarding my glasses, where the right lens is under-corrected by 25 diopters and the left lens is fully corrected, you mentioned: “A difference of 25 diopters is not a problem.” Does this mean: (1) In terms of myopia, it is acceptable for the lens power to be under-corrected as long as it does not exceed the required correction? (2) That having a 25-diopter under-correction in the lens will not cause any harm to my right eye? (For example, will it lead to increased intraocular pressure, worsen myopia or astigmatism, or cause eye fatigue?)
Q2.
Following up on the above, since my right lens is under-corrected by 25 diopters, I find that when using my right eye alone to see at a distance, things appear slightly blurry.
Should I then allow this blurriness to persist without forcing myself to see clearly, to avoid causing fatigue or harm to my right eye? Is this line of thinking correct?
Q3.
Regarding overall visual acuity, you mentioned: “The combined vision from both eyes is generally better.
It can be said that they complement each other.” Currently, with my glasses, my combined vision (using both eyes) is clear for both distance and near vision.
In terms of overall visual acuity, can I say that these glasses (with the right lens under-corrected by 25 diopters and the left lens fully corrected) are “suitable” for my eyes, and therefore will not cause any harm to either eye? (For example, will it lead to increased intraocular pressure, worsen myopia or astigmatism, or cause eye fatigue?)
Q4.
I have noticed that when wearing my glasses and using my right eye alone, I gradually feel a “tightening and swelling” sensation in the forehead area above the eye.
This sensation is also slightly present when using my left eye alone, but it is more pronounced with the right eye.
When using both eyes together, this sensation is less noticeable.
If I do not wear glasses and look with either one or both eyes, I do not experience this sensation.
Based on your opinion and experience: (1) What could be causing the aforementioned “tightening and swelling” sensation in my forehead? (2) Is this related to my glasses? (3) Could this “tightening and swelling” sensation in my forehead cause any harm to my eyes? (4) What actions should I take regarding this situation?
Thank you, Dr.
Gao.

Axiang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/06/07

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello, Dr.
Gao:
Q1.
Regarding my glasses, where the right lens is undercorrected by 25 diopters and the left lens is fully corrected, Dr.
Gao replied, "A difference of 25 diopters is not a problem." Does this mean: (1) In terms of myopia, it is acceptable to have a lower prescription as long as it does not exceed the required amount? The difference of 25 diopters, whether undercorrected or overcorrected, does not have a significant impact.
(2) An undercorrection of 25 diopters in the lens will not cause any harm to my right eye, such as increased intraocular pressure, worsening myopia or astigmatism, or causing eye fatigue, correct? It should not.
Q2.
Following up, since my right lens is undercorrected by 25 diopters, when using my right eye alone to see far, it appears slightly blurry.
Dr.
Gao, does this mean that if I see blurriness when looking far, I should just let it be blurry and not force myself to see clearly, to avoid causing fatigue or harm to my right eye? Is this line of thinking correct? Forcing myself to see clearly will not cause fatigue or harm.
Q3.
Regarding overall vision, Dr.
Gao mentioned, "The combined vision of both eyes is generally better.
You could say they complement each other." Currently, with the glasses I am wearing, my combined vision (using both eyes) is clear for both near and far.
Dr.
Gao, in terms of overall vision, can I say that the glasses I am currently wearing (with the right lens undercorrected by 25 diopters and the left lens fully corrected) are "suitable" for my eyes, and therefore, these glasses "will not" cause any harm to either of my eyes, such as increased intraocular pressure, worsening myopia or astigmatism, or causing eye fatigue? It should not, but glasses are not just about the prescription; many other factors must be considered, such as pupillary distance, lens size, optical properties of the lens, distance from the lens to the eye, and the tilt angle of the lens.
Please consult with the optical company.
Q4.
I noticed that when wearing glasses and using my right eye alone, I gradually feel a "tightening and swelling" sensation in the forehead area above the eye.
This sensation is also slightly present when using my left eye alone, but it is more pronounced with my right eye.
When using both eyes together, this sensation is less noticeable; if I do not wear glasses and look with one or both eyes, I do not experience this sensation.
Dr.
Gao, in your opinion and experience: (1) What could be causing the aforementioned "tightening and swelling" sensation in the forehead? (2) Is this related to the glasses? It should not be related; the cause is unknown, but if that is the case, avoid using one eye alone, as it is not a normal way of using your eyes, and try to avoid it to prevent discomfort.
(3) Will this "tightening and swelling" sensation in the forehead cause harm to my eyes? It should not, unless there are other issues.
(4) Following up, what should I do at this point? Please visit an ophthalmologist nearby to check for any issues, and have the optical company verify if the glasses meet all necessary conditions.

Reply Date: 2022/06/07

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding your eyeglass prescription and eye health concerns. I appreciate your proactive approach to understanding your vision and the implications of your current eyeglass situation. Let’s address your questions one by one.

Q1: Regarding the 25-degree difference in your eyeglass prescription, your understanding is mostly correct. (1) When it comes to nearsightedness (myopia), having a slightly lower prescription in one eye (like your right eye) is generally acceptable, especially if your overall vision is still functional. (2) A 25-degree under-correction typically does not cause significant harm to your eye, such as increased eye pressure or accelerated myopia progression. However, it may lead to some visual discomfort or fatigue, particularly if you are relying heavily on that eye.

Q2: Your thought process about allowing your right eye to remain slightly blurred is indeed valid. If you find that forcing your right eye to focus clearly causes discomfort or fatigue, it is reasonable to let it be a bit blurry. This approach can help prevent unnecessary strain on that eye. However, it’s essential to monitor how you feel over time and consult with your eye care professional if discomfort persists.

Q3: You are correct in your understanding of combined vision. The concept of "combined vision" suggests that using both eyes together can enhance overall visual acuity, as each eye compensates for the other’s deficiencies. If you find that your current glasses provide you with clear vision when using both eyes, then they are likely suitable for your needs. This means that the glasses should not cause harm, such as increased eye pressure or worsening of your vision.

Q4: The sensation of "tightness" or "pressure" in your forehead when using your right eye could be attributed to several factors. (1) This feeling may arise from muscle strain, particularly if your eye is working harder to compensate for the under-corrected vision. (2) Yes, this sensation could be related to your eyeglasses, especially if the prescription is not balanced between your two eyes. (3) While this sensation is generally not harmful, persistent discomfort should not be ignored. It could indicate that your eye muscles are overworking, which might lead to fatigue or headaches. (4) To address this, consider taking regular breaks from close work, practicing the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and ensuring your glasses are properly fitted. If the sensation continues, it would be wise to consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a thorough evaluation.

In summary, it’s essential to maintain open communication with your eye care provider about any discomfort or changes in your vision. Regular check-ups can help ensure that your prescription remains appropriate and that your eyes stay healthy. If you experience persistent symptoms or changes in your vision, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. Your proactive approach to understanding your eye health is commendable, and I wish you the best in managing your vision!

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