Struggling with Glasses: Persistent Dizziness and Eye Issues Explained

Q: Struggling with Glasses: Persistent Dizziness and Eye Issues Explained

We recommend that you： 1. <br>Since you have already scheduled appointments with the ophthalmology and neurology departments, please undergo further examinations to identify the cause and determine if additional treatment is necessary. <br>2. <br>You may consider visiting a medic

There are issues with fitting glasses regardless of how they are adjusted?

Hello Doctor: Thank you for taking the time to address my questions.
The content may be a bit lengthy, but I want to clearly explain my situation, and I appreciate your help.
I have high myopia and floaters, and my symptoms include dizziness when wearing glasses, which has persisted for about two years.
During this time, I have visited several major hospitals and clinics and have changed my glasses three times, but the issue remains unresolved.
Below, I will describe my condition in terms of prescription, history of glasses, symptoms, and what the doctors have said during consultations.
Prescription information:
- Dilated refraction (measured one month ago): 750/750 (L/R)
- Astigmatism: 225/300 (L/R)
- Autorefractor information (from optical shops, clinics, and hospitals): prescription ranges from 800 to 875 (most of the time).
Once, when I felt dizzy, my prescription peaked at 1200.
History of glasses:
| Glasses # | Lens Brand | Prescription (L/R) | Astigmatism (L/R) | Astigmatism Axis (L/R) | Frame Type | Blue Light Filter Type | Refractive Index | Fitting Time | Main Wearing Time |
|-----------|------------|--------------------|-------------------|------------------------|------------|-----------------------|------------------|--------------|-------------------|
| Glasses 1 | Nikon | 750/750 | 200/200 | 170/175 | Rectangle | None | 1.56 | 6 years ago | 6 years ago - Present |
| Glasses 2 | Kodak | 800/800 | 200/200 | 175/175 | Browline | Reflective Blue Light | 1.56 | 3 years ago | 3 years ago - 2 years ago |
| Glasses 3 | Nikon | 800/800 | 200/200 | - | Browline | Absorptive Blue Light | 1.67 | 1 year ago | 1 year ago - 6 months ago |
| Glasses 4 | Nikon | 750/750 | 200/200 | - | Browline | None | 1.6 | 3 months ago | 3 months ago - 1 month ago |
Glasses 1 and 2 were fitted at Optical Shop A, while Glasses 3 and 4 were fitted at Optical Shop B (which has an optometry service).
All are single vision lenses, based on the latest prescription.
For Glasses 3, I changed the lenses three times, with variations in prescription, refractive index, and lens type, but the astigmatism remained the same.
The changes were as follows:
- 800 diopters / single vision / 1.6 / absorptive blue light
- 800 diopters / bifocal / 1.67 / absorptive blue light
- 775 diopters / bifocal / 1.67 / absorptive blue light
- 800 diopters / single vision / 1.67 / absorptive blue light
For Glasses 4, I changed the lenses once:
- 775 diopters / single vision / 1.6 / reflective blue light
- 750 diopters / single vision / 1.6 / no blue light filter
History of Glasses:
- Glasses 1: (L/R) 750/750, astigmatism 200/200, axis 170/175, rectangle, no blue light, refractive index 1.56.
Fitting time: 6 years ago.
Condition: No issues at all; I was very happy during this period.
- Glasses 2: (L/R) 800/800, astigmatism 200/200, axis 175/175, browline, reflective blue light, refractive index 1.56.
Fitting time: 3 years ago.
Condition: This pair was fitted 3 years ago and was fine for the first year.
However, starting two years ago, wearing Glasses 2 (800 diopters) caused persistent dizziness, leading me to frequently visit the optical shop.
Despite adjustments, the symptoms persisted, prompting me to switch to Glasses 3 about a year ago.
- Glasses 3: (L/R) 800/800, astigmatism 200/200, browline, absorptive blue light, refractive index 1.67.
Fitting time: 1 year ago.
Condition: Initially fitted with single vision lenses (800 diopters), I still experienced symptoms, so I changed to bifocal lenses (800 diopters).
After a month, I needed frequent adjustments, about every two days, but the optical shop found only slight misalignment.
Sometimes, there was no misalignment at all, and adjustments at the shop did not resolve the dizziness.
After multiple lens changes proved ineffective, I decided to alternate between two pairs of glasses, leading to the fitting of Glasses 4.
- Glasses 4: (L/R) 750/750, astigmatism 200/200, browline, reflective blue light, refractive index 1.6.
Fitting time: 3 months ago.
Condition: I initially fitted this pair with a prescription 25 diopters lower than the previous pair, changing the refractive index from 1.67 to 1.6 and switching from absorptive to reflective blue light (to save money).
This pair was fine for the first month, but then symptoms reappeared, worsening after I adjusted the prescription to 750 diopters.
During adjustments at Optical Shop B, they ensured everything was aligned before I left, but symptoms returned shortly after.
For the past two years, wearing glasses has caused dizziness.
I usually switch to Glasses 1 (750 diopters, the original pair that had no issues), and this resolves all problems, although I cannot see far clearly.
Recently, I have experienced pain in my eyes, dizziness, and headaches even when wearing this pair.
The lenses from Optical Shop A were polished (which several optometrists noted has many drawbacks), while Optical Shop B did not polish them, but I later polished Glasses 4 for testing, and the problem persisted.
Initially, I suspected blue light issues, but removing the blue light filter did not resolve the symptoms.
I also considered the possibility of prism effects (as suggested by a clinic doctor).
The lenses from Optical Shop B were aligned with my pupils, and they indicated that Glasses 3 and 4 (browline) should not cause prism effects.
I am currently exploring different frame styles and experimenting with contact lenses, as the most comfortable pair, Glasses 1, is rectangular.
Symptoms are described chronologically:
- Two years ago to about one month ago: discomfort while wearing glasses -> eye pain -> dizziness -> headaches.

- Not wearing glasses causes no issues, but I cannot see.
Over the past month, symptoms have worsened significantly, with headaches sometimes accompanied by nausea and increased light sensitivity.

- Not wearing glasses is mostly fine, but I primarily see at close distances.
Using a computer causes discomfort (I take breaks every half hour to an hour).
I suspected the desk lamp (BenQ eye-care lamp), but after inspection, it showed no issues.
Ambient light is about 300 LUX, while the lamp's light source is 800-1000 LUX, so the problem likely does not stem from this.

- Headaches were severe while wearing Glasses 4; discomfort began after 2-3 hours, followed by eye pain, dizziness, and nausea.
Therefore, I have mostly worn Glasses 1 this month, which still causes discomfort and a stinging sensation in my eyes, but it is significantly better in comparison.
Doctor's comments will also be described chronologically:
- Eight months ago (Hospital A): No issues found during a fundus examination, and no recommendations were made.
- Recently (Hospital B): I visited twice, one month apart, with the same doctor for a follow-up.
All data showed no issues, and the doctor noted that my condition is rare, suggesting I could use eye drops for discomfort.
Result: The effect was not significant, with little improvement.
Additionally, I have regular fundus examinations every six months, all showing no issues.
The clinic suggested prism effects as a possible cause, but the optical shop disagreed.
Conclusion:
1.
I have high myopia (800 diopters) and high astigmatism (225(L)/300(R)), along with floaters.
2.
Dizziness began two years ago when I started wearing glasses, and symptoms have worsened significantly over the past month, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, and light sensitivity.
3.
I have already fitted three pairs of glasses, but issues persist.
4.
Over the past two years, visits to hospitals and clinics have not yielded solutions, and the optical shop has made efforts to adjust and change lenses, but the condition remains.
Due to the recent worsening of symptoms, even Glasses 1, which previously did not cause dizziness, has become uncomfortable.
I have now scheduled appointments with ophthalmology and neurology to investigate the cause.
Thank you for taking the time to read my lengthy message, and I apologize for the length.
I would like to ask for your advice regarding my situation.
Thank you, Doctor.

Gorilla, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/01

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology

We recommend that you: 1.
Since you have already scheduled appointments with the ophthalmology and neurology departments, please undergo further examinations to identify the cause and determine if additional treatment is necessary.
2.
You may consider visiting a medical center for further evaluation.
Thank you, and we wish you good health!

Reply Date: 2022/08/01

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for providing such a detailed account of your eye issues and experiences with glasses. It’s clear that you have been through a lot in trying to find a solution to your persistent dizziness and discomfort. Based on the information you've shared, I would like to address your concerns and provide some insights into your situation.

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that your symptoms—dizziness, headaches, and visual discomfort—can be quite complex, especially given your history of high myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. High myopia can lead to various ocular complications, including changes in the vitreous body, retinal issues, and even cataracts. The presence of floaters (myodesopsia) is also common in individuals with high myopia, and while they are usually benign, they can sometimes be associated with more serious conditions.

Your experience of dizziness when wearing glasses could be attributed to several factors:
1. Incorrect Prescription: Despite multiple prescriptions, it’s possible that the lenses are still not accurately correcting your vision. This can lead to visual strain, which may cause dizziness. It’s crucial that your glasses are made with the correct prescription, including any adjustments for astigmatism.

2. Lens Type: You mentioned switching between single vision and bifocal lenses. The transition between different types of lenses can sometimes lead to visual discomfort, especially if the optical centers of the lenses do not align with your pupils. This misalignment can create a prism effect, leading to dizziness and headaches.

3. Frame Fit: The fit of your glasses can also play a significant role. If the frames are not properly adjusted to your face, it can affect how the lenses sit in front of your eyes, potentially causing distortion and discomfort.

4. Visual Fatigue: Given your high prescription and the amount of time you spend on close work (like using a computer), you may be experiencing visual fatigue. This is particularly common in individuals with high myopia, as the eyes have to work harder to focus.

5. Underlying Conditions: While your eye examinations have not revealed any significant issues, it’s still essential to consider other potential causes of your symptoms. Conditions such as vestibular disorders or even migraines can manifest with visual symptoms and dizziness.

Given your situation, here are some recommendations:
- Comprehensive Eye Examination: It would be beneficial to have a thorough eye examination with an ophthalmologist who specializes in high myopia. They can assess not only your refractive error but also the health of your retina and vitreous body.

- Consider a Different Lens Type: If you are currently using single vision lenses, you might want to explore progressive lenses or specialized lenses designed for computer use, which can help reduce strain during prolonged near work.

- Frame Adjustment: Ensure that your glasses are properly fitted. A good optician can help adjust the frames to ensure that the optical centers of the lenses align with your pupils.

- Rest Your Eyes: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain.

- Consult a Neurologist: Since your symptoms have escalated, it might be wise to consult a neurologist to rule out any neurological causes for your dizziness and headaches.

- Manage Anxiety: Given your concerns about your vision and health, consider speaking with a mental health professional. Anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, and managing stress may help alleviate some of your discomfort.

In conclusion, while your symptoms are concerning, they are not uncommon in individuals with high myopia and astigmatism. With the right adjustments and thorough evaluations, there is a good chance that you can find relief. Please continue to advocate for your health and seek the appropriate specialists to help you navigate this challenging situation.

Best wishes for your health and comfort,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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