Myopia Prescription Adjustments: Seeking Expert Advice

Hello, I would like to inquire about the prescription for myopia glasses?

Hello, I am currently having difficulty focusing on nearby objects, and when looking at my tablet, I notice a significant bulging in the center of the screen, resembling a curved arc.
Therefore, I visited an ophthalmologist, who diagnosed me with no presbyopia but confirmed that the ciliary muscle's ability to accommodate is weaker and in a fatigued state.
The autorefractor indicated a decrease of 50 diopters in my myopia compared to last year (the glasses prescription was not tested, just compared to the numbers from a year ago).
The doctor mentioned that this was just a basic examination, so no specific prescription was issued.

Later, I went to an optometry clinic for further testing, and the vision changes were as follows:
Right eye: Myopia of 450 diopters, astigmatism of 75 diopters (glasses prescription) changed to myopia of 450 diopters, astigmatism of 50 diopters.

Left eye: Myopia of 425 diopters, astigmatism of 50 diopters (glasses prescription) changed to myopia of 425 diopters, astigmatism of 25 diopters.

During the fitting of the lenses, I found that without the astigmatism correction, I could see with less strain, achieving a vision of 1.2.
Although seeing nearby is somewhat strenuous, I can still see clearly.
Therefore, the optometrist suggested that if I were to get glasses, I could remove the astigmatism correction for both eyes and simply get a pair of glasses (right eye 450 diopters, left eye 425 diopters).

I would like to ask the doctor, considering my age, if I want to reduce eye strain, should I reduce the distance glasses prescription by 25 diopters? Additionally, how many diopters should I reduce for the near vision glasses (for example, reducing by 50 diopters)? I would appreciate your guidance and suggestions.
Thank you.

Du Qiang, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/08/22

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology

It is recommended that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician to determine if any additional examinations are necessary.
Thank you, and wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2022/08/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding myopia (nearsightedness) and the adjustments in prescription glasses, it's essential to consider several factors, including the current state of your vision, your age, and how you use your eyes daily. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing some difficulty focusing on near objects, which is common as we age, even if you are not yet experiencing presbyopia (the age-related loss of near vision).

Your recent eye examination revealed a decrease in your astigmatism (from 75 to 50 degrees in the right eye and from 50 to 25 degrees in the left eye), which is a positive change. The fact that you can achieve a visual acuity of 1.2 without astigmatism correction suggests that your eyes are adapting well to the current prescription, but you still feel some strain when focusing on near objects.

Recommendations for Glasses
1. Distance Glasses:
- Since your distance vision is still relatively good, you might consider reducing the prescription slightly. A reduction of 25 degrees in your distance glasses could help alleviate some strain without compromising your ability to see clearly at a distance. This adjustment is particularly useful if you find that your eyes feel more comfortable with less correction.

2. Near Glasses:
- For near vision, if you are experiencing difficulty focusing, you might benefit from a separate pair of reading glasses. Reducing the near prescription by 50 degrees could be a good starting point, especially if you find that you can still see well enough without glasses. However, this should be tailored to your comfort level and how much strain you feel when reading or using digital devices.

Additional Considerations
- Progressive Lenses: If you find that you frequently switch between near and far vision tasks, you might want to consider progressive lenses. These lenses provide a smooth transition between different focal lengths, allowing you to see clearly at various distances without needing to switch glasses.

- Eye Strain Management: Since you mentioned that your ciliary muscles (the muscles responsible for focusing) are fatigued, it’s crucial to take regular breaks when using screens or reading. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

- Regular Eye Exams: As your vision changes, regular check-ups with your eye care professional are essential. They can monitor your eye health and adjust your prescriptions as needed.

- Lifestyle Adjustments: Consider adjusting your environment to reduce glare and improve lighting when reading or using screens. Proper ergonomics, such as the distance of your screen and the height of your chair, can also help reduce strain.

Conclusion
In summary, adjusting your glasses prescription to reduce the astigmatism and considering separate pairs for distance and near vision could significantly enhance your visual comfort. Always consult with your eye care professional before making any changes to your prescription, as they can provide personalized advice based on a comprehensive evaluation of your eye health and vision needs.

Similar Q&A

Struggles with Glasses: Finding the Right Fit for My Vision Needs

Hello, Doctor. I have high myopia in both eyes, exceeding -6.00 diopters, and astigmatism close to -2.00 diopters. Additionally, I have cervical disc herniation, which may be affecting my eye's ability to accommodate. I have two pairs of glasses that I started wearing during...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: From your description, it seems that you haven't had an eye examination. I recommend visiting an ophthalmologist to have your vision checked and to determine the correct prescription. It seems like there might be an issue with your prescription.

Adjusting Vision Disparity: Optimal Prescription for IOL Replacement

Hello, I have undergone artificial lens replacement in my right eye and currently have a myopia of -2.00 diopters and astigmatism of -0.50 diopters. My left eye has a prescription of -5.00 diopters and astigmatism of -1.50 diopters. Due to the disparity in vision, wearing glasses...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Ms. Lai: You can reserve a little less, so that you can see far without wearing glasses. However, this also requires consideration of whether you can accept the disparity in vision post-surgery. The tolerance for differences in prescription between the two eyes varies from ...

Understanding Prescription Changes and Eye Health Concerns

Hello, Director Gao! I apologize for the interruption. I recently experienced some issues with my eyes and would like to seek your advice. I have high myopia in my right eye (over -900 degrees) and moderate myopia in my left eye (over -600 degrees), which has been present since s...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: 1. Muscle aging can lead to slower focusing, and increasing the prescription of your lenses may help improve focusing speed. New glasses can provide clearer vision, reduce muscle fatigue, and thereby enhance focusing performance. As you are approaching 40 years old, you ma...

Choosing Different Intraocular Lenses for Each Eye: Impacts on Vision

Dear Director Gao, 1. My right eye has severe myopia and after developing cataracts, the prescription increased to -1000 diopters. I underwent cataract surgery in March last year, using the "Rein" aspheric monofocal intraocular lens, with a planned myopic reserve of -1...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Mr. Lee: 1. Different brands will not exhibit this phenomenon. You can follow your physician's recommendations. 2. Depending on your needs, if you want to wear glasses all the time, you can choose the same prescription as your right eye. If you prefer not to wear gl...