Should I Get Glasses for My Increasing Myopia and Astigmatism? - Ophthalmology

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When it comes to managing increasing myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, wearing glasses is often a recommended solution. Given your situation, where your right eye has increased in myopia by 50 degrees over the past three months, it is crucial to address this change promptly. Here are some insights and recommendations based on your query.


Understanding Myopia and Astigmatism
Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea has too much curvature, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Astigmatism, on the other hand, is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, leading to distorted or blurred vision at all distances. Both conditions can significantly impact your daily activities, especially if you are required to focus on near objects for extended periods, such as during study sessions or exams.


The Importance of Corrective Lenses
1. Vision Clarity: Glasses can provide the necessary correction for your vision, allowing you to see clearly at both near and far distances. This is particularly important for academic performance, as clear vision can enhance concentration and reduce eye strain.

2. Preventing Further Deterioration: Not wearing corrective lenses when needed can lead to further deterioration of your eyesight. As you mentioned, your myopia has increased significantly in a short period, which might be exacerbated by prolonged near work without proper correction.

3. Comfort and Health: Wearing glasses can alleviate symptoms associated with uncorrected vision, such as headaches, eye strain, and fatigue. This is especially relevant given your increased near work due to studying for exams.


Other Treatment Options
While glasses are the most common and immediate solution, there are other options to consider:
1. Contact Lenses: If you prefer not to wear glasses, contact lenses could be a suitable alternative. They provide a wider field of vision and can be more comfortable for some people, especially during physical activities.

2. Orthokeratology: This is a non-surgical method that involves wearing specially designed contact lenses overnight to reshape the cornea temporarily. This can help reduce myopia during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.

3. Vision Therapy: In some cases, vision therapy may be recommended to improve visual skills and processing. This is typically more relevant for specific visual disorders rather than straightforward myopia and astigmatism.

4. Surgical Options: For those with stable prescriptions, surgical options like LASIK or PRK may be considered in the future. However, these are generally not recommended for younger individuals or those with rapidly changing prescriptions.


Recommendations
Given your current situation, I recommend the following steps:
1. Visit an Eye Care Professional: Schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist to get a comprehensive eye exam. They can provide an updated prescription and discuss the best options for your specific needs.

2. Consider Getting Glasses: Based on the increase in your myopia and the presence of astigmatism, getting glasses is advisable. They will help you see clearly and may prevent further deterioration of your vision.

3. Monitor Your Eye Health: Keep track of any changes in your vision and report them to your eye care provider. Regular check-ups are essential, especially as your prescription changes.

4. Practice Good Eye Habits: Ensure you take regular breaks during prolonged near work (the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), maintain proper lighting, and avoid excessive screen time.

In conclusion, wearing glasses is a practical and effective way to manage your increasing myopia and astigmatism. It is essential to take proactive steps to protect your vision and ensure that you can perform your daily activities comfortably and effectively.