Prescription Issues for Myopia: A Guide for Patients - Ophthalmology

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Prescription lens degree issues?


Dear Dr.
Gao,
I have myopia (R: -7.75, L: -7.50) and after dilation, my measurements were (R: -7.50, L: -7.25).
My dominant eye is the right one, and my current prescription for glasses is (R: -7.25, L: -7.00).
Recently, I noticed that when I use only my left eye to see far away, it appears somewhat blurry, but I have no issues seeing close up (like on the computer).
When using both eyes, my vision is clear, and using only my right eye is also as clear as using both.
I believe this is because I primarily rely on my right eye for vision.

Dr.
Gao, do I need to adjust the prescription for my left eye to ensure clear distance vision? Additionally, what would be the appropriate prescription for my contact lenses?
Thank you for your guidance.

sam, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/03/18

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello: Based on your description, it seems that your left eye's vision may not be as good as your right eye's.
It is normal for there to be differences in visual acuity between the two eyes, so it is not necessary for both eyes to have the same level of vision.
According to your prescription, this should be an ideal lens correction.
There is no need to increase the prescription to make the left eye clearer, as it may not improve even with a higher prescription.
Regarding contact lenses, my recommendation is: Right eye: -7.00, Left eye: -6.75; you can adjust by ±0.25 as needed.
If the vision is similar, you may opt for the lower prescription.

Reply Date: 2023/03/18

More Info


When it comes to understanding prescription issues related to myopia (nearsightedness), it's essential to consider several factors, including the degree of myopia in each eye, the patient's visual needs, and the type of correction being used (glasses or contact lenses). Based on your description, you have a significant difference in prescription between your right eye (R: 775) and left eye (L: 750), with your current glasses prescription being R: 725 and L: 700.
Firstly, it’s important to understand that myopia can progress over time, and the need for adjustments in your prescription is common. The fact that you are experiencing blurriness when using your left eye for distance vision suggests that your current prescription for that eye may not be sufficient for your visual needs, particularly for distance tasks. Since you mentioned that your right eye is your dominant eye and provides clear vision, it is likely compensating for the left eye's deficiency when both eyes are used together.

In terms of whether you should increase the prescription for your left eye to ensure clear distance vision, it would be advisable to discuss this with your eye care professional. They may recommend a new refraction test to determine the most accurate prescription for both eyes. If your left eye's prescription is adjusted to match your visual needs for distance, it could improve your overall visual comfort and clarity.

Regarding contact lenses, the prescription for contacts is typically different from that of glasses due to the distance of the lens from the eye. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, while glasses are positioned further away. Therefore, the power needed for contact lenses is often slightly lower than that for glasses. Your eye care provider will take this into account when determining the appropriate contact lens prescription.
In your case, if your left eye's prescription is adjusted for distance vision, your contact lens prescription will also need to reflect that change. It’s crucial to have a proper fitting for contact lenses, as the curvature and diameter of the lens can also affect vision and comfort.
Additionally, if you are experiencing any discomfort or visual disturbances, it’s essential to communicate these issues to your eye care provider. They can help assess whether there are any underlying conditions affecting your vision, such as astigmatism or other refractive errors, which may require further correction.

In summary, it is advisable to have a comprehensive eye examination to assess your current visual needs and determine if an adjustment in your left eye's prescription is necessary. Your eye care professional can provide guidance on the appropriate contact lens prescription based on your updated glasses prescription. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor any changes in your vision and ensure that your prescriptions remain accurate and effective for your daily activities.

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