Eyeglass Prescription Changes and Vision Clarity Issues

Q: Eyeglass Prescription Changes and Vision Clarity Issues

Hello： <br>1. <br>Regarding the issue of prescription strength, it is generally necessary to adjust the prescription within a certain range to ensure optimal vision. <br>The point made by your boss about the need for the eyes to compensate for excess prescription is valid. <br>If

Issues with prescription glasses?

Hello, Doctor Gao: I am approximately 39 years old.
Recently, one of the frames of my glasses broke, so I went to an optical shop to get new glasses.
It has been about five years since my last prescription, but I did not return to the original optical shop.
The owner performed a refraction test for general near to far vision.
He stated that my left eye could maintain the original prescription, but the prescription for my right eye (previously -4.50 diopters for myopia and -1.25 diopters for astigmatism) was overcorrected.
He suggested that I should have a prescription of -4.00 diopters for myopia and -1.50 diopters for astigmatism.
He mentioned that if the prescription is overcorrected, the eyes would have to accommodate to compensate, resulting in blurred vision.
However, after wearing the new glasses for a week, I find that while I can see well up close, my vision is unclear at intermediate distances and beyond, which is noticeably worse than my old glasses with the broken frame.
The owner is willing to change my prescription back to the original, but I would like to ask the doctor a few questions:
1.
If my original prescription is still acceptable, but the optical shop owner believes it is overcorrected, preventing my eyes from relaxing and causing them to accommodate, is this statement correct?
2.
Five years ago, when I visited an ophthalmologist, I remember the doctor stating that my actual prescription for the right eye was about -5.00 diopters, which is why it was reduced by 0.50 diopters to -4.50 diopters for near vision use.
Recently, the optical shop's refraction indicated that my actual prescription is only -4.00 diopters.
Is this possible, or is it a sign of aging in my eyes?
3.
The owner mentioned that sometimes even if the prescription is increased, it may not necessarily result in clearer vision because the eyes themselves may have aged, and their function can only reach a certain level.
Is this a valid statement?
4.
I have noticed that I often end up using one eye to see better.
Does the body automatically favor the eye that sees more clearly? For instance, when my old glasses had clearer vision in the right eye, it seemed like I was using my right eye more; now with the new glasses, where the left eye is clearer, it feels like I am using my left eye more.
I appreciate your clarification on these matters.
Thank you!

Yíhuò de rén, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/26

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
1.
Regarding the issue of prescription strength, it is generally necessary to adjust the prescription within a certain range to ensure optimal vision.
The point made by your boss about the need for the eyes to compensate for excess prescription is valid.
If you find that your right eye is unclear at distances beyond intermediate range, it may be due to having adapted to the previous prescription and clarity, and this situation will gradually improve.
Typically, for myopia, it is best not to exceed the measured prescription to avoid eye strain.
2.
Changes in eye prescription are possible, especially as one ages.
The prescription may become more myopic, and there may also be variations in astigmatism.
This is normal and does not necessarily indicate aging of the eyes.
Ophthalmologists usually recommend adjusting the prescription based on your current visual status.
3.
As one ages, the ability of the eyes to accommodate and adapt to different prescriptions may decline.
This can lead to situations where, even with an increased prescription, complete clarity of vision is not achieved.
This condition is more commonly observed after middle age.
4.
When you notice that one eye is better at seeing things, it may be because your eyes have different prescription needs at specific distances.
Your brain automatically selects the eye with better vision to focus on objects, which is normal.

Reply Date: 2023/10/26

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding your recent experience with eyeglass prescriptions and vision clarity issues. Let’s address your concerns one by one.

1. Understanding Prescription Changes: The statement made by the optician regarding your original prescription being "too strong" and causing your eyes to strain is a common concern. When a prescription is stronger than necessary, it can indeed lead to visual discomfort, as your eyes may have to work harder to compensate. However, this is not universally applicable; some individuals may tolerate stronger prescriptions without issues. It’s essential to have a comprehensive eye exam to determine the most accurate prescription for your needs.

2. Changes in Prescription Over Time: It is possible for your vision to change over a five-year period. Factors such as age, eye health, and lifestyle can influence your refractive error. If your previous eye doctor indicated that your right eye was approximately 500 degrees, and the new optician suggests it is only 400 degrees, this discrepancy could be due to several reasons, including differences in measurement techniques or changes in your vision. Age-related changes, such as presbyopia, can also affect how you perceive clarity at different distances.

3. Age-Related Vision Changes: The optician's comment about age-related changes affecting visual clarity is valid. As we age, our eyes undergo various changes, including a decrease in the flexibility of the lens, which can impact our ability to focus on objects at different distances. This condition, known as presbyopia, typically begins in our 40s and can lead to difficulties with near vision, even if your distance vision remains stable.

4. Dominance of One Eye: It is common for individuals to subconsciously favor one eye over the other, especially if one eye provides clearer vision. This phenomenon is known as ocular dominance. If you find that one eye is clearer with your old glasses and the other with your new ones, your brain may naturally prefer the clearer image, leading to a tendency to use that eye more. This can be particularly noticeable if there is a significant difference in clarity between the two eyes.

In conclusion, it may be beneficial for you to return to an eye care professional for a comprehensive eye examination. This will help clarify your current prescription needs and address any concerns about your vision changes. If the optician is willing to adjust your prescription back to the original values, it might be worth trying to see if that improves your clarity. Remember, regular eye exams are crucial, especially as we age, to monitor changes in vision and eye health.

If you have further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your eye health is important, and ensuring you have the correct prescription can significantly enhance your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Eyeglass Prescription Changes: Expert Insights for Better Vision

Hello Dr. Liang, I am approximately 39 years old. Recently, one of the arms of my eyeglass frame broke, and I went to an optical store to get new glasses. I have been wearing my previous glasses for nearly five years. The prescription for my old glasses was determined after I ex...

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology
We recommend that you: 1. Discuss the above situation further with your attending physician. 2. Consider seeking a consultation at another ophthalmology clinic. Wishing you good health. Thank you!

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...

Struggling with New Glasses: Headaches and Vision Issues Explained

I have been wearing glasses for over ten years, and my eyesight has progressed into the high myopia category. I have changed more than ten pairs of glasses, including glass, plastic, spherical, and aspherical lenses. I always go to the same ophthalmology clinic (because I feel co...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, if vision is clear with one eye and the eye alignment is normal, but dizziness occurs only when using both eyes, it is likely due to a technical issue with the lens grinding. The focal length may be incorrect, and it would be better to regrind the lenses. For distance visi...

Understanding Eyeglass Prescription: Why Your Vision Might Be Unclear

Hello, I received a prescription for my glasses with measurements of R650 and L725. Then, I had each eye reduced by 50 degrees for the lenses. However, I noticed that my left eye is significantly less clear than my right eye. Why is this happening? Will it affect my health? Is it...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
It would be better to make final adjustments for both the monocular and binocular vision. If you have any concerns, you can visit an ophthalmologist for a check-up to confirm.