Your Eye Prescription: When to Update Your Glasses

Vision examination issues?

Hello Dr.
Liang,
Currently, my glasses prescription is -5.50 for my left eye with +2.00 astigmatism and -5.00 for my right eye with +2.50 astigmatism.
I have been wearing these multifocal glasses for three years, but recently, wearing them has been causing headaches.
Adjusting the angle of the glasses at the optical shop did not help.
I went back to my original optical shop (JINS) for a refraction, and the staff informed me that my left eye could only be corrected to 0.8 vision, suggesting I see an ophthalmologist to check for any eye issues.
The next day, I had an examination at an ophthalmology clinic.
Before dilation, my left eye measured -5.25 with +2.00 astigmatism and my right eye measured -4.50 with +2.25 astigmatism.
After dilation, my left eye measured -5.00 with +2.00 astigmatism and my right eye measured -4.00 with +2.25 astigmatism.
The doctor recommended that I get a new pair of glasses based on the post-dilation prescription, as my current glasses prescription is too strong, causing eye strain and indirectly leading to headaches.
As I work as an administrative assistant, I spend 8 hours a day using a computer and also use my phone for 2-3 hours after work, so my need for glasses is quite high.
Additionally, I have noticed some presbyopia as I age.
Therefore, I would like to ask you, Dr.
Liang:
1.
Do I need to get a new pair of glasses?
2.
If so, should the new glasses prescription be based on the post-dilation measurements?
3.
If I want to get multifocal glasses, how should the distance, intermediate, and near prescriptions be set?
4.
Since I wear contact lenses on weekends, how should the prescription for the contact lenses be determined?
Thank you for your assistance, Dr.
Liang!

Zoe, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/10/30

Dr. Liang Ce reply Ophthalmology

We recommend that you discuss the above situation further with your attending physician.
Wishing you good health.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2023/10/30

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding your eye prescription and the need for new glasses. Let's break down your concerns one by one.

1. Do you need to get a new pair of glasses?
Based on your description, it seems that your current glasses are causing discomfort and headaches, which can often be attributed to an incorrect prescription. Since your eye examination revealed a change in your prescription, particularly a decrease in the degree of myopia (nearsightedness) in both eyes, it is advisable to get a new pair of glasses. Wearing glasses with an outdated prescription can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and headaches, especially if you are using them for prolonged periods, such as during your 8-hour workday in front of a computer.

2. Should the new glasses be based on the post-dilation prescription?
Yes, the new glasses should be based on the prescription obtained after dilation. Dilation allows for a more accurate assessment of your refractive error, as it relaxes the eye's focusing muscles, providing a clearer view of the retina and allowing for a more precise measurement of your vision. This is particularly important for individuals who spend significant time using digital devices, as the eyes can become fatigued and may not provide an accurate reading without dilation.

3. How should the multifocal lenses be prescribed?
When it comes to multifocal lenses, the prescription typically includes three segments: distance, intermediate, and near vision. Since you mentioned experiencing some presbyopia (the onset of difficulty focusing on close objects due to aging), your prescription should reflect this. The distance portion will be based on your distance vision prescription (which you have after dilation), the intermediate portion will be tailored for your computer use (usually around 60-70 cm away), and the near portion will be for reading. It’s important to discuss your daily activities with your optometrist or ophthalmologist so they can customize the multifocal lenses to suit your specific needs.

4. How should the prescription for contact lenses be determined?
Contact lens prescriptions can differ from glasses prescriptions due to the distance of the lens from the eye and the curvature of the lens. Generally, the prescription for contact lenses is slightly different from that of glasses. It’s essential to have a separate fitting for contact lenses, as the curvature and diameter of the lenses will affect how they sit on your eye. Your eye care professional will take these factors into account when determining the appropriate prescription for your contact lenses.

In summary, it is highly recommended that you get a new pair of glasses based on your updated prescription after dilation. This will help alleviate the discomfort and headaches you are currently experiencing. Additionally, ensure that you discuss your needs for multifocal lenses and contact lenses with your eye care provider to ensure that you receive the most suitable prescriptions for your lifestyle. Regular eye exams are crucial, especially as you age and your vision changes, so keep up with those appointments to maintain optimal eye health. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps you make informed decisions about your eye care!

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