Your Eyeglass Prescription: When to Update and How

Q: Your Eyeglass Prescription: When to Update and How

Hello： 1. <br>Do you need to get a new pair of glasses? Yes, based on the ophthalmologist's recommendation, you need to get a new pair of glasses. <br>Since your prescription has changed, your current glasses may not provide adequate correction, leading to eye strain and headache

Issues with prescription glasses?

Hello, Doctor Gao.
I am 43 years old.
I recently had a health check-up, and before dilation, my left eye had a prescription of -5.25 diopters for myopia and +2.00 for astigmatism, while my right eye had -4.50 diopters for myopia and +2.25 for astigmatism.
After dilation, my left eye measured -5.00 diopters for myopia and +2.00 for astigmatism, and my right eye measured -4.00 diopters for myopia and +2.25 for astigmatism.
Currently, I am wearing glasses with a prescription of -5.50 diopters for myopia and +2.00 for astigmatism in my left eye, and -5.00 diopters for myopia and +2.50 for astigmatism in my right eye.
I have been using these multifocal glasses for three years without any issues.

As I work as an administrative assistant, I spend 8 hours a day using a computer, and I also use my phone for 2-3 hours after work.
Therefore, my need for glasses is quite high.
Additionally, I have noticed some presbyopia as I age.
I would like to ask you, Doctor Gao:
1.
Do I need to get a new pair of glasses?
2.
If so, which prescription should I use for the new glasses?
3.
If I want to get multifocal glasses, how should the distance, intermediate, and near prescriptions be determined?
Thank you for your assistance!

Zoe, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/03

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
Do you need to get a new pair of glasses? Yes, based on the ophthalmologist's recommendation, you need to get a new pair of glasses.
Since your prescription has changed, your current glasses may not provide adequate correction, leading to eye strain and headaches.
A new pair of glasses can help you see more clearly and reduce discomfort.
2.
Typically, the ophthalmologist will use the prescription obtained after dilation as the basis for the new glasses.
The post-dilation prescription is closer to your eyes' natural state, which provides the best visual correction.
Please ensure that your new glasses prescription is based on the latest test results.
3.
If I want to get multifocal glasses, how should the distance, intermediate, and near prescriptions be adjusted? For multifocal lenses, you only need to determine the distance and near prescriptions, as the intermediate is not a primary consideration.
Use the post-dilation prescription for distance, and for near, use a prescription that is suitable for close-up work (it can be slightly lower).
Since everyone's suitable near prescription may vary, the ophthalmologist and optician can adjust these prescriptions based on your individual needs.

Reply Date: 2023/11/03

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed inquiry regarding your eyeglass prescription and the need for an update. Based on the information you've provided, let's address your questions one by one.

1. Do you need to get a new pair of glasses?
Given that your current glasses have been in use for three years and considering your age (43 years), it is advisable to have your prescription checked again. As we age, our vision can change more rapidly, especially with prolonged computer use, which can lead to digital eye strain. The fact that you have experienced some presbyopia (the natural aging of the eye that affects near vision) also suggests that it may be time to update your prescription to ensure optimal vision and comfort.

2. Which prescription should you use for the new glasses?
When updating your prescription, it is essential to consider the most recent measurements taken during your dilated eye exam (after dilation). In your case, the post-dilation measurements were left eye: -500 with astigmatism of -200, and right eye: -400 with astigmatism of -225. These values are generally more accurate than the previous prescription you have been using, as dilation allows for a more precise assessment of your refractive error. Therefore, it would be prudent to base your new glasses on these updated measurements.

3. How to configure the prescription for multifocal lenses?
When it comes to multifocal lenses, the prescription for distance, intermediate, and near vision needs to be tailored to your specific visual needs. Typically, the distance prescription is taken as the primary value, which in your case would be the post-dilation measurements (-500 for the left eye and -400 for the right eye). The intermediate prescription is usually adjusted based on your work environment, especially since you spend a significant amount of time on the computer. This often requires a slight reduction in the distance prescription for comfort at arm's length. The near vision prescription will generally be adjusted further down, often by adding a plus value to accommodate for presbyopia.

For example, if your distance prescription is -500 for the left eye, you might use a value around -450 for intermediate vision, and for near vision, you might consider a value of -425 or -400, depending on how comfortable you feel while reading or using your phone. It’s essential to discuss these adjustments with your optometrist or ophthalmologist, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific visual habits and needs.

Additional Considerations:
- Digital Eye Strain: Given your extensive use of digital devices, consider incorporating the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

- Blue Light Filters: You might also want to consider lenses with blue light filtering technology, which can help reduce eye fatigue associated with prolonged screen time.

- Regular Eye Exams: It’s important to have regular eye exams, especially as your visual needs change with age. This will help ensure that your prescription is always up to date and that any potential eye health issues are addressed promptly.

In conclusion, it seems prudent for you to get a new pair of glasses based on your updated prescription. Make sure to discuss your specific needs with your eye care provider to ensure that your new multifocal lenses are tailored to your lifestyle, especially considering your work and digital device usage. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps you in making an informed decision about your eye care!

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