Over-Prescription of Glasses: Eye Fatigue and Vision Clarity

Q: Over-Prescription of Glasses: Eye Fatigue and Vision Clarity

Hello： You can use these glasses and continue wearing them until your follow-up examination at Chang Gung Hospital for a new prescription. <br>However, be cautious not to use these glasses for prolonged near vision tasks, as a stronger prescription can lead to increased eye strai

Excessive lens prescription, issues with eyewear fitting?

Hello Doctor, I had surgery for strabismus on my left eye at Chang Gung Hospital on October 26, and my recovery has been smooth.
However, recently I have been experiencing occasional soreness and swelling in my right eye.
On December 9, I visited a nearby ophthalmology clinic, and the doctor there indicated that my right eye was not injured but likely suffering from overexertion.
They checked my glasses prescription, performed a dilated eye exam, and prescribed oral medication and eye drops.

The glasses prescription is as follows: Right eye: myopia -9.25 diopters, astigmatism -0.75 diopters; Left eye: myopia -4.25 diopters, astigmatism -1.75 diopters.
The visual acuity is 1.2 for the left eye and 1.5 for the right eye.

Before dilation, the refraction results were: (R) S -8.75 C -0.25 A 18, S.E.
-9.00; (L) S -4.00 C -1.75 A 180, S.E.
-5.00.
After dilation, the results were: (R) S -8.75 C -0.50 A 26, S.E.
-9.00; (L) S -3.75 C -1.50 A 179, S.E.
-4.50.

The clinic doctor mentioned that the prescription for the right eye is overcorrected and suggested reducing it by 0.75 to 1.00 diopters.
They also noted that the continuous near work might be causing the soreness and swelling in the right eye.
They indicated that lowering the prescription for the right eye should alleviate this sensation.

I asked the clinic doctor if I could continue wearing my current glasses until my follow-up appointment at Chang Gung on January 9, where I will have an examination for the post-operative condition of my strabismus and a refraction test.
The doctor said it was fine, but advised against prolonged near work to prevent the soreness and swelling from persisting.

I still have some questions, so I would like to ask the doctor: 1.
Can I follow the clinic doctor's advice and continue wearing my current glasses until my examination at Chang Gung, and then get a new, appropriate pair? 2.
Should I go to an optical shop nearby to get a suitable prescription pair of glasses sooner?
Additionally, I would like to ask the doctor if my desire for clearer distance vision during my initial glasses fitting could have led to such a strong prescription.
Thank you for your response, Doctor.

Niming, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/12/09

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: You can use these glasses and continue wearing them until your follow-up examination at Chang Gung Hospital for a new prescription.
However, be cautious not to use these glasses for prolonged near vision tasks, as a stronger prescription can lead to increased eye strain.
It is possible that during the initial eye examination, your eyes were in a more fatigued state, resulting in a deeper prescription measurement.

Reply Date: 2023/12/09

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing some significant discomfort and concerns regarding your vision and the prescription of your glasses. Let's break down your situation and address your questions.

Firstly, it is important to understand that over-prescription of glasses can lead to eye fatigue and discomfort. When the prescription is too strong, especially for someone who has undergone surgery for strabismus (as you mentioned), it can cause the eyes to work harder than necessary, leading to symptoms such as soreness, redness, and swelling. In your case, the right eye, which has a higher prescription, may be straining more due to the increased workload, especially if you are engaging in activities that require near vision, such as reading or using a computer.

1. Continuing to Wear Your Current Glasses: Based on the advice from your local eye clinic, it seems reasonable to continue wearing your current glasses until your scheduled appointment on January 9. However, if you find that the discomfort is becoming unbearable or affecting your daily activities, it may be wise to seek a temporary solution sooner. You could consider visiting an optometrist to get a second opinion on your prescription and possibly obtain a pair of glasses with a slightly reduced prescription for the right eye to alleviate the strain.

2. Getting a New Pair of Glasses: If the discomfort persists, it might be beneficial to visit an optical shop sooner rather than later. A new pair of glasses with the correct prescription could help reduce the strain on your right eye. Since you mentioned that your work involves driving, having the correct prescription is crucial for your safety and performance.
Regarding your concern about the depth of your prescription, it is common for individuals who prioritize distance vision, especially in professions like driving, to have stronger prescriptions. However, it is essential that the prescription is balanced and appropriate for your visual needs, including both distance and near vision. If the prescription is too strong, it can lead to discomfort and visual distortion, which seems to be what you are experiencing.

In summary, while it is advisable to follow the guidance of your eye clinic and wait for your upcoming appointment, do not hesitate to seek immediate relief if the discomfort becomes too much to handle. Eye health is paramount, especially in your line of work. If you can, consider getting a temporary pair of glasses with a reduced prescription for the right eye to help manage the discomfort until you can get a comprehensive evaluation and new glasses.
Lastly, remember to take regular breaks from near work, practice the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds), and ensure proper lighting when reading or using screens to help reduce eye strain. Your eye health is important, and addressing these issues promptly will help maintain your vision clarity and comfort.

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