Prescription Changes and Eye Health Concerns

Q: Prescription Changes and Eye Health Concerns

Hello： 1. <br>Muscle aging can lead to slower focusing, and increasing the prescription of your lenses may help improve focusing speed. <br>New glasses can provide clearer vision, reduce muscle fatigue, and thereby enhance focusing performance. <br>As you are approaching 40 years

Regarding prescription and eyewear issues?

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 sixth grade.
Additionally, I have type 2 diabetes (with stable blood sugar at 5.6) and a strabismus issue (which is generally manageable, but can become noticeable when I am tired or just waking up).
Therefore, I visit the ophthalmologist every six months for dilated fundus examinations and other checks.

During a check-up over a year ago, it was noted that I might be experiencing muscle aging, as my right eye occasionally has a slower focus.
When checking the direction of gaze, I sometimes struggle initially but can see after a moment.
The doctor attributed this to aging.
During the refraction test, I wore glasses and my vision was measured at 0.9 in the right eye and 1.3 in the left eye.
Since I work in IT and spend long hours in front of a computer, I continue to use methylsulfonylmethane and phenylephrine.
The refraction test indicated that my prescription has not changed significantly in recent years, and my current glasses (which have prisms) are still acceptable.
Recently, when I went to have my glasses cleaned at the optical shop, they suggested getting new lenses, as my current glasses were prescribed in 2018.
They mentioned that the prescription for my right eye needs to be adjusted to improve my vision, and that the lifespan of the lenses is nearing its end.
From their perspective, it is recommended to have a refraction test and replace lenses every 3 to 4 years.
I would like to ask you the following questions:
1.
Will changing the lenses and adjusting the prescription help with the slow focusing due to muscle aging?
2.
Sometimes, due to slow focusing or insufficient prescription for distant letters, I tend to use only my left eye.
Will this worsen my strabismus issue?
3.
I have read online that after reaching middle age, the prescription stabilizes.
Is it still necessary to have a new pair of glasses every 3 to 4 years?
I apologize for troubling you with these questions, as it can be difficult for the general public to differentiate between the information provided by ophthalmologists and optometrists, especially when the prescribed lens powers differ.
Thank you, Director!

Yang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/01/16

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 may experience presbyopia; it is advisable to get a pair of glasses specifically for near work to alleviate the strain.
2.
If you are using one eye to see distant objects due to slow focusing or insufficient prescription, this may exacerbate strabismus issues.
The eyes are more likely to maintain proper focus and alignment when working together.
3.
Whether your glasses prescription needs to be re-evaluated every 3-4 years depends on individual vision changes.
Generally, vision changes tend to stabilize with age, but individual circumstances can vary.
If you notice significant changes in your vision or experience any discomfort, it is recommended to have an eye examination and adjust your glasses prescription accordingly.

Reply Date: 2024/01/16

More Info

Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your questions regarding your eye health and prescription changes. It’s understandable to have concerns, especially with your history of high myopia, diabetes, and strabismus. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Muscle Aging and Prescription Changes: As we age, the muscles that control our eye movements can indeed become less efficient, leading to slower focusing, especially when switching between different distances. If your eye care professional has suggested updating your prescription, it may help improve your visual clarity and reduce the strain on your eye muscles. A new prescription that better matches your current vision needs can alleviate some of the difficulties you’re experiencing, particularly if you find yourself squinting or straining to see clearly.

2. Strabismus and Focusing Issues: Using one eye to compensate for focusing difficulties can potentially exacerbate your strabismus. When you rely on one eye, it may lead to further muscle imbalance or increased fatigue in that eye, which could worsen the strabismus over time. It's essential to maintain a balanced use of both eyes to help manage your condition. If you notice that you are frequently favoring one eye, it would be wise to discuss this with your eye care provider, as they may recommend specific exercises or therapies to help strengthen the eye muscles and improve coordination.

3. Stability of Prescription in Middle Age: It is a common belief that myopia stabilizes in middle age; however, this is not universally true for everyone. While some individuals may experience less change in their prescription after a certain age, others, especially those with high myopia, may continue to see changes. Regular eye exams are crucial, even if you feel your vision has stabilized. The recommendation to have your prescription checked every 3 to 4 years is a good guideline, as it allows for timely adjustments that can enhance your visual comfort and quality of life.

In addition to these points, it’s important to consider the impact of your diabetes on your eye health. Diabetes can lead to complications such as diabetic retinopathy, which can affect vision. Regular eye examinations are vital for monitoring any changes related to your diabetes. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels, as you mentioned, is also crucial for protecting your vision.

Lastly, regarding the differences in prescriptions provided by different eye care professionals, it’s not uncommon for there to be slight variations based on the techniques and equipment used during the examination. If you ever feel uncertain about a prescription, it’s perfectly acceptable to seek a second opinion or ask for clarification from your eye care provider.

In conclusion, updating your glasses can help with your focusing issues, and it’s important to manage your strabismus carefully. Regular eye exams are essential for monitoring your vision, especially given your medical history. If you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye care professional. They are there to help you navigate these complexities and ensure your vision remains as clear and comfortable as possible. Thank you for your questions, and take care!

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