Myopia and Astigmatism: Choosing the Right Prescription

Q: Myopia and Astigmatism: Choosing the Right Prescription

Hello： I remember you. <br>You mentioned that you have difficulty seeing clearly in class. <br>Wearing corrective lenses can help you see better, but using eye drops can relax your ciliary muscles. <br>Additionally, practicing distance gazing while wearing slightly over-corrected

Myopia of 100 diopters and astigmatism of 50 diopters?

Hello Dr.
Chen,
I visited your clinic the other day, and we discussed the possibility of pseudomyopia.
You prescribed me medication for improving my eye muscles and dilating drops.
However, I have difficulty seeing complex fonts on the blackboard, so I thought about getting a pair of +1.00 glasses for class.
I went to a local optical shop for an eye exam, and they told me I have -1.00 myopia and -0.50 astigmatism.
However, I don't like wearing glasses! I initially considered buying daily disposable contact lenses from Johnson & Johnson as a temporary solution.
They said since I have never worn glasses before, they would check my vision.
They recommended that I need +1.25 to +1.50 lenses because of my -0.50 astigmatism.
I tried on the +1.50 lenses, and they were very clear and bright, but I found it difficult to read up close.
The +1.25 lenses felt more comfortable.
They didn't let me try the +1.00 lenses, saying that if I only wore +1.00, it would be unclear at night and in rainy conditions.
However, I later thought about my -0.50 astigmatism.
If I wear +1.25 contact lenses, will my prescription worsen? Currently, I only wear them during class and take them off afterward.
Should I continue using the eye drops? Thank you!

Mei Nan Zi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/03/05

Dr. Chen Xuan reply Ophthalmology

Hello: I remember you.
You mentioned that you have difficulty seeing clearly in class.
Wearing corrective lenses can help you see better, but using eye drops can relax your ciliary muscles.
Additionally, practicing distance gazing while wearing slightly over-corrected contact lenses for pseudomyopia can help you see clearly at a distance (5 meters).
However, this may increase the strain on your eyes, especially during prolonged reading and writing, making it harder for your eyes to relax, which could lead to an increase in myopia.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chen Hsuan-Ching, Ophthalmologist.

Reply Date: 2005/03/05

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, as well as your experience with prescription glasses and contact lenses. It’s great that you are taking an active role in understanding your vision and the options available to you.

Myopia is a common refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. Astigmatism, on the other hand, is caused by an irregular shape of the cornea or lens, which leads to distorted or blurred vision at all distances. The combination of these two conditions can complicate your vision correction needs.

From your description, it seems that you have been diagnosed with mild myopia (100 degrees) and astigmatism (50 degrees). The recommendation to wear glasses or contact lenses is based on the need to correct these refractive errors to improve your visual clarity, especially for tasks like reading from a blackboard in class.

Regarding your experience with contact lenses, it’s important to understand that the prescription for contact lenses can differ from that of glasses. This is due to the distance of the lens from the eye. Contact lenses sit directly on the eye, while glasses are positioned further away. Therefore, the power needed for contact lenses may be slightly different, often requiring a lower prescription than glasses. The eye care professional you consulted suggested a prescription of 125-150 degrees for contacts, which is common practice to ensure optimal clarity and comfort.

You mentioned that wearing 150-degree lenses provided clarity but made reading close-up difficult, while 125 degrees felt more comfortable. This is a common experience, as the ideal prescription can vary based on individual comfort and visual needs. It’s crucial to find a balance that allows you to see clearly at both distance and near.
As for your concern about whether wearing 125-degree lenses will worsen your vision, it’s important to note that wearing the correct prescription does not cause your vision to deteriorate. However, wearing an incorrect prescription consistently can lead to eye strain and discomfort. If you are only wearing the lenses during class and removing them afterward, this should not significantly impact your vision over time.

Regarding the eye drops you were prescribed, if they were intended to help with your eye muscle function or to alleviate symptoms of pseudomyopia (a temporary condition often caused by prolonged near work), it’s advisable to continue using them as directed by your eye care professional. These drops can help relax the eye muscles and reduce strain, which is particularly beneficial if you are experiencing discomfort or difficulty focusing.

In summary, it’s essential to follow up with your eye care provider to discuss your experiences with both glasses and contact lenses. They can help you determine the best prescription for your needs and address any concerns about your vision. Additionally, if you continue to experience discomfort or changes in your vision, further evaluation may be necessary.

Remember, regular eye exams are crucial for monitoring your vision and ensuring that your prescription remains appropriate as your eyes change over time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your eye care provider with any further questions or concerns.

Best wishes for your visual health, and thank you for taking the time to understand your eye care needs!
Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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