Your Eyeglass Prescription: Is 0.6 or 0.8 Better for You?

Orthodontic issues?

Hello, doctor.
I have myopia of -7.50 and astigmatism of -2.25 in my left eye, and myopia of -7.00 and astigmatism of -2.25 in my right eye.
I have undergone laser treatment for a retinal tear, and my current glasses prescription is -7.25 x -2.25 for the left eye and -6.75 x -2.25 for the right eye (corrected vision is 0.9 for the left eye and 0.8 for the right eye).
Is this glasses prescription acceptable? The prescription hasn't decreased much.
Will working on the computer and reading books increase my intraocular pressure? I work at close distances, so correcting my vision to 0.6 would be sufficient.
When corrected to 0.8, I can see the same line on the vision chart as at 0.6, just a bit clearer and brighter.
It seems that everyone else who corrects to 0.8 can read smaller text than at 0.6, but I can only see the same line.
Could this be related to my previous retinal tear affecting my visual function, or could it be because I have been wearing only one pair of low prescription glasses for a long time? Which correction is better, 0.6 or 0.8? (The optical shop said that if 0.6 is sufficient, there is no need for a stronger prescription, but it seems that everyone else is getting 0.8.) Thank you.

nana, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/16

Dr. Zhang Yanrui reply Ophthalmology

Retinal laser treatment is generally performed in the peripheral areas, so it has minimal impact on vision.
Most individuals experience poor retinal function due to myopia itself.
Prolonged computer use can lead to eye fatigue, resulting in a feeling of heaviness or discomfort.
Typically, intraocular pressure remains normal, but many people may check their eye pressure due to this sensation of pressure.
When prescribing glasses, age is a factor to consider.
For individuals under thirty, it is advisable to prescribe the full correction for optimal clarity.
However, for those approaching forty, it is important to take into account presbyopia and eye fatigue; sometimes, a prescription of 0.7 or 0.6 may be sufficient.

Reply Date: 2005/10/16

More Info

When it comes to understanding your eyeglass prescription and determining whether a correction to 0.6 or 0.8 is better for you, there are several factors to consider, particularly given your specific situation with myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism.

From your description, you have significant myopia in both eyes, with your left eye at -7.50 D and your right eye at -7.00 D, along with astigmatism of -2.25 D in both eyes. Your current glasses are prescribed to correct your vision to approximately 0.9 in the left eye and 0.8 in the right eye. This means that your glasses are providing a good level of correction, allowing you to see quite clearly.

The question of whether to correct your vision to 0.6 or 0.8 depends on several factors, including your visual needs, comfort, and any underlying eye health issues. Generally, a correction to 0.8 is preferable for most people because it provides a clearer and sharper image, which can be particularly beneficial for tasks that require detailed vision, such as reading or working on a computer. However, if you find that you can function adequately at 0.6 without significant strain or discomfort, this may be a reasonable compromise, especially if it reduces the burden on your eyes.

Regarding your concerns about eye pressure when working on the computer or reading, it's important to note that prolonged near work can lead to eye strain, which may feel like pressure or discomfort. However, this does not necessarily correlate with an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). IOP is influenced by various factors, including the drainage of aqueous humor in the eye, and is not directly affected by the act of focusing on near objects. If you experience persistent discomfort or symptoms, it may be worthwhile to consult an eye care professional to rule out any underlying issues.

You also mentioned having a history of retinal issues, specifically a laser treatment for a retinal tear. While this treatment generally does not significantly impact your visual acuity, it can sometimes lead to changes in how your eyes function. If you feel that your vision is not as sharp as it should be, or if you notice differences in how you perceive clarity compared to others, it could be related to the previous retinal condition or the long-term use of lower prescription glasses.
In terms of whether to opt for a correction to 0.6 or 0.8, it is essential to consider your daily activities and visual demands. If you primarily engage in tasks that require clear vision, such as reading fine print or working on a computer, aiming for a correction closer to 0.8 may be beneficial. On the other hand, if you find that 0.6 is sufficient for your needs and reduces the strain on your eyes, it may be acceptable to stick with that correction.

Ultimately, the best course of action is to have a comprehensive eye exam with an eye care professional who can assess your vision, discuss your specific needs, and help you determine the most appropriate prescription for your lifestyle. They can also evaluate your eye health, particularly in light of your history with retinal issues, to ensure that your vision correction is both effective and safe.

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