Choosing the Right Glasses: Prescription Changes and Comfort

Q: Choosing the Right Glasses: Prescription Changes and Comfort

Hello： As you mentioned, wearing a lighter prescription is more comfortable, but the clarity is insufficient. <br>However, increasing the prescription can lead to dizziness. <br>Dizziness when wearing glasses is not always related to the prescription; it could also be due to the

Lens prescription issues?

I am currently 30 years old and had my eyes tested in 1993, resulting in a prescription of approximately -6.25 diopters.
This past Monday (January 19), my lenses were quite worn out, so I went to get new glasses.
The new prescription came out to -6.75 diopters.
Initially, when the optical shop had me try the -6.75 lenses, I felt uncomfortable and dizzy.
When they had me try -6.50 diopters, it felt somewhat better, but I still experienced some discomfort.
Finally, when I tried -6.25 diopters, I felt much better, so I ended up getting lenses with the same prescription as four years ago, -6.25 diopters.
After getting the new glasses, I noticed that the prescription seems insufficient, as I have difficulty seeing signs and bus numbers clearly.
However, as mentioned earlier, I felt discomfort and dizziness with the -6.75 lenses.
I have a few questions:
1.
Should I stick with the -6.25 diopter lenses since they feel more comfortable?
2.
Should I opt for the -6.75 diopter lenses, considering that new lenses often require an adjustment period, and I should allow my eyes to adapt to the new prescription?
3.
At my age of 30, will insufficient prescription worsen my vision? Or is it better for me to use the -6.25 prescription, as it may reduce eye strain when looking at close objects, which could be better for my eye health?
Thank you very much.
I plan to seek a personal consultation when possible.
Thank you for your response.

Shan Shan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2009/01/23

Dr. Xia Weiwei reply Ophthalmology

Hello: As you mentioned, wearing a lighter prescription is more comfortable, but the clarity is insufficient.
However, increasing the prescription can lead to dizziness.
Dizziness when wearing glasses is not always related to the prescription; it could also be due to the lens material or grinding technique.
If you can see well at a distance with -6.75 diopter lenses but experience dizziness when looking up close, it may indicate an early onset of presbyopia.
To determine the exact cause, a detailed examination at the clinic is necessary.
It is recommended to bring your glasses on the day of your appointment and not to drive yourself, as you may need to have dilating drops administered (which can cause temporary blurred vision and light sensitivity for 6-8 hours).
If you are unable to come in for an appointment at this time, it is suggested to wear -6.25 diopter lenses (if wearing -6.25, monocular vision may reach 0.7, so binocular vision should be around 0.9).
When you have the opportunity, you should still seek a thorough medical examination! Wishing you peace and good health.

Reply Date: 2009/01/23

More Info

When it comes to choosing the right glasses, especially after experiencing changes in your prescription, it’s crucial to consider both comfort and visual clarity. Based on your situation, where you have fluctuated between different prescriptions (625, 650, and 675 degrees), let’s break down your concerns and provide some insights.

1. Comfort vs. Prescription Strength: It’s understandable that you felt more comfortable with the 625-degree lenses. Comfort is a significant factor when it comes to wearing glasses. If you feel that the 675-degree lenses cause discomfort and dizziness, it may indicate that your eyes are struggling to adapt to the stronger prescription. However, it’s also important to recognize that sometimes, a new prescription can take time to adjust to. If you have been wearing a lower prescription for a while, your eyes may need time to adapt to a stronger lens.

2. Adaptation Period: Generally, when you switch to a new prescription, especially if it is significantly different from what you are used to, an adaptation period is expected. This can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, it’s common to experience discomfort, dizziness, or even slight headaches. If you decide to go with the 675-degree lenses, give yourself some time to adjust. However, if the discomfort persists beyond a reasonable period (say, two weeks), it may be worth reconsidering the prescription.

3. Age and Prescription Changes: At 30 years old, your eyes are still relatively young, but it’s important to note that vision can change over time due to various factors, including eye strain, lifestyle, and overall health. If you consistently feel that your vision is not clear with the higher prescription, it may be beneficial to stick with the 625-degree lenses, especially if they provide you with clearer vision and comfort. It’s also worth mentioning that wearing a lower prescription can reduce eye strain, particularly when doing close-up work, which is beneficial for your overall eye health.

4. Consultation with an Eye Care Professional: Ultimately, the best course of action is to consult with an eye care professional. They can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the most appropriate prescription for your needs. They can also assess whether your eyes are healthy and if there are any underlying issues contributing to your discomfort.
5. Consideration of Lifestyle Factors: If you spend a lot of time on the computer or doing close-up work, you might want to discuss with your optometrist the possibility of getting a pair of glasses specifically for those activities. This could be a separate prescription that is optimized for near vision, which can help alleviate strain and discomfort.

In conclusion, while comfort is essential, clarity of vision is equally important. If you find that the 625-degree lenses provide you with better comfort and clarity, it may be wise to stick with them, especially if the higher prescription continues to cause discomfort. However, give yourself some time to adapt to any new prescription, and don’t hesitate to seek professional advice to ensure your eye health is prioritized.

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