Astigmatism and Myopia for Military Eye Exams

Astigmatism

Doctor: Hello, I previously had an eye examination, and the results are as follows: Left eye → Myopia -11.75, Astigmatism +1.75 Right eye → Myopia -11.50, Astigmatism +2.00 I would like to ask you, if I were to undergo a military service physical examination today, how should I calculate my myopia combined with astigmatism? Is it like this: Left eye = -11.75 + (+1.75/2) = -10.875 Right eye = -11.50 + (+2.00/2) = -10.50 or is it like this: Left eye = -11.75 - (+1.75/2) = -12.625 Right eye = -11.50 - (+2.00/2) = -12.50 Since the astigmatism value is positive, how should it be calculated for the military service physical examination? Thank you.
:)

Liu Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/05/16

Dr. Ke Meilan reply Ophthalmology

Left eye = -11.75 + (+1.75/2) = -10.875 Right eye = -11.50 + (+2.00/2) = -10.50 This corresponds to 1.
Left eye = -11.75 - (+1.75/2) = -12.625 Right eye = -11.50 - (+2.00/2) = -12.50 This corresponds to 2.

Dear Mr.
Liu,
Hello: You have not provided the axis.
If the axis is 180 degrees, then it corresponds to 1.
If the axis is 90 degrees, then it corresponds to 2.

Sincerely,
Komeilan

Reply Date: 2010/05/16

More Info

Astigmatism and myopia are two common refractive errors that can significantly impact vision. Understanding how these conditions are assessed, especially in the context of military eye exams, is crucial for individuals undergoing such evaluations.
In your case, you have myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism, with the following prescription details:
- Left Eye: Myopia -11.75, Astigmatism +1.75
- Right Eye: Myopia -11.50, Astigmatism +2.00
When calculating the effective power of your lenses for military eye exams, the approach typically involves combining the spherical and cylindrical components of your prescription. The cylindrical component (astigmatism) is represented as a plus or minus value, depending on whether it is correcting for astigmatism that is "with-the-rule" or "against-the-rule."
In your case, the astigmatism values are positive, which means they are correcting for a specific type of astigmatism. The effective spherical equivalent (SE) can be calculated using the formula:
Spherical Equivalent (SE) = Sphere + (Cylinder/2)
Applying this formula to your prescription:
1. Left Eye:
- Sphere: -11.75
- Cylinder: +1.75
- SE = -11.75 + (1.75 / 2) = -11.75 + 0.875 = -10.875
2. Right Eye:
- Sphere: -11.50
- Cylinder: +2.00
- SE = -11.50 + (2.00 / 2) = -11.50 + 1.00 = -10.50
Thus, the effective spherical equivalents for your military eye exam would be:
- Left Eye: -10.875
- Right Eye: -10.50
This calculation indicates that your vision correction needs are significant, and both eyes are classified as severely myopic with astigmatism.
It is important to note that military eye exams often have specific visual acuity standards that candidates must meet to qualify for service. Generally, a visual acuity of 20/20 is desired, but there may be allowances for certain levels of myopia and astigmatism, depending on the branch of the military and the specific role you are applying for.
In addition to the calculations, it is essential to consider the implications of your prescription on your overall eye health. High levels of myopia can increase the risk of developing other ocular conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. Regular eye examinations and monitoring by an eye care professional are crucial to manage these risks effectively.

If you are concerned about your vision and its impact on your military service, it may be beneficial to consult with an eye care specialist who can provide personalized advice and possibly suggest corrective options, such as contact lenses or refractive surgery, if appropriate.
In summary, understanding how to calculate your effective spherical equivalent for military eye exams is vital, especially with significant myopia and astigmatism. Regular eye care and monitoring are equally important to maintain your eye health and ensure that you meet the necessary standards for military service.

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