High Myopia: When Your Prescription Isn't Enough - Ophthalmology

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High myopia, often defined as a refractive error greater than -6.00 diopters, can lead to significant visual impairment and is associated with various ocular complications. In your case, with both eyes exceeding -1000 diopters, you are indeed classified as a high myope. It's not uncommon for individuals with high myopia to experience changes in their vision, even when their prescription appears stable during routine examinations.

When you mention that your glasses seem insufficient for distant vision, it could indicate several possibilities. One potential reason is that your visual needs may have changed over time, especially if you engage in activities that require more precise vision, such as reading or using digital devices. Additionally, the brain can adapt to a certain level of visual acuity, and you may not have realized that your previous prescription was inadequate until you experienced a noticeable decline in your ability to focus on distant objects.

Regarding the results of your dilated eye exam, it's important to understand that the prescription can remain relatively stable for years, especially in adults. However, if you feel that your vision has deteriorated, it is reasonable to request the specific measurements taken during the dilated exam. These measurements can provide valuable insight into your current refractive error and help you obtain a more accurate prescription for your glasses.

Here are some additional considerations regarding high myopia and your situation:
1. Regular Eye Exams: High myopes should have regular eye examinations, ideally every year or as recommended by your eye care professional. This is crucial not only for updating prescriptions but also for monitoring potential complications associated with high myopia, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or cataracts.

2. Understanding Your Prescription: When you receive your prescription after a dilated exam, it typically includes values for sphere (the main correction for myopia), cylinder (for astigmatism), and axis (the orientation of astigmatism). If you feel your current glasses are not providing adequate vision, you can discuss these specific values with your eye doctor to understand how they compare to your previous prescriptions.

3. Contact Lenses or Surgery: Depending on your lifestyle and preferences, you might also consider contact lenses or refractive surgery options. However, these should be discussed thoroughly with your eye care provider, as high myopia can complicate surgical options.

4. Visual Aids: If your prescription is stable but you still experience difficulty, consider discussing additional visual aids, such as specialized lenses or coatings that can enhance contrast and reduce glare, which may improve your overall visual experience.

5. Lifestyle Adjustments: If you spend significant time on digital devices, ensure you practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

In summary, it is entirely appropriate to request the specific measurements from your dilated eye exam to better understand your current vision status and to ensure that your new glasses provide the best possible correction. Open communication with your eye care provider is key to managing high myopia effectively and maintaining optimal vision.