Is Wearing Incorrect Prescription Glasses Harmful to Your Eyes? - Ophthalmology

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Wearing glasses with an incorrect prescription can indeed have negative effects on your eyes and overall visual comfort. In your case, wearing glasses that are significantly underpowered (200 degrees instead of your actual prescription of 700 degrees) for an extended period can lead to several issues. While it may seem that you can see clearly enough, the strain on your eyes can manifest in various symptoms, as you've described.

Firstly, when you wear glasses that do not match your prescription, your eyes are forced to work harder to focus. This can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and discomfort. Over time, this strain can contribute to symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, and even visual disturbances like the ones you are experiencing.

The symptoms you mentioned—seeing blue spots in dark areas, curtain-like shadows, flashes of light in your peripheral vision, and floaters—are concerning and warrant immediate attention. These symptoms can be indicative of several underlying issues, including retinal problems, which can be serious. For instance, flashes and floaters can be associated with retinal detachment or tears, which require prompt medical evaluation.
The blue spots you see in the dark could be related to a phenomenon known as "entoptic phenomena," where you perceive visual effects that originate from within your own eye, often due to the presence of floaters or other changes in the vitreous gel. The curtain-like shadows could suggest a more serious issue, such as a retinal detachment, especially if they are accompanied by flashes of light.

Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms for about a year, it is crucial to consult an eye care professional, preferably an ophthalmologist, for a comprehensive eye examination. They can assess the health of your retina and other structures in your eye to determine if there are any serious conditions that need to be addressed.

Regarding your question about whether you can get new glasses despite your current eye issues, the answer is yes, but it should be done under the guidance of a qualified eye care professional. They will first need to evaluate your eyes to ensure that there are no underlying conditions that could be exacerbated by wearing glasses. If your eyes are healthy enough for a new prescription, they can provide you with the correct lenses that will help alleviate some of the strain you have been experiencing.

In summary, wearing glasses with an incorrect prescription can lead to eye strain and discomfort, and it may contribute to the development of visual symptoms. Given your current symptoms, it is essential to seek professional medical advice to rule out any serious conditions and to obtain an appropriate prescription for your glasses. Taking care of your eye health is paramount, especially with a history of high myopia, which can increase the risk of retinal issues.