Can Uncomfortable Glasses Cause Temporary Floaters and Vision Changes? - Ophthalmology

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The symptoms you are experiencing, including discomfort from your new glasses, headaches, and the sudden appearance of floaters, can indeed be interconnected. It’s important to understand how visual disturbances, such as floaters, can arise and whether they can be influenced by changes in your prescription or the quality of your lenses.

Floaters are typically small spots or strands that drift through your field of vision. They are often caused by changes in the vitreous humor, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. As we age, the vitreous can become more liquid and may pull away from the retina, leading to the perception of floaters. While most floaters are harmless, a sudden increase in their number, especially if accompanied by flashes of light or a shadow in your peripheral vision, can indicate a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment, and should be evaluated by an eye care professional.

In your case, the discomfort from your new glasses could potentially lead to visual strain. When your eyes are straining to focus through an incorrect prescription, it can cause symptoms such as headaches and eye fatigue. This strain might not directly cause floaters, but it can exacerbate your awareness of them. The increase in your prescription by 50 degrees suggests that your vision may have changed, which could be a natural progression or a response to the discomfort and strain you experienced with the previous lenses.

Regarding the nature of the floaters you describe as "white misty," it is indeed possible for floaters to appear in various forms and colors. While most commonly described as black or gray, floaters can also appear white or translucent, especially if they are composed of different materials or if they are more diffuse in nature. The body can sometimes absorb these floaters over time, but this process varies from person to person.
If you have undergone a thorough eye examination, including a dilated fundus exam, and no abnormalities were found, it is reassuring. However, if the floaters persist, increase in number, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as flashes of light or changes in peripheral vision, it is crucial to seek further evaluation.

In summary, while uncomfortable glasses may not directly cause floaters, they can lead to visual strain that makes you more aware of existing floaters. The increase in your prescription indicates a change in your vision that should be monitored. If you continue to experience discomfort or visual changes, follow up with your eye care provider to ensure your eyes are healthy and to discuss any further steps you may need to take. Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining eye health, especially if you notice any changes in your vision.