Prescription Differences in Contact Lenses for Better Vision - Ophthalmology

Share to:

Contact lens prescription -


Hello, Dr.
Gao: I apologize for bothering you again.
Regarding the newly prescribed contact lenses, it wasn't intentional to have one eye for distance and the other for near vision.
The eye that can't see clearly has difficulty seeing both far and near.
Should I increase the prescription for that eye to improve clarity? Would it be better not to prescribe a full correction to avoid strain? How can I determine if there is a difference in vision between my eyes? Thank you.

LILI, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2015/10/26

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology


Hello LILI: To determine if there is a difference in your vision, you need to undergo a refraction test to measure your corrected visual acuity.
The difference in corrected visual acuity indicates the disparity in your vision.
It is recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist to discuss this with the physician for an accurate assessment.
The Ophthalmology Department at Puzi Hospital in Taiwan is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.
Gao Pi-Lin

Reply Date: 2015/10/26

More Info


When it comes to understanding prescription differences in contact lenses, especially in cases where one eye may require a different prescription than the other, it is essential to consider several factors that can affect vision clarity and comfort.
Firstly, it is important to recognize that each eye can have unique refractive errors, which means that one eye may be nearsighted (myopic), farsighted (hyperopic), or have astigmatism while the other eye may not. This can lead to a situation where a person may need different prescriptions for each eye. In your case, if you are experiencing difficulty seeing clearly with one eye, it may indicate that the prescription for that eye is not adequate.
When fitting contact lenses, the goal is to provide the best possible vision correction while ensuring comfort. If you find that one eye is struggling to see clearly, it might be beneficial to adjust the prescription for that eye. This could mean increasing the power of the lens to better correct the refractive error. However, it is also important to avoid over-correcting, as this can lead to discomfort and visual strain.
To determine if there is a significant difference in vision between your two eyes, an eye care professional will typically conduct a comprehensive eye exam. This exam will include tests to measure visual acuity, refraction, and possibly other assessments to evaluate the health of your eyes. If you notice that you are squinting or straining to see clearly with one eye, it is a sign that your prescription may need to be re-evaluated.

In terms of comfort, wearing contact lenses that are not properly prescribed can lead to eye fatigue, discomfort, and even headaches. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is crucial to communicate this to your eye care provider. They can help you find a solution that may involve adjusting the prescription or exploring different types of lenses that may be more suitable for your needs.

Additionally, it is worth noting that the adaptation period for new contact lenses can vary from person to person. Some individuals may take longer to adjust to a new prescription, especially if there is a significant difference between the two lenses. If you are still having difficulty after a reasonable adjustment period, it is advisable to follow up with your eye care professional.

In conclusion, understanding prescription differences in contact lenses is vital for achieving optimal vision and comfort. If you are experiencing issues with clarity in one eye, it is essential to consult with your eye care provider for a thorough evaluation and potential adjustment of your prescription. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific visual needs and help you achieve the best possible vision correction. Remember, your comfort and visual clarity are paramount, and addressing any concerns promptly can lead to a more satisfying experience with your contact lenses.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Vision Issues: Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Hello, Doctor Gao. My left eye has a lower prescription than my right eye, but I recently noticed that when wearing contact lenses with the same prescription, my left eye does not see as clearly as my right eye; it appears less sharp, even for near objects. Could this be related ...


Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: It is normal for there to be a difference in vision between the two eyes. The accuracy of the contact lens prescription can also affect vision. The prescription for the left eye may be too strong; it might only require -7.00 diopters. Please refer to: https://bit.ly/2TLBgh...

[Read More] Understanding Vision Issues: Tips for Contact Lens Wearers


Understanding Contact Lens Prescription: Plus or Minus for Daily Wear?

When it comes to wearing daily disposable contact lenses, the prescription can vary based on the type of lenses and the fitting process. In your case, you mentioned having myopia (nearsightedness) of -2.00 diopters (200 degrees). The difference in the prescriptions you received...


Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello Ellie: If the prescription is below -4.00 diopters, the contact lens prescription can be the same as the glasses prescription. Wearing a higher prescription can lead to eye fatigue. At the E-Hospital in Puzi, Taiwan, the ophthalmology department is open Monday to Friday fro...

[Read More] Understanding Contact Lens Prescription: Plus or Minus for Daily Wear?


Do You Need Different Prescription Contacts for Each Eye?

Hello doctor, during my last eye exam, my vision was measured at 400/475 for each eye. I previously wore contact lenses with a prescription of 350, which allowed me to see clearly. The ophthalmologist mentioned that a difference of 75 degrees is not significant. I would like to k...


Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, if one eye is clear and the other has a refractive error of -1.25 diopters, it may result in blurred vision. While it is not recommended to wear them this way, if you feel comfortable and experience no discomfort, it is generally acceptable.

[Read More] Do You Need Different Prescription Contacts for Each Eye?


Understanding Vision Problems: Contact Lenses vs. Glasses and Keratoconus Concerns

I recently visited an ophthalmologist and found that my vision with contact lenses is 0.8 and 0.9, while with regular glasses, it is only 0.4 and 0.5. The axial length of my eyes was measured, but the doctor did not assess the true degree of astigmatism. The doctor mentioned that...


Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: There may be differences in the prescription between contact lenses and glasses for several reasons: 1. Different fitting methods: Contact lenses are typically fitted directly on the cornea, while glasses are fitted at a distance in front of the eyeball. Since the curvatur...

[Read More] Understanding Vision Problems: Contact Lenses vs. Glasses and Keratoconus Concerns


Related FAQ

Contact Lenses

(Ophthalmology)

Prescription For Glasses

(Ophthalmology)

Prescription Strength

(Ophthalmology)

Vision Discrepancy

(Ophthalmology)

Glasses Fitting

(Ophthalmology)

Parallax

(Ophthalmology)

Tinted Lenses

(Ophthalmology)

Artificial Lens

(Ophthalmology)

Hyperopia

(Ophthalmology)

Astigmatism

(Ophthalmology)