Adjusting to New Glasses: Managing Astigmatism and Eye Fatigue - Ophthalmology

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Adjusting to new glasses, especially when dealing with astigmatism and eye fatigue, can be a challenging experience. Your situation, characterized by high myopia and mild astigmatism, is not uncommon, and many individuals face similar issues when transitioning to new corrective lenses. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you might be experiencing and some recommendations to help you manage your symptoms.


Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Eye Fatigue: The fatigue you experience in your right eye after prolonged computer use could be attributed to several factors. When you switch to new glasses, your eyes may need time to adapt to the new prescription, especially if there are slight changes in the lens curvature or power. This adaptation period can lead to discomfort, particularly if the new lenses are correcting astigmatism differently than your previous pair.

2. Astigmatism: Astigmatism occurs when the cornea or lens of the eye is irregularly shaped, causing blurred or distorted vision. In your case, the addition of a small amount of astigmatism correction in your new glasses may initially feel different, leading to visual fatigue as your brain works to adjust to the new visual input.

3. Pupil Distance (PD): The slight difference in your pupillary distance (PD) between your old and new glasses (68mm vs. 69.5mm) could also contribute to discomfort. A misalignment in PD can cause visual strain, as the lenses may not be perfectly centered over your pupils, leading to an uneven distribution of light entering your eyes.


Adapting to New Glasses
1. Adjustment Period: It’s normal for your eyes to take a few days to adjust to new glasses. During this time, you might experience some discomfort, particularly if the prescription has changed. It’s good to hear that the fatigue in your right eye has lessened over the past few days, which may indicate that your eyes are beginning to adapt to the new lenses.

2. Gradual Use: If you find that your right eye is still feeling fatigued, consider gradually increasing the amount of time you wear your new glasses. Start with short periods and slowly extend the duration as your comfort level improves.

3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If the fatigue persists or worsens, it may be worth revisiting your optometrist to discuss the possibility of adjusting the astigmatism correction in your right eye.

When to Consider Changes
1. Consultation with an Optometrist: If you continue to experience discomfort or if the fatigue does not improve, it may be beneficial to consult with your optometrist. They can assess whether the current prescription is appropriate or if adjustments are necessary.
2. Astigmatism Correction: While a -0.25 diopter correction for astigmatism is relatively mild, it can still cause discomfort in some individuals, especially if they are not used to it. If you feel that removing the astigmatism correction alleviates your symptoms without compromising your vision, it may be a viable option.

3. Visual Habits: Since you work extensively on the computer, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This practice can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.


Conclusion
In summary, adjusting to new glasses, particularly with astigmatism, can take time. Your experience of fatigue in one eye may be a normal part of this adjustment process. However, if symptoms persist, it’s essential to consult with your optometrist to ensure that your prescription is correct and that your glasses are properly fitted. Remember, your comfort and visual clarity are paramount, and it’s perfectly acceptable to seek adjustments until you find the right balance for your eyes.