Astigmatism Changes and Eyeglass Prescription Advice

Inquiry about increasing astigmatism prescription for glasses?

Hello Doctor, a year and a half ago, my eye examination showed my right eye as 1025/200 and my left eye as 1000/225.
Recently, my vision check revealed my right eye as 1200/200 and my left eye as 1000/300.
Currently, I have glasses with prescriptions of 800/75 for both eyes.
Since my job requires me to spend long hours in front of a computer, the optician suggested that I could get a pair of glasses for near vision and another for distance vision.
I found on a website that the prescriptions for near and distance glasses should not differ too much.
I would like to ask:
1.
What is the maximum allowable difference in prescription between the two pairs of glasses?
2.
I had a normal fundus examination at the end of last year, but last week the optician found that my astigmatism has increased significantly.
Is it normal for astigmatism to increase, or could it be due to my recent extensive computer use?
3.
For the near vision glasses, is it necessary to fully correct the astigmatism, or can it be left undercorrected? The doctor suggested that for near vision, I should adjust based on what feels comfortable, but what would be an appropriate level of astigmatism correction for that?
Thank you for your response.

syun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/28

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello,
1.
There is no definitive answer.
For near vision, you can use the lowest prescription that allows you to see clearly on the computer.
For distance vision, you should choose a prescription based on your daily visual needs, and multifocal glasses can be an option.

2.
Astigmatism typically does not increase significantly unless there is some form of pressure, such as frequent eye rubbing or squinting to see things, which can exacerbate the condition.
If there is no such behavior and astigmatism continues to increase, it may be necessary to check for other underlying causes, such as keratoconus.
Simply using a computer should not increase astigmatism.

3.
Astigmatism can cause double vision, and this effect becomes more pronounced at a distance.
Therefore, it is important to have an adequate prescription for distance vision.
For near tasks, the impact may not be as significant, but it can still cause overlapping images, especially when reading small text on a computer.
Thus, your specific needs should guide your prescription.

Taiwan E-Hospital, Puzi Hospital, Ophthalmology Department: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM; Wednesday afternoon, 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
We hope to have the opportunity to serve you.

Gao Pilin

Reply Date: 2016/01/28

More Info

Hello! Thank you for your detailed questions regarding astigmatism changes and eyeglass prescriptions. Let's address each of your concerns systematically.

1. Difference in Prescription Between Two Pairs of Glasses: When it comes to having separate glasses for distance and near vision, the general recommendation is that the difference in prescription should ideally not exceed 2.00 diopters. However, this can vary based on individual comfort and visual needs. If the difference is greater than this, it may lead to visual discomfort or difficulty in adapting to the different prescriptions. It's important to consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure that the prescriptions are appropriate for your specific visual requirements.

2. Increase in Astigmatism: It's not uncommon for astigmatism to change over time, and various factors can contribute to this. While some degree of fluctuation is normal, a significant increase in astigmatism can be concerning. Prolonged computer use can lead to visual fatigue and may exacerbate existing refractive errors, but it does not directly cause an increase in astigmatism. Other factors, such as changes in the shape of the cornea or lens, can also play a role. If your astigmatism has increased significantly, it would be wise to follow up with an eye care professional to rule out any underlying conditions or to discuss potential interventions.

3. Prescription for Near Vision Glasses: When it comes to near vision glasses, the prescription can be adjusted based on your comfort and visual needs. While some practitioners suggest that you can reduce the astigmatism correction for near vision glasses, it is generally advisable to include some degree of astigmatism correction to ensure clear vision. The amount of astigmatism correction needed can vary from person to person, but a common approach is to maintain a similar level of correction as in your distance glasses, or slightly less if you find that comfortable. The key is to ensure that you can see clearly without straining your eyes.

In summary, it is essential to have regular eye examinations, especially if you notice significant changes in your vision. Your eye care professional can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation, including whether you need to adjust your prescriptions or consider other options like multifocal lenses, which can accommodate both near and distance vision without the need for multiple pairs of glasses.
Additionally, if you are experiencing discomfort or visual fatigue from prolonged computer use, consider implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This can help reduce eye strain.
Lastly, if you have concerns about your eye health or the progression of your astigmatism, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation from an eye care specialist. They can provide comprehensive assessments and recommendations tailored to your needs. Thank you for your questions, and I hope this information helps clarify your concerns!

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