Why Is My Myopia Increasing Rapidly After Switching Contact Lenses?

Short-term increase in prescription strength?

Hello Doctor, I originally had a myopia of 800 degrees and wore daily disposable contact lenses.
Two months ago, I got fitted for extended wear contact lenses, and the optical shop measured that my myopia in both eyes has worsened to about 900 degrees.
After bringing the new contact lenses home, my vision for distant objects has become increasingly blurry over the past two months, and it feels like my myopia has worsened again, even though I just got new lenses! What could be the reason for this? Thank you for taking the time to respond!

Misa, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/19

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, it is possible that contact lenses have caused a change in your corneal curvature.
It is recommended to stop wearing them for a week and then check your prescription again.

Reply Date: 2016/02/19

More Info

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that can worsen over time due to various factors. Your experience of rapidly increasing myopia after switching to long-wear contact lenses raises several important considerations.

Firstly, it’s essential to understand that myopia can progress due to genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and visual habits. If you have a family history of myopia, it is likely that your condition may worsen as you age. Additionally, prolonged near work, such as reading or using digital devices, can contribute to the progression of myopia.
Switching from daily disposable lenses to long-wear contact lenses can also play a role in the changes you are experiencing. Daily disposables are designed for single use, providing a fresh lens each day, which can help maintain better eye health and comfort. Long-wear lenses, on the other hand, are designed to be worn for extended periods, sometimes even overnight. If these lenses are not properly fitted or if they do not allow sufficient oxygen to reach the cornea, they can lead to discomfort, dryness, and even complications such as corneal hypoxia. This discomfort may cause you to squint or strain your eyes, potentially leading to further deterioration of your vision.

Another factor to consider is the lens prescription itself. If the new lenses were not accurately prescribed or if there was an error in the fitting process, this could lead to visual disturbances. It’s crucial that the lenses are tailored to your specific needs, including curvature and diameter, to ensure optimal vision correction and comfort.

Moreover, the adaptation period to new contact lenses can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience temporary visual fluctuations as their eyes adjust to the new lenses. However, if you are noticing a consistent decline in your vision, this should not be ignored.

It is also worth mentioning that the quality of the lenses plays a significant role. If the new lenses are of lower quality or not suitable for your specific eye condition, they may not provide the necessary correction, leading to further deterioration of your myopia.

Given these factors, it is advisable to schedule an appointment with your eye care professional as soon as possible. They can conduct a thorough examination to assess the fit of your lenses, check for any underlying issues, and determine whether your prescription needs to be adjusted. They may also evaluate your eye health to rule out any complications associated with contact lens wear.

In summary, the rapid increase in your myopia after switching to long-wear contact lenses could be attributed to several factors, including the fit and quality of the lenses, your visual habits, and potential underlying eye health issues. It is crucial to address these concerns with your eye care provider to ensure that you receive the appropriate care and to prevent further deterioration of your vision. Regular eye exams and proper lens care are essential components of maintaining eye health, especially when wearing contact lenses.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Sudden Myopia Changes: Eyeglasses vs. Contact Lenses

About 6 to 7 months ago, I had an eye exam. My left eye was over -600, and my right eye was -575. I was prescribed daily disposable contact lenses for my myopia control and glasses with a slightly lower prescription. I usually wear contact lenses during the day and regular glasse...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Based on your description, you have recently noticed an increase in your myopia, and you experience different visual perceptions when wearing glasses and contact lenses. This situation may have several possible causes: 1. Refractive changes: The increase in myopia may be...

Does Wearing Contact Lenses Increase Myopia? Understanding Eye Health Concerns

Since middle school until after having my second child, my myopia has remained stable (right eye -1.50, left eye -1.25). I have a habit of not wearing glasses unless necessary because wearing frames causes headaches. My vision has generally been good. After giving birth to my fir...

Dr. Chen Anping reply Ophthalmology
1. You are not a suitable candidate for laser surgery for myopia (your prescription is too mild). 2. Prolonged exposure to computers may increase the degree of myopia. Caring for two babies requires significant effort and can affect nighttime sleep, while daytime work may acceler...

Does Wearing Contact Lenses Worsen My High Myopia?

Dear Doctor, if I am a patient with high myopia, will wearing contact lenses cause my myopia to worsen? I am used to wearing glasses, but I am considering switching to contact lenses. Thank you.

Dr. Chen Anping reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Wawa: Wearing contact lenses does not worsen myopia.

Why Did My Farsightedness Suddenly Increase?

Hello, doctor: A year ago, I had an eye exam and was diagnosed with +2.50 diopters of hyperopia, for which I received a pair of glasses. However, I hardly used them. Recently, I noticed that my vision at both near and far distances has become somewhat blurry. After another eye ex...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello: You may have had a hyperopia of 100 degrees, but during previous eye examinations, your ciliary muscles might have been exerted, resulting in a lighter measurement. Now, since you are unable to exert that effort for accommodation, your vision may appear blurry. This is lik...