Prescription Glasses: Do You Really Need to Wear Them All Day?

Eyeglass issues?

My right eye has a prescription of -1.25 and my left eye -2.25, with a 1.00 diopter difference between the two.
This is my first time getting glasses.
When I wear the full prescription, I feel fine while standing or sitting, but I experience dizziness when walking.
The optician suggested reducing the prescription for one eye and mentioned that I would need to get new glasses in six months.
When I asked if I could wear the full prescription and just go through the adjustment period, she said it would be very uncomfortable and that I wouldn't be able to attend classes.
I only want to wear them during class and not at other times, but she insisted that I need to wear them all day.
Is what she said true?

mei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/22

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, it is recommended to visit an ophthalmologist for myopia eye drops before rechecking your prescription.
Theoretically, in your case, you do not need to wear glasses all day, nor do you need a full prescription.

Reply Date: 2016/02/22

More Info

When it comes to understanding prescription glasses, especially for someone who is new to wearing them, it's important to consider several factors, including the prescription itself, the purpose of the glasses, and how to adapt to them. In your case, with a right eye prescription of -1.25 and a left eye prescription of -2.25, along with a significant difference in vision (anisometropia) of 1.00 diopter, it is understandable that you may experience some discomfort or dizziness when first wearing your glasses.

The recommendation from the optical company to wear your glasses all day, especially during activities like attending classes, is based on the principle of allowing your eyes to adapt to the new lenses. When you wear glasses with a different prescription, your brain and eyes need time to adjust to the new visual input. If you only wear them occasionally, you may find it harder to adapt, leading to discomfort or dizziness when you do wear them.
It's also important to note that wearing the correct prescription can help reduce eye strain and improve overall visual comfort. If you are experiencing dizziness while walking, it could be due to the difference in prescription between your two eyes. This is a common issue for individuals with anisometropia, and it may take some time for your brain to reconcile the different images it receives from each eye.

Regarding the suggestion to reduce the prescription in one eye, this is often done to minimize the discomfort associated with a significant difference in prescription strength. However, it is essential to balance comfort with the need for clear vision. If you feel that the reduced prescription is not providing adequate vision correction, you should discuss this further with your eye care professional. They may recommend a gradual adjustment period where you start wearing the glasses for shorter periods and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable.

In terms of whether you need to wear your glasses all day, the answer can vary based on individual needs. If you primarily need them for activities like reading or attending classes, you may choose to wear them only during those times. However, if you find that you are experiencing discomfort or difficulty seeing clearly without them, it may be beneficial to wear them more consistently.

In summary, while the optical company's advice to wear your glasses all day is based on the need for adaptation and comfort, it ultimately depends on your personal experience and comfort level. If you continue to experience discomfort or have concerns about your prescription, it is advisable to follow up with your eye care provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can help ensure that your prescription is appropriate and that you are adapting well to your new glasses.

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