Question about contact lens powers?

Question

I just got new contacts about 3 days ago. The doc gave me 2 trial pairs to wear, one with the Rx i have now, another with a slightly stronger Rx. I went back yesterday because i was having a slight hard time reading up close with the slightly higher power contacts.

The doc said that the higher power contacts make my distance vision a little clearear but it makes my eyes strain more for up close vision. The lower power contacts that I had before do just the opposite...close up vision better (no strain), but distance vision a little less clear.

I dont know which to get. I did order the higher Rx contacts cuz he said it would be better for driving, yet my eyes hurt when I read. My left eye feels funny, like its dry, but neither contact is blurry.

I hate to go back to the doc for a third time, and tell him I want to change my Rx back to the original lower one. I thought the higher ones were ok, but today now, it seems they are giving me a slight headache.

I feel dumb that the contacts were ok when i talked to the doc yesterday, then now they kinda give me a slight headache. The doc seems annoyed that i couldnt make up my mind on which power i wanted to order, so i ordered the higher power.

I hate to annoy him yet again, cuz i cant make up my mind, but I did pay for the exam and contacts....why couldnt he just take a sec to write a new script and change the unopened contacts for the lower power ones. Both are the same brand, so same cost.

He gave me a -7.00 and a -7.50 Rx contacts. I have the same Rx in both eyes.

He gave me different powers of contacts to try because I couldnt tell a big difference in the two powers...until...I got outside and could look far far away.

I dont know if it is all in my head or what.

I got a pair of contacts now to try that are in between, a -7.25. Hopefully these will work, though they are a different brand. Since the -7.00 is a little too weak for my distance vision, and ok for my close up...and the -7.50 is a little too strong for my close up but good for my distance....HOPEFULLY...the in between power will be just right. (Logically it would be just right, but you never know.)

Age isnt the problem. I'm only 22. I just have an eye disorder called Nystagmus andmy eyes "bounce". It makes my vision worse.

I tried the -7.25 but i still can tell that I cant see as well far away.

Answer 1

You might want to try the higher power for a little longer -- it might take your eyes a week to adjust to them. If you've already tried them at least that long and definitely don't like them -- go back and see your eye doctor. If he makes you feel like a burden find a new eye doctor -- there's no reason to see someone who isn't interested in what's best for you.

Answer 2

Unfortunately you can't get both - especially when you get older.

So here is what you can do:
- there are bifocal/progressive contact lenses - with those you can get the clear vision for the distance and clear vision for the short distance. But....not everyobdy can get used to them and they are very expensive. They also don't come in all strengths. and Optometrists often don't know about them.

- or - what I do: Get the contact lenses for the clear distant vision and some cheap reading glasses. That's a good solution for the days you are not reading al lot but you are outside or doing sports and so on.

- and - what I do too: For the days where I have a lot to read and work I got glasses with progresive lenses.

I was wearing contacts for more than 20 years with no problem and because of the things you are describing I had to change to a mix of glasses and contacts. The progressive contracts were too expensive for me yet.

Answer 3

With the higher power lenses, it will take some time getting used to and you will have headaches. I am a contact lens wearer for over 11 years and have gone through this a few times. The thing that concerns me is why your eye doctor is giving you lenses that help you see near or far but not the opposite. There are lenses out there for people with astigmatism and these lenses work wonders. I wear one of these lenses in my left eye and can see near or far without any problems.

Answer 4

Most likely you need bi-focal sontacts. I have the same problem you have. I chose to have my distance vision, which makes reading a bit more difficult-the letters are a bit smaller. You probably have the headaches from eye strain. I get that when I read for too long. Ask about the bi-focal contacts. Your dr. should not be giving you attitude. That only refelcts his ignorance of what your options are.

Answer 5

well first of all its his job to help you, so you should call him as much as you need to until he has helped you, i mean you did pay him and all. and also thats so weird that he gave you two diff prescriptions. i would find a new doctor.