I hate wearing my glasses, can't wear contacts, can't get surgery. Any suggestions?

Question

I'm 13, and have incredibly severe astigmatism. Due to technology, my glasses aren't that thick, but I don't think my face was made for glasses. I look positively terrible with my glasses, and hate to wear them. I have contacts, but they hurt unbelievably bad, because my prescription is bad and they are thick, so they are extremely uncomfortable. I can't see wiith them either. My parents will not let me get surgery, because of the chance of blindness. I can see without my glasses, but it requires focusing my eyes which makes me go cross-eyed and if I do it for too long it hurts. Also, I can't read this way.

Any suggestions? I've tried to just wear my glasses when I read, but it's easier just to wear them all the time. And don't tell me to get different glasses, that's not an option.

Answer 1

When you do have a chance to get new glasses, try a different frame. There are so many different styles of frames nowadays and surely you can find one that flatters your face. It's much better to wear your glasses than try to strain your eyes. You could be damaging yourself. Perhaps your parents can't afford new glasses right now but you could possibly save your own money for a new pair.

I'm not sure how much of a chance you gave to your contacts, but it does take some time to get used to them. Finally for me the thing that motivated me to wear them every day was I was going to high school and I didn't want the kids to see me with my glasses. I just wore them every day until I got used to them, and now I love wearing contacts. They do bother your eyes at first but if you wear them consistently you can get used to them.

Answer 2

I feel your pain, although I'm 33. Contacts for astigmatism are so uncomfortable! Also, you are too young for the surgery. Your eyes will keep changing until your early to mid 20s. A respectable doctor won't do the surgery until the changes have slowed down. By then, you'll be able to make the decision for yourself.

It sounds like you just have a pair that don't fit well. I usually have to get kid's glasses because my head is small. Glasses that don't fit not only look funny, but are uncomfortable. They can slide around and fall off. Not fun.

Go to a place like Lenscrafters or PearleVision. Ask the people who work there to help you find a pair that fit and that you like the look of. Would your parents be willing to spend a bit of money on your glasses? If so, see if you can find a second pair. Then you can switch it up a bit. They end up being a great accessory. There are lots of really cool frames out there, you just have to look around.

Good luck!

Answer 3

This is quite a conundrum.

Since those three things (glasses, contacts, surgery) are the only options, here is what I think:

1. (And I know you don't want to hear this) But get some glasses that make you feel confident. They even make lenses that tint in the sun to make automatic sunglasses. There are a lot of cute glasses out there. I have some fun cat eye-ish ones. I reallly like funky glasses the best.
2. I have been wearing contacts for a couple years now. (I actually just wear one...I have a problem with only one eye) When I first started, I hated hated hated it. It always fell out and my eye always burned. But, I just kept working at it. I wore them off and on. Now, I love to wear my contact because I can wear fun sunglasses and I have a lot more freedom.
3. I have never had eye surgery. You are kind of young. Maybe make a deal with your parents. Say like, "If I wear my glasses or contacts for one more year, can I get surgery?" It's all about compromise. Tell them, it's important to you. Try to be adult about it. Parents respect that.

I hope I helped and didn't ramble on too long. I really wish you well.

Answer 4

I too have severe astigmatism. I have had glasses since I was 6. I cannot wear contacts, and I cannot get surgery either.
I have learned to appreciate that I can see adequately with my glasses on, and have come to depend on them from the moment I wake to the moment I go to sleep.
I believe glasses "grow on you". If you continue to wear them, you will probably find that you do not look as badly as you seem to think you do.
Ask for honest opinions from your family about them too, I'll bet they'll tell you you look fine.
The next opportunity you have to get a new pair (like when you get a new prescription) ask the people there to help you find a pair that goes with your face, there are always glasses to go with any face!
For now, just be happy that you can see,. and try your best to look at yourself in a better light. There are people out there who undoubtedly look worse than you do in glasses.
Good luck.

Answer 5

There may be an option for you - Orthokeratology. It's mostly for nearsightedness, but some astigmatism can be corrected with it too. I've included a link for more information.

I also have sever astigmatism and wear Acuvue 2 contacts, and they fit very well. Maybe check this brand too.

Good luck!

Answer 6

hmm what a tuffy. good news is even if u wanted surgery you cant get it till at least 21 for your eyes. Maybe go back to your doctor and try a different brand of contacts. if that doesnt work try keeping your glasses and maybe getting a new haircut and clothes to change the focus away from them. good luck

Ps my friend is legally blind so your perscription cant be worse and she wears contacts so Im sure there's a contact out there!!

Answer 7

You are 13 and there are not many options open to you right now. Your mother is right - you should not get the surgery - because it does not work for everyone. Look for a pair of glasses that fit your face structure and coloring. I have had to deal with the same and I love my glasses. They are very lightweight and they came in various colors. (black frames is what I chose) It is not fair to yourself to damage your eyes any more than they are - if contacts is not an option neither is blindness. Take care of yourself and your eyesight.

Answer 8

I'm not sure what you want us to say?? Either deal with your glasses or go back and get contacts that fit better?

Answer 9

Would your parents allow you to have surgery in one eye at
a time. I had surgery in my left eye, because that is the eye
which looks around a car when I need to pass. My doctor said my eyes would adjust, and I use my right eye for close
up vision and my left for distance. It would be worth checking out. I had my surgery in 1995, and it has been a tremendous blessing to my life.

God bless.

Answer 10

There isn't too much you can do, but me, for example, I always have my glasses in my pocket, and put them on only when I need them