What is a Significant Change in Eyeglass Prescriptions?

November 9, 2022

A significant change in eyeglass prescriptions may entail new eyeglasses. It can also refer to settling with your current prescription after a period of changes. Those who wear spectacles need to check their prescription at some point. To do this, you need to visit your eye doctor.

Below are some factors that may cause significant changes in your eyeglass prescription. They include:



Pregnancy

 


During this period, your body goes through several changes. These include body and vision changes. Pregnancy and breastfeeding may cause a myopic shift in your eyes. In many mothers, a change of around one diopter occurs towards the end of the third trimester.

It may not seem as significant, but the prescription modulation may be permanent after pregnancy. It may revert in some cases to the pre-pregnancy levels after giving birth, but there is always the chance that it may not.



Head Injuries

 


Injuries can occur anywhere at any time and without warning. When you get a head injury, you can expect numerous issues affecting your eyesight. Vision changes may be the first clue that your injury is severe. If you wear eyeglasses and realize this, it may be time to visit your eye doctor for an update on your prescription. 



Age

 


Aging is another factor that can cause a significant change in your eyeglass prescription. As you surpass age 40, your eyes may require lighter when reading. Words may appear blurry due to the stiffening of your eyes’ lenses. It results in presbyopia due to the insufficient refraction of light. Consult your eye doctor at this juncture. You may need new or stronger prescription lenses.



Eye Diseases

 


When you visit your eye doctor for a significant change in your prescription, they will first check for eye diseases. Some illnesses they will test for include glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts. All these can lead to blindness when you let them build up over time without medical intervention.

Symptoms of some eye conditions are difficult to notice at the beginning. You will only realize that you have conditions like glaucoma once you have issues with your peripheral view. For this reason, it is advisable to visit your eye doctor at least once a year.



Diabetes

 


Diabetes is among the foremost causes of changes in prescription eyeglasses. The presence of high blood sugar tends to cause myopic shifts or nearsightedness. If the level remains high, it may damage your retina, leading to total vision loss. Visit your eye doctor to revise your prescription and change your diet to manage diabetes.



Medication

 


Some forms of medication can cause transient myopic variations. The list of drugs that can do this includes sulphasalazine, acetazolamide, and indapamide. Scientists say that this stems from the continuous misfiring of the focusing muscles on your eyes. It causes overfocusing or nearsightedness. Stopping the medication may reverse the condition.

However, it is advisable to consult your doctor before ceasing any prescription drugs. Other factors that affect your eyeglass prescription include dry eye syndrome, hyperbaric chambers, and headaches.

For more information on what is a significant change in eyeglass prescription, visit Eye Associates of New York at our office in New York, New York. Call (212) 650-4888 to book an appointment today.

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