AboutMitchell Axelrod Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about eye exam findings and procedures, glasses and contact lens types/prescriptions/problems. I can also answer questions about general eye conditions/diseases.
I do not answer questions concerning surgical techniques/procedures.
Please state your age or within a small range when asking questions, as it is often important.
Experience Optometrist 19 yrs.
Education/Credentials Doctor of Optometry, cum laude; Residency in Ocular Disease
Question Can an incorrect eyeglass prescription damage your eyes? I went in for a checkup and my doctor said I was over-corrected (I have been wearing this prescription for over 10 years with no problems L -1.25 x -.25 R -1.5 x -.5). When she changed my prescription, the new glasses were causing my right eye to pull and water (L -1.00 x -.25 / R -1.00 x -.5). I went back in to complain and she said that maybe she changed my prescription too drastically in the right eye and adjusted it to L -1.00 x -.5 / R -1.25 x -.75). Determined to make this prescription work, I wore it for five days before my right eye felt like it was going to explode. I went back to my doctor again and they told me I see better with my original prescription and changed me back to it. My eyes did not bother me before that initial visit. Now my right eye hurts and is bloodshot all of the time and I have trouble focusing. I wish I would have never gone in for that checkup. Are my eyes damaged now?
Answer Hi Jimmy. All three prescriptions are similar in power and honestly in my opinion not that different. You left out the axis on all, and that can make a difference if they are very different. You have changed .25 here and there, and on different days you can choose that difference or not. None of the powers you've written can explain such symptoms as yours. There are other factors besides the axis, like the lens material and curvatures that can make a difference also. So stay with your doc, or consult with your optician for further considerations besides the powers you've written about. I hope you find a nice solution. You could always try to find if they still have the original lenses and see if they are fine.
Good luck,
Mitch Axelrod, O.D.
