Re: Tension and Pain in Eyes

May 27th, 2009 by Dr. Virginia Donati

Tom wrote:
Hi! my name is Tom and I’m 22 years old. I got a myopia prescription (-9 dioptres, very bad) and distance glasses last week (1st time in 10 years).

When I use that glasses for close reading, I experience some unexplainable tension and pain in the eyes. When I take the glasses off, everything seems even blurrier (as if my vision deteriorates). I tried another glasses of similar prescription and the same phenomenon occurs.

What is the cause of it? Should I stop wearing the glasses altogether?

I also experience pain seeing light (any form of light) with or without glasses, but my eyes feel very comfortable in darkness? What are the possible causes of that? How can I avoid that pain during the day? Thank you.

ANSWER

Hello Tom,
If this is the first time in 10 years that you have changed your glasses, then the cause of the tension may be just getting used to the new prescription.  If the symptoms have not resolved after 1-2 weeks of wearing the new glasses steadily, than I would recommend returning to your optometrist to check that the new prescription is correct.  If your prescription is -9.00, please do not stop wearing glasses.
As far as the eye pain goes, there are many causes of eye pain (none that I can diagnose without examining your eyes).  I don’t believe that the cause of the light-sensitivity is due to the glasses, but highly suggest visiting an optometrist to have your eye health checked.  This is separate from a prescription check and is definitely warranted in your case.

Hope this helps,
Dr. Donati

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