Signs That Your Glasses Are Too Strong – Dr. Noble Chun
Do you suspect that your glasses might be too strong?
With the increasing reliance on computers, tablets, and phones, it’s common for people to end up with prescriptions that work well for specific tasks but aren’t ideal for full-time wear. Improperly prescribed lenses can lead to discomfort and visual issues. At Gainesville Vision, we strongly emphasize not just the clarity of your vision, but the optimization of the visual system as a whole. This includes your eyes’ ability to focus, converge, and diverge together, and maintain comfortable vision for every situation.
Asthenopia, commonly known as eye strain or visual fatigue, occurs when your eyes become tired or uncomfortable. This condition can be exacerbated by glasses with an incorrect prescription. If your glasses are too strong, your visual system is forced to work harder, resulting in symptoms of asthenopia.
Whether you’re nearsighted or farsighted doesn’t necessarily determine if your glasses are “too strong” or “too weak.” Light focuses on the retina at different points depending on the shape of your eyes: if you’re nearsighted, light focuses in front of the retina, while if you’re farsighted, it focuses behind the retina. Glasses adjust this light to the correct position for clear, comfortable vision. However, light doesn’t always focus at the same spot—it shifts depending on the distance of the object. The closer an object is, the further back the light is pushed. Regardless of your glasses prescription, if light falls behind the retina, your eyes must work harder. This means that even if you’re nearsighted and your glasses are corrected for distance, your eye muscles will still need to work harder for near tasks. If your glasses are “too strong,” they make your eye muscles work harder at all distances, which is particularly noticeable during prolonged near work, like computer use.
What are some of the signs of your glasses being too strong?
Frequent Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom when your glasses prescription is too strong. The additional strain on your eyes can lead to headaches typically felt around the forehead or temples. These headaches often occur after using your glasses for extended periods, especially when performing near tasks. (1)
Persistent Eye Strain and Fatigue
If you experience ongoing eye strain or fatigue, despite taking regular breaks, your prescription may need adjustment. Your eyes should be able to focus comfortably without excessive effort. If you find yourself squinting, a “tugging” sensation on your eyes, or your eyes feeling tired towards the end of the day, it might be a sign that your glasses are too strong. (2)
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision, particularly when looking at objects up close or at varying distances, can indicate that your glasses are overcorrected. Your lenses should provide clear vision without causing distortion or focusing issues.
Double Vision
Seeing double, or experiencing diplopia, is another symptom that could point to an incorrect prescription. When your lenses are too strong or imbalanced, your eyes may struggle to work together to align images correctly, leading to double vision. 3()
What to Do if You Experience These Symptoms
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to schedule an appointment with us. A comprehensive eye exam will help determine if your prescription needs adjustment. Addressing these issues promptly can help alleviate discomfort and improve your overall visual experience.
Glasses should enhance your vision and comfort, not add to your problems. If you’re struggling with any of these signs, it’s time to have your prescription re-evaluated.
Dr. Noble Chun
Gainesville Vision
(352) 448-3932
- Lajmi, H., Choura, R., Ben Achour, B., Doukh, M., Amin, Z., & Hmaied, W. (2021). Headache associated with refractive errors: Characteristics and risk factors. Revue Neurologique, 177(8), 947–954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neurol.2020.10.008
- Touma Sawaya RI, El Meski N, Saba JB, Lahoud C, Saab L, Haouili M, Shatila M, Aidibe Z, Musharrafieh U. Asthenopia Among University Students: The Eye of the Digital Generation. J Family Med Prim Care. 2020 Aug 25;9(8):3921-3932. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_340_20. PMID: 33110788; PMCID: PMC7586504.
- Motlagh M, Geetha R. Physiology, Accommodation. [Updated 2022 Nov 15]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542189/