Glasses, lenses and astigmatism

I have an astigmatism since yearly childhood (myopia, short-sighted) and I am 25 now. I always used to wear glasses in school (for 8-9 years). and when i was 15 i switched to contact lenses. nigther my glasses or lenses were astigmatic but gave the strenght i needed. Just a year ago i started wearing glasses again and i wear them all the time but my face and esyes look very wierd to me, recently i wanted to get back to contact lenses again but i have the same effect of everything being huge and looking ugly, especially my own appearence. It makes me being so paranoed. But i like what i see in the mirror when i look at the reflection in glasses. I never put my glasses off in front of other people cause i am afraid of their reaction, usually they say  that i look really pretty (seeing my in glasses) but i see very different picture having glasses off. same when i  am puting contact lenses on -  i look like an alien with huge eyes and really big face and body andi do not see my features attractive like it seem to me in glasses. why does it change the look so dramatically?? and how can i over come this? it also ruins my personal life since i do not feel attractive at all having glasses off but very ooposite. I've been playing with glasses and lenses for a few days and it jsut driving me mad. how can i see everything what it really is and accept myself the way i am... I am getting so paranoyed, please help me!!

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Elena2108,

Depending upon the strength of your prescription, there can be distortion from the thickenss of glasess.  Usually, this is less noticeable with contact lenses due to the closer position on the eye.  I would recommend that you try your glasses and/or contact lenses for one week to determine if you can adapt.  If you cannot, seek the care of an eyeMD and have your glasses and/or contact lenses checked.

Dr. Feldman

Sandy T. Feldman, M.D., M.S.
ClearView Eye and Laser Medical Center
San Diego, California