Trapezoid distortion effect with new glasses

[gabev3]

I recently got glasses for the first time my prescription was:

+0.25 -0.50 119
+0.25 -1.00 010

I know there is a period of adjustment, but I am experiencing a trapezoid effect, most noticeable when I sit in front of my laptop, where the monitor appears not perfectly rectangular, but slanted slightly and squished to the right side.

I went back to my optometrist, and he gave me a different prescription (??) as follows:

0 -0.75 120
0 -1.00 009

My question is, assuming that the astigmatism correction is responsible for the distortion of shapes that I experience, and given that this new prescription has slightly increased the strength in the right eye, would the likely effect be:

1. To decrease the problem with trapezoid distortion because the two lenses are closer to equal prescriptions
2. Worsen the trapezoid problem because the astigmatism correction is actually being increased (in one eye)
3. Some other effect.

My optometrist seems convinced that the new prescription will be "sharper" but the trapezoid effect is my real problem. Seeing as he's given me two prescriptions in the same week, I'm a bit confused, and I'm not sure if I want to go change to the new prescription if it's not going to solve the trapezoid problem.

Thanks for the help.

[JodieJ]

I can think of no reason why the (slight) disparity in your prescription from your right to left eye would be a problem in any way.  Few people have exactly the same prescription in both eyes.

[gabev3]

I would like to be clear that I am grateful that someone is willing to take the time to answer my question. I very much appreciate that.

However, my question is very narrow, namely if distortion is caused by the strength of a prescription, or the disparity in prescription from right eye to left eye. I cannot seem to find an answer to this question despite a lot of research and searching.

My glasses and prescription have already been rechecked by the optometrist, but he will not replace the lenses because I bought the glasses in a different store (he did the eye exam only). The other store will not replace the lenses, because the prescription was incorrect because of a mistake made by the optometrist, not them.

I don't want to pay (again) for new glasses, only to find the distortion has gotten worse. The store where I bought my glasses does not do the lenses in the store, but sends them away to have the lenses installed. I must decide if I want the new prescription BEFORE I have a chance to actually test the prescription. Thus, I seek this specific information, in the hopes that I can predict if the new prescription will indeed solve the distortion problem.

I sincerely thank you.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

This cylinder is minimal.  See the person who gave you the prescription and have it checked.  This should be done at no charge.

Dr. O.

[gabev3]

I purchased my glasses from a eyewear store, not at the office that did the exam. I don't have the option of test frames or having them re-do the glasses. I have to pay for everything, so I'm trying to gather information before I make a decision.

As I said before, the new prescription has a higher cylinder value in the right eye, but is now closer to the left eye cylinder value.

I really just want to know if distortion is caused by the strength of a prescription, or the disparity in prescription from right eye to left eye. That would be extremely helpful to know.

Thank you.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

This is a minimal prescription.  Have him put the prescriptions in trial frames in the office and see which is better.

Dr. O.