new doctor new contact prescription

My contact lens prescription was -6.75 os, -6.50 od for the past 4 years.  I went to a new doctor today and he increased my rx to -7.50 os, -7.00 od.  Things looked blurry in the office but he said it was because he dilated my eyes.  5 hours later, thing far away do look clearer, all lights seem extra bright with a strong glare, things up close are definately blurry and my eyes hurt a little.  I think the prescription is too high.  I could see pretty well with my old prescription but this change seems a bit much.  Is it all in  my head?  

[Michael J Kutryb, MD]

If you think the precription is too high - one of the symptoms would be worsened near vision.  Call your doctor and explain your symptoms and get rechecked.  Very simple.

MJK MD

[2ndsight]

I'm not the doctor, this is the Expert Forum, but:

1) the dilation effect can last several hours and could be causing you to have the extra-bright/glare sensation in light, it should go away

2) your prescription is increased slightly, not a huge amount, so you can see better far away, but this may cause your close-up vision to be less clear. The MD is going by how you read the eye chart. Talk to him about your close-up vision, maybe you need reading glasses, or need to be more nearsighted in one eye (monovision) so you can read up close with that one.

[Sandy Feldman, MD, MS]

Dear Yesenia915,

I would try the contact lenses on a day when you are not dilated. If your symptoms persist, I would go back to your doctor or see an eyeMD to recheck the prescription.  

Dr. Feldman

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