Myopia or Myopic Astigmatism?

[rward80]

I have a question to ask (don't be too hard on me, I know it cannot be answered without an opthamalogic exam).  I have always be corrected for myopia (only).  At an exam I had with an optometrist last Nov. I was given a Rx with astigmatism correction.  Never had that before.  I got glasses with that script and could see but the glasses felt a little strong.  Let us call this Rx A.  I recently went to another optometrist and was given a slightly weaker sphere (0.50 difference) and cylinder (.50 difference) Rx.  Let us call this Rx B.  I can see just as far with the B as A, but road signs look doubled.  I also have an older script without astigmatism correction (Rx C) that has a stronger sphere correction than Rx B but no cylinder correction.  With Rx B I can see a computer screen much clearer than with Rx C with no cylinder.  With Rx C letters on the computer almost look doubled.  Also without my glasses, as it has always been,  objects that I can see, look doubled.  My question is, could I actually not have as bad myopia, and have more astigmatism than what I have been prescribed.  The reason I ask is because I have never actually had an refractive exam by an opthamoligist and I have read that myopia and myopic astigmatism have been confused and misdiagnosed in eye exams before.  Another experience I have, is that through my contacts I can really tell a big difference in vision in different types of lighting.  My vision seems to be much better in natural light than under artificial light. Always has been.  Especially when I look at LED lights such as clocks with my contacts I have always had ghosting.  Is this typical of contacts, or more related to astigmatism.  Now to give some history, I just recently had a PVD and repaired small retina tear, so I had extensive exams by an opthamoligist and retina specialist when this happened to check for any other diseases (all clean besides insignificant amounts of lattice) but nevera refractory exam by an opthamoligist.  What say you doctors?  As always, any replies would be grateful, and I appreciate your response.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

Your question is beyond the scope of this forum.  You might consider getting an optics book.

Dr. O.

[rward80]

Dr. O, I see your picture but no comment.  Thank you.

[Ray T Oyakawa, MD]

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