astigmatism, myopia and nystagmus

[risiki]

I have a congenital eye condition (stated in title), but I haven`t seen a doctor in like ten years (because I had outgrown childrens`s optholmologist I had and in theory should have found new specialist, but it went south), I`ve been meaning to do that because I really want to get contact lenses. But I am not sure how serious this is - in theory, I`ve been told that it is bad and that I can`t have lenses. But I`ve been reading on Internet that myopia with astigmatism is common and nystagmus apparently is much more serious issue for most people. My understanding is that my myopia was geting worse when I was little, but I`ve got subscriptions for glasses from last two times (in 99 and 01 respectively), in which there seems to be no change:
right sphere -3,5; cylinder -2,5; axis 170
left sphere -4,5; cylinder - 2,5; axis 7

Also should I visit opthalmologist or is optometrist also fine?

[risiki]

And at any rate - what about seriousness of this condition?

[risiki]

I don`t expect you to assess my situation over Internet :) Just tell me what you think. It`s just that it seems that people who usually assess it are making mountain out of molehill

[cwatt1]

No one can assess your specific situation over the internet, but some poeple do quite well with conttact lenses.  Here is link to an article you may wish to read:

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/nystagmus.htm

[risiki]

No, it is not the cost, it is just that doctors are hard to get to and I myself am not that familiar with the system - in most cases you need your GP to direct you to specialist first, though I think this was droped in case of eye care, but they still have hudge waiting lists and I really wish to find someone who would be interested in my situation and would also be well informed on contact lenses.

In the mean time most eyewear shops offer consultations, I guess some have ophtalmalogists, but most have optometrists and I found a store that specialises in contact lenses, but it offers optometrist consultation

[Houman Vosoghi, MD]

I agree with risiki.  See an ophthalmologist if possible given the nystagmus.

HV

[cwatt1]

I have always been of the opinion that if you have any sort of eye condition other than simply vision correction needs, you're better off seeing an ophthalmologist rather than an optometrist.  There;s really no reason not to.  An ophthalmologist is better able to assess your vision needs given that complication, and if there are new and better treatments for it, an ophthalmologist would have access to those treatments.

I'm aware that typically lenses do not help nystagmus, but an ophtalmologist (a true medical doctor) would be better able to monitor your condition for you.

I have no knowledge of the medical system in your country, but perhaps cost is your concern?  .

[risiki]

Why exactly do you think so? Nystagmus can`t be corrected using lenses, so what diffrence does it make?

[cwatt1]

Myopia and astigmatism are quite common and quite frequently occur together in many people (including me).

However, since you have also nystagmus I would recommend you see an ophthalmologist.