Chris,
Otis> When I was nearsighted, (-7 diopters) I could only DREAM of passing the 20/40 line. I got down that "low" because of a child's "bad habits", that create initially about -1 diopter. But then comes an "enthusastic" over-prescribing OD. For 20/40, you get a -1.5 to -2 diopter lens. This is where the "objectors" in medicine are correct, (both Bates and Raphaelson). It is this over-prescription police, and wearing a minus 16/7 that truly "kills" the eye. (I agree that this is not "intentional", but the results are always the same - stair-case myopia.))
Chris> I'm 19, I needed glasses since I was 13 (2007), I rarely wore them though, I only wore contact lenses from 2010 - 2012 (Last eye exam: end of 2011): R -2.00 -0.75 010 L -1.5 -0.75 180 --------- Currently: R -1 C -1.25 Axis 23 L -0.75 C -1.25 Axis 169
Otis> As I suggested, I AVOID the OD and his measurements. With some education, it is better that you make them yourself. But, as I suggested, passing the 20/40 line, and self-checking is indeed critical for your long-term visual welfare. No optometrist is going to "volunteer" this information to you - so you have to learn it on your own.
Otis> Because so many people are over-prescribed, I never rely on an prescription. I strongly suggest you put up a Snellen and do your own checking. Your OD simply does not "care" about your long-term distant vision. He assumes that ANY PREVENTION IS IMPOSSIBLE, or that it is NEVER "his responsibility". So, check your Snellen. You do not have to tell us - but you should be honest with yourself - objectively.
Otis> Yes, my nephew wore the plus through college. Is that excessive, or too much to ask for? That will indeed be your choice. In class (with 20/40) you can get along with no minus, and not wear the plus. But at home, and in private, I certainly recommend you do it.
Otis> We know now (check my site) that long-term close work does not "cause myopia". But it ALWAYS creates "negative status" for the natural eye. (Yes, I know you will not like my words.) This required close-work, does produce -1/2 diopter per year (down) for each year in school. I do not know if you believe it - but I do.
Otis> That means, to me, that wearing the plus (and no minus, and passing the 20/40 line) is critical. But you must convince yourself of these facts. No OD is in a position to help you with this personal issue.
Otis> I would NEVER again go to an OD, unless I checked my Snellen FIRST at home. That is my responsiblity - to myself.
Hi Otis,
Yeah, still wearing the plus. Something I know for sure is that I've learned quite well the danger of the minus (while worn up close) cause for a time I wanted to stop and go back to wearing contact lenses again (just because I don't like spectacles) but just for knowing how wearing the minus up close can elongate the eyes I reconsidered my decision.
Sometimes my problem is more with the results and not with wearing the plus. Since I started the "plus lens method" just by completely taking off my contacts, I feel it's kind of harder to keep track of my results. That's why I tried the Frauenfeld method, but I didn't really adopt it completely. I went for an eye check up and here's my progress: http://frauenfeldclinic.com/myopia-forums/topic/excellent-progress-eye-exam/ . But then I think that astigmatism prescription might be over-prescribed but I don't really have the money to be paying more check ups.
Anyways, I'll keep doing the plus method and hope that maybe I'll gain more improvements. I think that if I could completely clear out the 20/25 line I would be fine haha.