Is a -0.5 to -1.75 Change in Eye Power Normal for a 17-Year-Old Over 14 Months?

It is not uncommon for individuals, especially teenagers, to experience changes in their eye power over just a few months. This can lead to shifts in the prescription needed for glasses or contact lenses. If you have noticed an increase in your eye power from -0.5 to -1.75 over a period of 14 months at the age of 17, it is certainly something to consider. Let's delve into why these changes occur and what might be expected during your teen years.

Understanding Eye Power and Lens Prescription

Eye power, often referred to as refractive error, describes how the cornea and lens of the eye focus light. This error can be corrected with lenses that are powerfully designed to compensate for it. The prescription you receive is a measurement of the power of these lenses, usually denoted as diopters (D). For example, a prescription of -0.5 means that the lens needed to correct your vision is 0.5 diopters negative. A higher absolute value like -1.75 means the lens requirements are greater.

Changes in Eyeball Size and Lens Power

Your eye power can indeed change due to changes in the size of your eyeball. As your body grows, particularly during puberty, significant changes in eye growth can occur, leading to a shift in eye power. This is because the shape of the eyeball (called the axial length) can change, which in turn affects the focusing ability of the eye. The lens and cornea must then adapt to this new structure to correct vision properly.

Age and Eye Power Stabilization

Typically, the stabilization of eye power happens around the age when the body’s growth stops, usually between 18 and 20 years for males and between 15 and 17 years for females. If you are 17, you are indeed within the range where further significant changes could still occur. However, the rate and magnitude of these changes can vary greatly from person to person.

Importance of Regular Follow-Up

A regular follow-up with your eye care professional is crucial to monitor and adjust your prescription as needed. Your eye doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination, which includes measuring the length of your eyeball, checking the curvature of the cornea, and assessing the overall structure and function of your eyes. This ensures that any changes in your eye power are detected early and can be managed effectively.

Conclusion

While a change in eye power from -0.5 to -1.75 over 14 months is not unheard of, especially for a 17-year-old, it is advisable to consult an eye care professional. Regular check-ups will help ensure that your vision is corrected to the best possible level for your age and ongoing development. Incorporating these check-ups into your routine, particularly during teenage years, can help manage any eye health concerns and maintain optimal vision.