New Contacts–what Does It Mean If I See Shadows/clouds Around Signs And Lights At Night?
January 16, 2010 by admin
Filed under FAQ on advance for astigmatism
I have new contact lenses which seemed perfect in the eye doctor’s office (had no trouble reading the eye chart), but I’m having issues seeing with them out in the real world, especially at night. When I drive, street lights have a hazy cloud around them, and street signs (especially the reflective ones) seem to have shadows (almost like seeing double). And I notice the words on the sign are harder to read as well.
It’s a brand new pair, and a new prescription. Is the prescription power too strong/weak, is my astigmatism over/under corrected? I don’t understand why they seemed fine in the office though.
Thanks for any help!
Did this happen from the first time you wore the lenses or did it just start?
Have you tried removing the lenses and cleaning them? If not, try doing so and then put the lenses back in to see if the haziness improves.
Since you didn’t mention the power of your astigmatic correction, then it’s really hard to say if omitting that correction is the reason.
I would suggest that you go back to the doctor if your vision isn’t any better after cleaning the lenses.
Also, make sure you are following the cleaning instructions correctly. If you are using one of those Multi Purpose Solutions that say ‘NO RUB’, ignore that and place the lens in the palm of your hand, apply the cleaner and gently rub with your index finger for 15-20 seconds. Then rinse.
From what you are describing, it sounds like the astigmatism portion in your contact lenses might not be right. Without testing you, it is difficult to say whether this is due to under or over correction, it could be either. It could also be because the lenses are not sitting in the correct orientation in your eyes.
Go back to your optician and ask then to check this for you
The cloudy part sounds like the lenses may have protein build up, or maybe they are dried out. You did not say if these were soft contacts or gas-perm (RGP). If the latter, there can be issues with your pupil getting too big at night compared to the useful part of the lens. For me this manifested as “flaring” or starbursts around bright lights. If it really is doubling, it sounds like the astigmatism correction is off, as others have said.