New contact lense prescription - is this normal?

[flyingant]

I have a fairly mild prescription and just got a new one (went from -0.5 to -0.75) and my new lenses seem really weird. My mid to long vision is clearer but if I try to focus on something closer, it feels like my eyes are straining and it's making me feel sick and headachy. I'm having to move books further away from me to read them. Is this just something I will get used to or is it a problem I need to revisit the optician about?

How long have you been wearing them? It always takes me a little while to get used to a new prescription but usually clears up after a couple of days at least. If taking longer I would go back.

How old are you? (I'm an optometrist)

Just noticed that it's only -0.25 difference - no, that's not normal.
What does the prescription on the packet say?

Thanks for the responses. I've checked my prescriptions and lenses (they're actually different from what I remembered)...

Old prescription:
Right:
SPH: -0.25
CYL: -1.50
Axis: 180

Left:
SPH: -0.50
CYL: -1.50
Axis: 175

Old lenses (L&R)
SPH: -0.50
CYL: -1.25
Axis: 180

NEW prescription:
Right:
SPH: -0.75
CYL: -1.75
Axis: 180

Left:
SPH: -1.25
CYL: -1.75
Axis: 175

NEW lenses (L&R)
SPH: -0.75
CYL: -1.75
Axis: 180

I'm in my forties and it's been 2 years since my last eye test.

With that much of a change it is possible to fill sick or disoriented for a few days . I know when I had my glasses prescription change by more then about 0.75 diopters they sometimes do it in stages as some people can't cope. I know similar can happen with contact lenses.

Have you double checked the boxes? I once went a week wondering why I was having so many problems with one eye and they’d given me the wrong box, same number, but a + instead of a -

Yes, I've taken the lenses info straight form the box.

With a jump in the cyl like that I would agree it will take a couple of days to get used to, however as pp was asking your age it could be you may start needing some help with your close up vision, reading etc, as when approaching 40s and 50s your short distance vision can start to deteriorate, perfectly normal and nothing to worry about, so the jump in your distance vision could show this up. I would keep an eye on it (no pun intended) and if you are still not used to new prescription in a week go back.

The cyl (the - 1.25 going to - 1.75)has probably caused a bit of issues at near as you are approaching presbyopia (when you need extra what we call plus prescription to see things up close). If you weren't having any issues with the old prescription you can revert back to that so you will be able to see better for close work. The new prescription however would improve your distance vision so it's a balance.

It’s not a big jump, but yes with an extra 0.50 on the cyl and 0.25 on the sph, will make near vision more blurred for near when you’re in your 40’s.

You need to contact your optician again.

Thanks again for the replies and information. I will try to stick with them for a while and see if I get used to them and if not I'll revisit my optician.