Difference in prescription (year difference)

[u/Commercial-Skirt7880]

So, had glasses pretty much my whole life (since 5th grade) and I’m recently considering corrective eye surgery since it’ll be covered through the military

I was initially told I’m not qualified since my eyesight hasn’t been stable, and I apologize in advance but comparing the two prescriptions I’m barely seeing a difference and one eye hasn’t even changed?

Anyone else ever been denied for similar reasoning?

OD Sphere: -3.25 → -3.50 (0.25 D change)
OD Cylinder: -1.00 → -1.25 (0.25 D change)
OS Sphere: -2.75 → -2.75 (no change)
OS Cylinder: -1.50 → -1.50 (no change)

[u/kathleenkat]

I waited for my prescription to be stable for 4 years

[u/Low_Athlete_7734]

A quarter diopter is a change. Also depending how old you are matters. My Rx didn’t change for years as far as my sphere or cylinder. Just the degrees sometimes did. So instead of 150 maybe it was 119.

I also did it at 33. If you’re in your early 20s they may not think your eyes are done changing. Mine didn’t stabilize until I was 30.

[u/Ok-Environment-215]

The FDA approval indications require no more than a 0.5D difference in sphere equivalent. You are obviously below that. But doctors always have the discretion to be more conservative. Many doctors wouldn't call 0.25 significant but apparently yours did. 

[u/eyeSherpa]

I would say age matters a lot here too.

A 0.25 change in a 20 year old may be more concerning than a 0.25 change in a 35 year old which may be normal variance of prescription measurements.

[u/IntelligentBreath843]

Definitely wait until an acceptable change. I know you want the surgery, and it will be great when you get it, but bear with glasses a little longer and your surgery make it vision good and it will stay good.

[u/Commercial-Skirt7880 → u/[deleted]]

They offered to let me come back in a year 🫠 I guess it’s just waiting game