Despite being shortsighted, I can see better without glasses. How?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 68 years old. I am moderately shortsighted, but still I can see better without my progressive glasses. How is it possible? I have been told that I would not need glasses in the days of less reading. I can go for hours in the morning before I realize that I do not have my glasses on. I can see better in bright sunlight without any photochromic lens and sunglass clip ons. This applies to road sign reading and everything. I can often see television better within 10 feet or so without glasses. But, I definitely need my glasses at night to see well. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is due to age-related cataract formation. Cataract is a normal age-related change in lens leading to opacities and hardness. Cataract of certain types causes changes in glass power; it can decrease in some people and increase in others depending on the type. It is advantage if the glass power decreases. Regarding better vision in sunlight, it is also due variety of cataract in which peripheral part opacities are more. In sunlight, your pupils constrict and the central part transmits light without disturbances from peripheral part. Anyway, it is an advantage for you and it will delay your need for cataract surgery. You can send pictures of your eyes and old records for more suggestions.