Yes, minus 7 eyesight is generally considered bad, indicating a significant degree of nearsightedness (myopia).
Having a -7.00 diopter prescription means you have difficulty seeing objects clearly at a distance. The further away an object is, the blurrier it appears. This level of myopia usually requires wearing glasses or contact lenses for most activities, especially driving, watching movies, or participating in sports.
While a -7.00 prescription isn't necessarily dangerous in itself, it does put you at a somewhat increased risk for certain eye conditions compared to someone with normal vision. This is because higher degrees of myopia can stretch the eyeball, leading to potential complications.
Here's a breakdown of considerations:
- Severity: A -7.00 diopter is considered moderate to high myopia.
- Risks: Higher myopia increases the (still relatively low) risks of:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Myopic macular degeneration
- Management: Regular eye exams are crucial to monitor eye health and detect any potential problems early. Pay attention to any new floaters, flashes of light, or changes in vision and report them to your eye doctor immediately.
- Comparison to other prescriptions: A -7.00 prescription is more severe than a -5.00 prescription. While the risk profile is similar, the degree of visual impairment without correction is greater with a -7.00 prescription.
In conclusion, while a -7.00 prescription indicates significantly impaired distance vision and puts you at a slightly increased risk for certain eye conditions, with proper management and regular eye exams, you can maintain good eye health. You should discuss any concerns you have with your eye doctor.
