It can be disappointing to spend time finding the perfect pair of new glasses frames, and when you try them on for the first time, things just don't look right. It can seem as though your new lenses just don't quite work as well as your old pair. This is totally normal and something that most glasses-wearers will experience.
Problems associated with new glasses
Any visual issues that you may experience will usually pass within a few days. However, it's important to be aware of the issues that can arise:
- Eye Strain - Your eyes may become tired and sore, leading to watery or dry eyes.
- Distortion - You may experience some distortion in your peripheral vision. This is more common in high prescriptions or with larger lenses than you're used to.
- Fishbowl Vision - This is the term given to vision that appears to be "bent" around the edges whilst maintaining clear vision in the center, giving it a "fishbowl" effect. Again, this is more common when changing to higher prescriptions or larger lenses.
- Headaches / Migraines - Headaches are a common symptom of wearing new lenses. It is best to persevere, as the problem will usually go away within a week.
- Depth Perception - When adjusting to your new lenses, you may have difficulty discerning how far or how close an object is. Those who are nearsighted with a powerful prescription can experience objects looking smaller than before, tricking the brain into thinking they're further away than they actually are.
How to treat the symptoms
It is important to remember that most people will experience at least one of these symptoms when wearing new glasses, so the best thing to do is persevere. The issues will only persist until your brain adjusts to your new lenses. This usually takes a few days, but for some, it could be up to a couple of weeks. This is especially the case with people using glasses for the first time, or with those changing to multifocal lenses.
Symptoms, such as headaches can be a more serious issue if not properly monitored. Headaches can be a sign of a faulty prescription. This is not something that can be fixed with time because your eyes will not adapt to a faulty prescription. If your headaches persist go back to your optician and get your prescription checked and changed if necessary.
Consider your safety
Adjusting to your new glasses will usually pass without any real consequences. However, it is best to take extra care whilst your eyes and brain adapt to the change.
This is especially important when driving or operating heavy machinery, and walking on stairs or uneven ground. If you are experiencing any issues with your vision, it is best to play it safe and avoid these tasks until your eyes have adjusted properly.
How long does it take for my eyes to adjust
Most issues will disappear in a short period of time, so be patient! The general consensus is that for most people dealing with a basic change in prescription it will take 1-3 days. However, in some cases, such as changing to a much higher prescription or switching to bifocal or varifocal lenses, the period could last up to two weeks.
If your symptoms get worse or persist for longer than a couple of weeks, we recommend speaking to your optician.
Things you can do to help your eyes adjust
There are no special tricks to help your eyes adjust to your new glasses. However, there are a few things that can speed up the process:
- Wear your glasses as much as you can. Put them on as soon as you get up when your eyes are fresh, and try to wear them as much as possible throughout the day. Consistency is key.
- Avoid constantly taking your glasses on and off, or swapping them with an old, "more comfortable" pair. This will only prolong the adjustment period and make it harder for your eyes to get used to your new glasses.
- Persevere. It's important to stay patient and give your eyes some time to acclimatise.
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