Buzz
While optimism assures you that your new prescription glasses will bring clarity, stepping outside might reveal a different reality. The ground may appear tilted, triggering dizziness, or you could experience headaches and nausea. These discomforts, though unsettling, are a normal part of adapting to new eyewear.
Why is there a need to adjust to new glasses?
For long-time glasses wearers, adapting to a new pair can be a familiar struggle. These symptoms don’t necessarily indicate a prescription error—your eyes simply require time to acclimate to the changes.
“The brain is accustomed to a specific visual input, which has now shifted,” explains Dr. Lilan Le, an optometrist at HEYWEAR. “It has adapted to your current prescription and the associated motion sickness. Altering your vision forces the brain and eye muscles to relearn and adjust to the new input.”
The adjustment period can range from a few days to several weeks, and it’s not just the prescription change that your eyes are adapting to.
“Factors like lens curvature, lens shape, frame positioning, optical center alignment, and pupillary distance all influence how you see,” notes Dr. Bhavin Shah, a behavioral optometrist and visual performance specialist. “It’s similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes—it takes time.”
What impact can new glasses have on your vision?
Adapting to new glasses may lead to eye strain, resulting in headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision. The motion sickness Dr. Le mentioned can cause nausea for some, while Dr. Shah highlights sensations like a ‘pulling’ feeling, the illusion of height changes, or the perception of walking on uneven surfaces.
“Your vision might seem unusual, but it should remain sharp and clear,” Shah explains.
Tips for Adapting to a New Pair of Glasses
While the adjustment symptoms can be uncomfortable, experts recommend sticking with your new glasses. Taking extended breaks will only reset the adaptation process. Instead, ease into it. Begin by wearing the glasses for brief periods daily, gradually extending the duration. Dr. Le suggests starting with one hour on the first day, increasing to two hours the next, and adding an hour each day until you can comfortably wear them all day.
“It’s crucial to wear the glasses consistently and avoid switching between different prescriptions or pairs,” advises Dr. Le.
If symptoms are intense and persist beyond two weeks, there could be an issue with the manufacturing or measurements. Consult your eye doctor or lens provider if you suspect the prescription might be inaccurate or have any concerns.
