Optikos pasaulis / How do I get used to my new glasses?

How do I get used to my new glasses?

First glasses? Or are you already wearing glasses, but only your vision correction has changed? It may take some time to get used to them. Here’s some information on how to ease the adaptation period.

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New glasses

It is normal that starting to wear new glasses may require an adaptation period. Your eyes and brain have time to adjust to the optical properties of the new lenses and you may experience mild discomfort such as image distortion, dizziness or eyestrain. These sensations are usually temporary and usually disappear within a few days or weeks, depending on the type of corrective eyewear.

We’ve put together a few tips to help you adjust to your new glasses and avoid any possible discomfort:

  • Use your glasses for their intended purpose: if your glasses are for working on the computer or reading, do not use them in other situations to avoid eye strain and discomfort.
  • Gradually increase the wearing time: start by wearing your glasses for a few hours a day and gradually increase the time until you get used to it. For the first week, try to increase the wearing time until you can wear them all day.
  • Avoid sudden head movements: once you start wearing glasses, the image may look unusual. Avoid sudden head movements until your brain adjusts to the new visual conditions.
  • Try not to take your glasses off when you feel uncomfortable: the discomfort may be temporary while your eyes adjust. If you take your glasses off too often, it will take longer to adapt.
  • Protect your glasses from scratches and dirt: dirty or scratched lenses can make adaptation more difficult. Clean them with a special cloth or lens cleaner. Click here to find out how.
  • Wear glasses regularly: wearing glasses consistently will help your eyes adjust faster. If you wear them only occasionally, adaptation may take longer.
  • Avoid driving until you are completely used to it: if you experience even the slightest discomfort or unusual distortion with your new glasses, it is not recommended to drive. Driving requires clear and stable vision, so wait until your eyes have fully adjusted to the lenses of your new glasses without any discomfort. This will help to avoid possible accidents and ensure safety on the road.
  • Patience: you may feel tired, headaches or discomfort at the start, but this is usually temporary.

How long does it take to get used to the new vision correction?

The adaptation period depends on the type of spectacles, their optical properties and individual factors, but we give approximate time ranges:

Spherical corrective spectacles

Spherical corrective spectacles corrects visual impairments such as myopia or hyperopia. For most people, the eye and brain adjust to these glasses within a few days, but it can take up to two weeks, depending on the change in dioptres and the general state of vision.

  • Adaptation period: 1-2 weeks.

Astigmatic corrective spectacles

Astigmatic corrective spectacles correct uneven curvature of the cornea,
which can distort images. After starting to use these glasses, many people
experience image curvature or blurriness (especially in the case of severe astigmatism),
which gradually disappears as the brain adapts to the new image format.

  • Adaptation period: it may take up to a month for the discomfort to completely disappear.

Multifocal glasses

Multifocal spectacles, or progressive spectacles, have different vision zones for distance, intermediate and near. In the initial phase, users may feel that the image moves or is distorted in the lateral fields of vision, and it may also be more difficult to quickly focus the eyes at different distances.

  • Adaptation period: the usual adaptation period is a few weeks to a month, depending on how often the glasses are used and how well the brain adapts to the new viewing conditions.

Bifocal glasses

Bifocals have two separate zones: the upper part is for distance vision and the lower part is for reading or near objects. When adapting to bifocals, it can be difficult at first to switch between the zones, especially when you need to shift your gaze suddenly between different distances. Difficulties such as image jumps or discomfort when looking down may occur.

  • Adaptation period: most people get used to bifocals within 1-4 weeks, depending on their visual needs and how often they wear them.

Do you have further questions?

If you have any other questions that are not answered on this page, please contact us at +37068177774 or book an appointment with your eye care professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is it normal to feel dizzy with new glasses?

It is normal that starting to wear new glasses may require an adaptation period. These sensations are usually temporary and usually disappear within a few days or weeks, depending on the type of corrective eyewear.

How do I get used to a new prescription when I have astigmatism?

If astigmatism is detected, it may take a little more time to adjust to the new glasses. Here are some tips on how to adjust to astigmatism correction.
– Wear your glasses as soon as you start your day.
– Wear your glasses indoors at first. Walking around the house is a great way for your eyes to get familiar with your new glasses.
– Try not to go back to your old glasses.

Can I drive with my new glasses straight away?

You can do this if you feel great after putting on your new glasses. If you experience even the slightest discomfort or unusual distortion of the image with your new glasses, it is not recommended to drive. Driving requires clear and stable vision, so wait until your eyes have fully adjusted to the lenses of your new glasses before you feel any discomfort.

How long does it take to get used to new glasses?

The adaptation period depends on the type of glasses, their optical properties and individual factors, but it usually takes a few days to a few weeks to get used to new glasses.

The frames of the glasses are uncomfortable, can I adjust them ?

It is possible that the frames may need to be adjusted. Simply contact your nearest Optikos pasaulio showroom and we will adjust them once we have found the cause of your discomfort. Full list of opticians here.