New prescription glasses can sometimes lead to headaches and eye strain. This discomfort often stems from an adjustment period as your eyes and brain adapt to a new way of seeing. These symptoms are typically temporary.
Common Reasons for Discomfort
The primary reason new glasses can cause discomfort is the need for eye muscle adjustment. When you receive a new prescription, especially if it significantly differs from your previous one or if it’s your first pair, your eye muscles must work harder or in new ways to focus. This increased effort can lead to muscle strain and subsequently, headaches and eye strain. Your brain also needs time to recalibrate to the new visual input, which can initially cause symptoms like slight visual distortions, depth perception difficulties, dizziness, or even nausea.
Another factor contributing to discomfort can be the accuracy of the prescription itself. An incorrect prescription, whether too strong or too weak, forces your eyes to strain for clear vision, triggering headaches and eye fatigue. Additionally, if the interpupillary distance, which is the space between your pupils, is not precisely measured, it can lead to eye strain and headaches.
Different lens types can also influence the adjustment period. Progressive lenses, which provide multiple focal points for near, intermediate, and distance vision without visible lines, often require a longer adaptation time. The varying focal points and potential for peripheral distortion mean your brain needs to learn how to process new visual information, which can cause initial discomfort, including a “fishbowl effect” where images appear bent at the edges.
The fit of the frames plays a significant role in comfort. Ill-fitting frames that are too tight behind the ears, too heavy on the nose, or misaligned can create pressure points that result in headaches. Proper fit ensures the lenses are correctly aligned with your eyes, preventing strain and ensuring your eyes look through the optical center of the lenses.
Finally, new glasses can alter how you perceive light and objects, demanding visual recalibration from your brain. This can lead to temporary disorientation or increased sensitivity to light as your brain adjusts to sharpened images and any changes in size or warp, especially with significant prescription changes or astigmatism correction.
When to Consult Your Eye Doctor
If headaches persist beyond a typical adjustment period, which usually ranges from a few days to two weeks, it is advisable to consult your eye doctor. While some initial discomfort is normal, prolonged symptoms could indicate an issue with the prescription or the glasses themselves.
Seek professional help if symptoms become more severe or are accompanied by other concerns. These include headaches that worsen significantly, persistent blurriness, double vision, nausea, or dizziness that doesn’t improve. These signs may indicate an issue with your prescription or the lenses.
Other indicators that warrant a visit to the eye doctor include persistent eye strain, difficulty focusing, or the feeling that your vision is worse with the new glasses. If the frames cause ongoing pain or irritation, a professional adjustment is necessary.
Strategies for a Smooth Transition
Wearing your new glasses consistently is one of the most effective ways to facilitate adjustment. Avoiding switching back and forth between your new and old glasses allows your eyes and brain to adapt more quickly to the new prescription. Putting on the new glasses as soon as you wake up can help your eyes adjust when they are fresh.
Taking short breaks can provide relief if discomfort arises. Removing the glasses for a few minutes and then putting them back on can help ease eye strain, especially during the initial adjustment period. Gradually increasing the duration of wear each day can also aid in the transition.
Ensuring a proper fit for your frames is important for comfort and vision. If frames feel uncomfortable, slip, or cause pressure points, return to the optician for adjustments. A well-fitted pair sits comfortably, ensuring lenses are correctly positioned.
Maintaining good lighting for tasks and practicing good posture can also reduce overall visual strain. Gentle eye exercises, such as looking at near and far objects or slowly moving your eyes in different directions, can help eye muscles adapt to the new lenses.