Experiencing dizziness or a sense of disorientation when wearing new glasses is a common reaction. This temporary discomfort often arises as your visual system adjusts to a fresh prescription or different lens characteristics. While it can be unsettling, this adaptation period is a normal part of transitioning to enhanced vision. This article explains the common causes of this dizziness, provides guidance on how to manage it, and advises when to seek professional help.
Reasons for Dizziness
The primary reason for dizziness with new glasses stems from the brain’s need to adapt to new visual information. When a prescription changes, especially if significant or including astigmatism, light refracts differently through the lenses. This requires the brain’s visual cortex to interpret new signals. This adjustment can lead to temporary disorientation as the brain reconciles updated visual input with existing spatial awareness.
New lenses can also alter the perceived size and distance of objects, a phenomenon known as magnification or minification. Plus lenses, used for farsightedness, magnify objects, while minus lenses, for nearsightedness, minify them. This change can disrupt depth perception and spatial judgment, contributing to feelings of imbalance or a “swimming” sensation. The effect’s extent depends on factors like lens thickness and how the glasses sit on your face.
Peripheral distortion is another common cause, especially with higher prescriptions or multifocal lenses like progressives. These lenses seamlessly transition between different focal powers, but their design can create blur or distortion in peripheral vision. Straight lines might appear curved or warped through the lens edges, requiring the wearer to turn their head more to focus on objects instead of just moving their eyes.
Differences in frame and lens position also affect how light enters the eye. If glasses sit too high or low, or frames exert pressure, it can affect how the eye looks through the lens’s optical center, potentially causing visual discomfort and dizziness. Even a change in lens material can require adjustment.
Managing Dizziness from New Glasses
To help your brain adapt more quickly to new glasses, consistent wear is recommended. Wear the new glasses as much as possible, ideally starting first thing in the morning when your eyes are rested. This continuous exposure helps the visual cortex process new optical input and form new neural connections.
For some, especially with significant prescription changes or progressive lenses, a gradual adaptation period can be beneficial. Begin by wearing the glasses for shorter durations, perhaps a few hours at a time, and progressively increase wear time as comfort improves. This incremental approach allows the eyes and brain to acclimate without becoming overwhelmed.
Focusing on central vision and turning your head to look at objects, rather than just moving your eyes, can reduce peripheral distortion, especially with progressive lenses. This technique helps ensure you look through the clearest part of the lens for the specific viewing distance. Over time, as your brain adjusts, these deliberate head movements may become less necessary.
Avoid frequently switching between your old and new glasses during the adjustment period. Alternating between prescriptions can confuse your brain and prolong the adaptation process, making it harder for your visual system to fully adjust to the new lenses. Remaining consistent with the new pair promotes quicker acclimatization.
Move cautiously, particularly on stairs, uneven surfaces, or when driving, until fully adjusted. Altered depth perception or peripheral distortion can temporarily affect balance and coordination, making careful movement important for safety. Most people find that dizziness subsides within a few days to two weeks.
When to Consult an Eye Doctor
While temporary dizziness is common, some situations indicate a need for professional consultation. If dizziness persists beyond a few days to a week, or up to two weeks, it warrants re-evaluation by an eye care professional. Prolonged discomfort suggests the eyes and brain are not adapting as expected.
Seek immediate attention if dizziness is accompanied by severe headaches, nausea, or significant visual disturbances like persistent blurriness or extreme distortion. These symptoms could indicate an underlying issue requiring prompt assessment. Your vision should not remain blurry or uncomfortable despite consistent wear.
Sometimes, the prescription might be incorrect, leading to ongoing discomfort. If your vision remains blurry, distorted, or simply feels “off” after the initial adjustment period, have your eyes rechecked. An eye doctor can verify the prescription, check the lens fitting, and ensure the glasses are properly aligned.