Vertigo, a sensation of spinning or dizziness, can be a disorienting experience. Many individuals rely on prescription glasses, and a common question arises: can these glasses contribute to such unsettling symptoms? An incorrect eyeglass prescription can indeed lead to feelings of dizziness or vertigo, as the brain struggles to adapt to altered visual input. Vision plays a role in how we perceive our surroundings, making clear and accurate sight important for everyday function.
The Link Between Vision and Balance
The brain relies on multiple sensory inputs to maintain balance and spatial orientation. These include the vestibular system in the inner ear, which detects head movements, and proprioception, which provides information from muscles and joints about body position. The visual system also provides continuous information about our environment.
These systems work together to create a stable perception of the world and allow for smooth movement. Approximately 20% of nerve fibers from the eye’s neural pathways interact with the vestibular system, highlighting this connection. When any of these systems are disrupted, it can affect overall balance and lead to unsteadiness or dizziness.
How Incorrect Prescriptions Disrupt Vision
An incorrect eyeglass prescription can introduce visual disturbances that may lead to vertigo. When eyes work harder to focus through an unsuitable lens, it can result in eyestrain. This added effort can contribute to discomfort and a feeling of being off-balance.
Lenses that are too strong or too weak can cause objects to appear larger or smaller, affecting depth perception and spatial awareness. This can distort how the brain perceives distances, making tasks like walking or judging steps challenging. Uncorrected astigmatism or improperly adjusted progressive lenses can also cause straight lines to appear curved, leading to visual confusion.
Some lenses, especially if off-center, can create an unwanted prismatic effect. This misaligns images, forcing the eyes and brain to compensate, which can result in double vision or disorientation. When a new prescription significantly changes power, or if there is a switch to progressive lenses, the brain requires time to adapt to the new visual information. This adaptation period can initially cause disorientation as the brain reconciles altered visual input with information from the inner ear and body.
Symptoms and When to Suspect Your Glasses
Common symptoms that may indicate incorrect glasses are causing dizziness or vertigo include lightheadedness, nausea, headaches, blurred vision, difficulty focusing, or a sense of disorientation. A feeling of being unsteady or off-balance can also be a sign.
Consider your glasses as a potential cause if symptoms appear shortly after obtaining a new pair or a prescription change. Symptoms that worsen while wearing the glasses but improve when they are removed also suggest a link to your eyewear. Wearing old, scratched, or ill-fitting glasses can contribute to these issues. If these symptoms persist despite no other obvious medical cause, investigate your glasses as a factor.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Your Glasses
If you suspect your current glasses are contributing to dizziness or vertigo, schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam. Bring your current glasses and clearly describe all your symptoms, noting when they started and when they are most prominent. This detailed information helps the eye care professional assess the situation accurately.
It is normal to experience a short adjustment period, typically a few days to a couple of weeks, when adapting to new glasses or a changed prescription. However, if symptoms are severe or persist beyond this initial period, it warrants immediate professional attention. This common issue is often easily resolved with a prescription adjustment or new glasses. Avoid self-diagnosing or attempting to “get used to” significant discomfort, as prompt professional evaluation can provide resolution and comfort.