Getting a new pair of eyeglasses can feel like a major upgrade, offering clearer vision, a stylish frame, and a new outlook (literally) on the world.
However, the excitement of picking up your new glasses can quickly become disappointment if your vision is still less than perfect or seems disorienting.
Most people may find that it takes 3 to 7 days for your eyes and brain to adjust to a new pair of lenses. It’s completely normal for this adjustment period to take up to 14 days, depending on your circumstances.
Everyone’s experience with new glasses varies, so be patient and kind to yourself. If your vision still feels “off” after the first 14 days, please schedule a visit with your optometrist.
Adjusting to Your New Eyeglasses
When you’re adapting to new glasses, it’s common for visual clarity to feel a bit “off” at first for the first few days. This is especially true if there’s been a significant jump in your prescription or if you’re new to glasses entirely.
As frustrating or confusing as this may be, it doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s an issue with your prescription or lenses.
How Long Does it Take?
On average, most people adjust to new glasses within 3—7 days. However, everyone is different. Occasionally, it can take up to 2 weeks depending on your unique circumstance. This adjustment period is completely normal.
Your eyes and brain need time to adapt to a new lens power, alignment, and focal points. Even something as simple as switching from one frame style to another can shift your field of vision, requiring mental and visual recalibration.
The key? Give yourself (and your eyes) some grace as you adjust.
Why Does it Take Time?
Several factors influence how quickly you adapt to new eyeglasses, including personal characteristics and differences in the lenses themselves.
Here’s why adjusting can sometimes take a bit longer:
- Age: Our brains process visual changes better when we’re younger. If you begin wearing glasses later in life, or if you’re updating your lenses after years of using the same prescription, it might take a little more time for your eyes to get used to the change.
- Big prescription changes: If you’ve had a significant update to your vision prescription, your eyes may need longer to adjust.
- Different lenses: Transitioning to progressive lenses can be challenging, as multiple focal points are included in the same lens, requiring a bit of a learning curve for your eyes to get used to.
- First-time glasses wearers: Without glasses, your brain has to work overtime to process blurry imagery. First-time wearers can generally anticipate a lengthier adjustment, around the 2-week mark.
- Lens coatings: Different lens coatings, such as anti-reflective or blue-light lenses, can alter how light processes through the glass, introducing subtler changes your brain needs to decode first.
What to Expect During the Adjustment Period
Although this adjustment period is normal, setting realistic expectations for yourself is also important.
Discomfort aside, some additional symptoms you may experience during this transitional period can include:
- Slight visual distortion: Your vision may feel warped or as if objects are slightly stretched or compressed.
- Mild headaches: Temporary eye strain may cause light headaches as your eyes adapt.
- Depth perception changes: You may feel slightly off balance, especially when stepping upstairs or reading text.
- Eye fatigue: Just like starting a new workout, your eyes may be a little tired until they’ve adjusted to their new ‘routine.’
Tips to Help this Transition
Although there’s no real way to “fast track” this adjustment period, here are some tried-and-true tips to help your eyes manage this new change and make the experience more comfortable:
- Wear your glasses consistently: When you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, it might be tempting to take your glasses off, but consistency is key. Wear them throughout the day to help your brain adapt quickly.
- Take breaks for eye rest: While it’s important to wear your glasses consistently, it’s equally essential to practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce strain.
- Choose comfort over style: Confirm your frames fit properly! Your glasses shouldn’t slide down your nose or pinch your temples. A well-fitted frame from your optician can prevent unnecessary visual disruptions and physical discomfort.
- Keep them clean: Smudged or dusty lenses can make it harder for your eyes to adjust. Clean your glasses daily with a microfiber cloth and lens-cleaning solution.
- Be patient: Sometimes, your eyes simply need time. Stay patient with the process and remind yourself that clearer vision is on the way.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Although most of these symptoms ease within a week or two, if they persist, it may be time to visit your eye doctor:
- Blurry vision that doesn’t improve and persists.
- Severe headaches or dizziness that remain constant after trying your glasses for a prolonged time.
- Pain or redness in your eyes, which could signal a separate issue unrelated to your prescription, such as dry eyes.
During a follow-up, we can assess your eye health alongside the strength of your prescription.
For example, conditions like dry eye disease can lead to discomfort or blurry vision even if your prescription is correct.
This condition develops when your eyes aren’t producing enough quality tears or your years evaporate too quickly from your eye’s corneal surface, leading to dryness. When the corneal surface isn’t smooth, this can cause incoming light to scatter and focus away from the retina, affecting your visual clarity.
See the World Clearly, One Adjustment at a Time
Adjusting to new eyeglasses requires some patience, but the reward is worth it; a clear, comfortable world with no visual strain!
If you’re still struggling after this adjustment period, schedule a follow-up visit with our Pinnacle Eyecare team for a thorough evaluation. Your vision and comfort are worth it!
