Putting on new glasses is a lot like slipping on a new pair of shoes. Even when they’re the right size, they still feel different. But, like shoes, regular wear will help your body adjust. And soon enough, your new glasses will feel like an old friend.

Here’s what to expect with a new pair of glasses or new prescription — and tips to help you adjust.

‍

My New Glasses Feel Funny. Is That Normal?

It’s very common for new glasses to feel funny at first. That’s because your eyes and brain need to adapt to your new lenses. That’s true if your prescription has changed, you have a different frame style, or both.

With a new prescription, your eyes have been compensating for less than clear vision and need time to adapt. This is especially true if your prescription has changed a lot or you’re moving to a new type of lens. For instance, if you’re switching from single-vision lenses to bifocals or moving from bifocals to progressives, your eyes and brain need time to get used to this new way of seeing. The same is true if you’re moving from contact lenses to eyeglasses.

Even if your prescription is the same, a new frame can affect your vision. Frame size affects both the curvature of the lens and your peripheral vision. For instance, you might see the frame in your peripheral view with larger frames. They might also sit slightly higher or lower on your face than your previous pair. All of this takes time to get used to.

‍

How Long Will It Take to Adjust?

New frames with the same or similar prescription may only take a few days. However, if you’re moving from single-vision lenses to progressives, give yourself up to two weeks. This transition can take longer because you need to train your eyes to find the different fields of vision in your new lenses.

If, after two weeks, you’re still having issues or experiencing disruptive symptoms, contact Member Support. Our team will work with you to ensure we have the correct measurements so you can see well and comfortably.

‍

What Are the Common Symptoms of Adjusting to New Glasses?

It’s common to experience some symptoms when adjusting to new glasses. They should be relatively minor and should go away within a few days to weeks as your eyes and brain adapt.

• Blurry vision: Images or certain fields of depth may seem a bit fuzzy at first.
• Eye strain: Your eyes or the muscles around your eyes may feel more tired after wearing your new glasses.
• Poor depth perception: You may have trouble gauging the distance between objects.
• Dizziness and nausea: You may feel dizzy or slightly nauseous as your brain works to adapt to a new way of seeing.
• Headaches: Eye strain can cause headaches as your brain works to process the switch.
• “Fishbowl” effect: Your vision may look bent or distorted along the outer edges.

If your symptoms last longer than two weeks, contact Member Support. One of our trained opticians will work with you to make sure your glasses are the right fit.

‍

Your Step-By-Step Guide to Adjusting to New Glasses

Think of adjusting to new glasses like adopting a new exercise or nutrition plan: start small. Gradually build up over time. And be consistent. Here’s how:

• Start your day with your new glasses. Wear them first thing in the morning when your eyes are fresh and well-rested. Like muscles, your eyes will be getting a workout with the new lenses. If you wait until midday to put them on, your eyes will already be tired.
  ‍
• Think “20/20.” Start by wearing them for 20 minutes on the first day. Then, add 20 additional minutes each day. Gradually build up in 20-minute increments until you wear your new glasses full-time.
  ‍
• Use your new glasses as much as possible. Don’t revert to old lenses. As tempting as it may be to slide back to your old pair, your eyes can’t get used to the new prescription or frames if you keep jumping back and forth. 

‍

What to Watch Out For

With time and a consistent ramp-up routine, your body and brain should transition smoothly. But occasionally, things don’t go according to plan. If you experience any of the following, reach out to Member Support so we can help you:

• You’ve tried to scale up the wear of your new glasses, and you’re still experiencing symptoms after two weeks
• When you look through the lens, only a particular point is clear, and the rest is blurry
• You experience consistent headaches that don’t ease with longer, more consistent wear
• Your eyes have to refocus constantly
• You still experience the “fishbowl” effect — when the sides of your vision seem bent or distorted — even after longer, more consistent wear

Even good change is change. But with consistent and gradual increases in wear, your new glasses will feel like a part of you in no time. In the meantime, learn how to care for your new glasses. 

We want you to have comfortable, clear vision. So let us know how we can help!