Getting a new pair of glasses is always exciting. It’s a time of change when you can see things more clearly and, of course, show off a new look. You put them on for the first time, and everything looks clearer, sharper, and more defined.
But sometimes, along with that clarity, you feel a lot of bizarre things. The floor may seem a little closer, straight lines may look a little curled, and you may start to feel a small headache behind your eyes. You’re not the only one who has felt this way at first. This is the eyeglass adjustment period, which is a typical part of getting used to a new way of seeing. Your brain and eyes will work together during this time.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about this process, including why it happens, what to expect, and useful strategies to help you get acclimated to your new glasses more quickly.
Why Does the World Look So Strange? Understanding the Adjustment Period
It’s not just your eyes that feel “weird” when you receive new glasses; it’s your brain too. Your brain is used to processing visual information in a certain way, which is why your old prescription or lack of one doesn’t work. When you put in new lenses, your brain gets a lot of new, crisper visual information, and it needs time to adjust.
There are a number of things that make this transition phase happen:
- A New Prescription: Your brain has to learn to absorb images in a new way even if your prescription only changes a little. The more the prescription changes, the more visible the difference will be.
- Different Lens or Frame Styles: Changing from a small, rectangular frame to a large, round one impacts how much you can see out of the corners of your eyes. Also, switching to a new type of lens, like high-index lenses, lenses for astigmatism, or progressive lenses, takes a lot of getting used to.
- First-Time Wearers: If this is your first pair of glasses, your brain is learning how to see through a lens. This can be one of the hardest times to adjust.
Common Symptoms During the Eyeglass Adjustment Period
As your brain gets used to the new information, you may have some short-term negative effects. Knowing that they are typical can make you feel less anxious.
- The “Fishbowl” Effect: This is a very common sensation where the edges of your vision appear curved or distorted, as if you’re looking through a fishbowl.
- Eye Strain and Headaches: Your eye muscles are working harder to adjust to the new lenses, which can lead to fatigue and mild headaches.
- Depth Perception Issues: You might feel that objects are closer or farther away than they actually are. This can make walking up stairs or parking a car feel a bit tricky at first.
- Mild Dizziness or Nausea: This is a result of your brain trying to reconcile the new visual input with your body’s sense of balance.
Remember, these symptoms are almost always temporary and should begin to fade as you wear your new glasses more consistently.
How Long Does It Take to Get Used to New Glasses?
Most people need to get used to their new glasses for a few days to two weeks. You might feel entirely at ease in 2–3 days if your prescription is for a simple, single-vision lens.
The brain takes more time to get used to more complicated prescriptions, including progressive lenses or ones that fix a significant astigmatism. In these situations, it could take two to three weeks for everything to feel normal again. Being consistent is the key.
Tips to Help You Get Used to Your New Glasses Faster
Your brain will ultimately adjust on its own, but there are a few things you can do to make it go faster and make it more comfortable.
1. Wear Them Consistently
This is the rule that matters most. Put on your new spectacles as soon as you wake up and wear them as much as you can all day. If you keep switching between your new and old pair, your brain will get confused and it will take longer for you to get used to them.
2. Ensure a Proper Fit
If your frame keeps sliding down your nose or feels crooked, it might change how your eyes view through the lenses, making distortion and eye strain worse. The lens’s optical centre must be completely in line with your pupil. When you buy glasses online, you need to pay attention to frame measurements like bridge width and temple length to make sure they fit well and are comfortable from the start.
3. Practice Eye Movements
This is quite important for people who wear progressive lenses. Instead of twisting your head to look at something, try moving only your eyes. This helps your brain learn to automatically select the right part of the lens for varied distances (top for far away, middle for close up, and bottom for reading).
4. Keep Your Lenses Clean
Smudges, dust, and fingerprints can increase glare and distortion, making eye strain worse. Use a microfiber cloth and a designated lens cleaner to keep your new glasses crystal clear.
5. Ease Into Demanding Activities
If you’re feeling dizzy or having trouble seeing things in three dimensions, it’s advisable to stay away from things like driving or using heavy machinery for the first day or two. First, wear your spectacles in a safe, familiar place, like your house.
When to Call Your Optometrist
It’s usual to have a two-week adjustment period, however some symptoms could mean that the prescription is wrong. If you’ve been wearing them for a few days and notice any of the following, call your eye doctor:
- Persistent or severe headaches that don’t subside.
- Continued blurry vision (your central vision should be sharp).
- Extreme dizziness or vertigo.
- The feeling that one eye is straining more than the other.
An optometrist can double-check the prescription and the fit of the frames to ensure everything is correct.
Finally, keep in mind that getting used to your new glasses means getting used to how you look. A new frame might affect how you see your own face, but it can also be a strong way to show who you are. A fashionable pair of women’s glasses can become a big part of who you are. Accept the adjustment, and soon you won’t be able to picture your life without them or the bright, clear world they show you.
