How long does it take to get used to new glasses?

Choosing a new pair of glasses is exciting and you can look forward to enjoying clearer vision and a fresh new look. Unfortunately, slipping your new frames on for the first time may bring with it some unexpected side-effects as your eyes and brain adjust to the change in your prescription.

Whether or not you are used to wearing glasses, you may need time to get used to your new prescription.

Although it may seem like your new glasses aren’t working as well as your old ones, in a few days time your eyes will adjust and your vision will be improved.

You may be tempted to keep taking them off but remember to be consistent. The stricter you are with yourself, the quicker your eyes will adjust and you can wear your new glasses in comfort.

Do new glasses hurt your eyes?

Adjusting to new glasses shouldn’t cause any prolonged symptoms, but you may notice a few differences in the first few days.

Some people experience symptoms like:

• Blurred vision
• Tired eyes
• Difficulty judging depth
• Mild dizziness

If the frames are uncomfortable on your face or hurt behind your eyes, they may need a slight adjustment. Take them back to your optometrist who can easily make adjustments for you to make them feel more comfortable.

If you feel dizzy or nauseated with new glasses, it might be that your prescription is too strong. Another tell-tale sign the prescription in your new glasses may not be right for you is if you experience headaches.

What’s the best way to get used to wearing new glasses?

What are the best things you can do to help get used to new glasses quickly?

1. Put them on as soon as you get up – your eyes are fresher after a good night’s sleep.
2. Don’t plan any activities that will be tough on your eyes, such as driving long distances or reading too much.
3. Don’t be tempted to go back to your old pair – this will just make adjusting longer!
4. Look after your glasses – store them in a case and keep them clean. Use the cloth that comes in your case to clean them; never use harsh materials as this can scratch the surface of the lens.

If you’re encouraging your kids to wear their new glasses, have a read of our top tips on how to make your child love their frames.

Choosing the right frames if you have a skin allergy

Glasses frames can be made from metal, plastic and even wood, so if you do have a skin allergy, remember to be careful when choosing frames!

If your new glasses cause a rash or some other skin irritation, go back to your optician who will be able to help you find a suitable pair of frames.

Getting used to multi focus lenses

As well as adjusting to a new pair of glasses, you may be wearing multifocal or varifocal lenses for the first time.

It won’t take long to get used to wearing multi focus lenses such a bifocals or varifocals, but it may feel strange at first!

• Try moving your eyes up and down rather than your head, as this can make you feel dizzy.
• Look at different objects at varying distances away. This will help your vision to quickly adjust.

We cover this topic in greater detail in our post on how to get used to varifocals.

How long is a reasonable time to adjust to new glasses?

For minor prescription changes, most people will be able to adjust to new glasses within a couple of days.

For larger prescription changes, it can take up to two weeks for your eyes to adjust to your new vision.

You should soon find wearing glasses an easy part of your routine. If you are still struggling after two or three days, check back in with your optician who can check your prescription and the fit of the frames to make sure everything is as it should be.