Can New Glasses Cause Eye Strain?
December 14, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, new glasses can potentially cause eye strain, especially during the initial adjustment period. When you start wearing a new prescription, your eyes might need time to adapt to the changes in the lenses, which can sometimes lead to symptoms of eye strain.
A few reasons why new glasses might cause eye strain:
- Prescription change: If your new glasses have a different prescription, particularly a significant change in the strength of the lenses, your eyes might take some time to adjust to the new visual corrections. This adjustment period can cause temporary discomfort or eye strain.
- Lens type or design: Different lens types, such as bifocals, progressives, or specific coatings on the lenses, might require an adjustment period. Varifocal or progressive lenses, for example, might initially cause some distortion at the edges until your eyes adapt to them.
- Incorrect prescription: In some cases, new glasses might not have the correct prescription or might need slight adjustments. Wearing glasses with an incorrect prescription can lead to eye strain or discomfort.
- Improper fit or alignment: Glasses that don’t fit well or aren’t properly aligned might cause discomfort or strain as they don’t sit correctly on your face or eyes.
During the adaptation period, which can vary from a few days to a couple of weeks, you might experience symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, blurred vision, or mild dizziness. This discomfort usually resolves as your eyes adjust to the new glasses.
To help minimize discomfort when adjusting to new glasses:
- Wear your new glasses as prescribed by your optometrist or eye care professional.
- Gradually increase the duration of wear each day, allowing your eyes to adjust gradually.
- If experiencing persistent discomfort or significant issues, consult your eye care professional to ensure the prescription is accurate and the glasses fit properly.
In most cases, any initial eye strain or discomfort with new glasses tends to improve as your eyes adapt to the changes in the lenses and prescription. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult with an eye care professional for an evaluation and any necessary adjustments to ensure proper vision and comfort.