Is It Normal to Feel Dizzy and Nauseous When Wearing Glasses for the First Time? - Ophthalmology

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It feels uncomfortable to wear glasses for the first time?


Is it normal to experience dizziness, nausea, a feeling of pressure, and high eye pressure when wearing glasses for the first time? I often feel that my vision becomes blurry and my eye pressure rises uncomfortably while sitting in a car at night.
A couple of days ago, I went to an optical store and was diagnosed with astigmatism: -1.50 in my left eye and -0.50 in my right eye, and I got glasses.
However, wearing them has been extremely uncomfortable.
After wearing them for just over an hour, I took them off and suddenly my vision became so blurry that I couldn't see, and I felt dizzy to the point of nausea.
Is this normal for someone wearing glasses for the first time? I initially just wanted to wear them while driving, but now I’m too afraid to wear them at all...

Miss Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/06

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology


Hello, that shouldn't be the case.
Your situation is quite different from the usual.
I recommend seeing an ophthalmologist for an examination.

Reply Date: 2016/04/06

More Info


It is not uncommon for individuals to experience discomfort, including dizziness and nausea, when wearing glasses for the first time. However, the severity of your symptoms, such as feeling pressure in your eyes and experiencing high eye pressure, suggests that there may be underlying issues that need to be addressed.

When you first start wearing glasses, especially if you have a significant change in prescription or if you are correcting for astigmatism (as indicated by your prescription of -1.50 in the left eye and -0.50 in the right), your eyes and brain need time to adjust to the new visual input. This adjustment period can lead to temporary discomfort, including blurred vision, headaches, and even feelings of dizziness or nausea. These symptoms are often due to the brain trying to adapt to the new way of seeing, particularly if the lenses are significantly different from what you are used to.

However, the symptoms you describe—such as feeling extremely uncomfortable, experiencing high eye pressure, and having your vision become suddenly blurry after removing the glasses—are concerning. It is essential to consider a few factors:
1. Prescription Accuracy: Ensure that your glasses are made according to the correct prescription. Sometimes, errors can occur during the lens manufacturing process, leading to incorrect prescriptions that can cause discomfort.

2. Lens Type: Different types of lenses (single vision, bifocal, progressive) can affect how you perceive your surroundings. If you have a new lens type, it may take longer to adjust.

3. Fit of the Glasses: Poorly fitted glasses can cause discomfort and visual distortion. Ensure that your glasses sit correctly on your nose and ears and that the lenses are aligned with your pupils.

4. Underlying Eye Conditions: If you have conditions such as high eye pressure or other ocular issues, these may be exacerbated by wearing glasses. It is crucial to have a comprehensive eye exam to rule out any underlying problems.

5. Adjustment Period: While some discomfort is normal, it should not be severe. If you continue to experience significant discomfort after a few days of wearing your glasses, it is advisable to return to your eye care professional for a follow-up examination.

In your case, since you mentioned that you often feel dizzy and nauseous, it is crucial to seek further evaluation from an eye care specialist. They can perform a thorough examination to ensure that your prescription is correct, check for any underlying conditions, and assess the fit of your glasses. Additionally, they can provide guidance on how to adjust to your new lenses more comfortably.

In summary, while some discomfort is expected when first wearing glasses, the intensity and nature of your symptoms warrant further investigation. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your eye health, so please consult with an eye care professional for a comprehensive evaluation.

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