Why Your New Glasses May Cause Blurry Vision and Eye Strain - Ophthalmology

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When you get a new pair of glasses, especially with a significant change in prescription, it's not uncommon to experience issues such as blurry vision and eye strain. This can be particularly pronounced when moving from a lower prescription (like -1200) to a higher one (like -1500), as you mentioned. Here are some reasons why this might happen and what you can do about it.


Reasons for Blurry Vision and Eye Strain
1. Adjustment Period: When you switch to a new prescription, your eyes need time to adjust. This is especially true if the new lenses have a significantly different curvature or thickness compared to your old ones. Your brain and eyes are accustomed to the previous prescription, and it may take several days or even weeks for them to adapt to the new one.

2. Lens Type: The type of lenses you have can also affect your vision. For instance, if you switched from spherical lenses to aspheric or progressive lenses, the way light is refracted can change, leading to visual distortions. Aspheric lenses are designed to reduce distortion and provide a wider field of view, but they can also cause initial discomfort if your eyes are not used to them.

3. Incorrect Prescription: There is a possibility that the new prescription is not accurate. This could be due to an error during the eye exam or the lens manufacturing process. If the prescription is off, it can lead to symptoms like double vision, blurriness, or a feeling of strain when focusing on objects.

4. Visual Fatigue: Spending extended periods looking at screens (like TVs or smartphones) can cause visual fatigue, especially if your new glasses are not providing the clarity you need. This can lead to symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, and discomfort.

5. High Myopia: With high myopia (like -1500), the eyes are more sensitive to changes in prescription. Higher degrees of myopia can also lead to more pronounced visual distortions, especially if the lenses are not perfectly aligned with your visual axis.


What You Can Do
1. Give It Time: Allow yourself a reasonable adjustment period. Most people adapt to new glasses within a week or two. If symptoms persist beyond this timeframe, it may be time to consult with an eye care professional.

2. Revisit Your Optometrist: If you continue to experience issues, schedule an appointment with your optometrist. They can check the accuracy of your prescription and ensure that the lenses are made correctly. They may also perform additional tests to rule out other underlying issues.

3. Limit Screen Time: Try to reduce the amount of time you spend looking at screens, especially if you notice that your symptoms worsen after prolonged use. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to help reduce eye strain.

4. Consider Lens Coatings: Anti-reflective coatings can help reduce glare from screens and improve visual comfort. If your new glasses do not have this feature, you might want to discuss it with your optometrist.

5. Check for Other Eye Conditions: Sometimes, issues like dry eyes or other ocular conditions can exacerbate the feeling of strain and blurriness. Ensure that your overall eye health is assessed during your visit.

6. Use Proper Lighting: Ensure that your environment is well-lit when using screens or reading. Poor lighting can contribute to eye strain.


Conclusion
In summary, experiencing blurry vision and eye strain after getting new glasses is a common issue, particularly with significant changes in prescription. While an adjustment period is normal, persistent symptoms warrant a follow-up with your eye care professional to ensure that your prescription is accurate and that your lenses are suitable for your needs. Taking proactive steps to manage your screen time and ensuring proper lighting can also help alleviate some of the discomfort you're experiencing.