Adjusting to New Glasses: Managing Discomfort and Eye Strain

Get new glasses?

I changed to a new pair of glasses over a month ago, with a slightly larger frame (the prescription is the same as my old glasses, and both have blue light blocking).
After wearing them, I felt uncomfortable, so I went back for adjustments three times.
The optical store said there was no other option but to change the prescription.
I decided to try to adapt to them, but after wearing the new glasses for 2 to 3 weeks, I started experiencing dizziness and nausea, along with a series of headaches.
Two weeks after these issues began, I visited an ophthalmologist who dilated my pupils for a prescription check.
They said my prescription was too strong: -0.75 diopters in my left eye and -0.25 diopters in my right eye.
After that, I returned to the optical store to get new lenses, which took two weeks to arrive.
During that time, I felt uncomfortable wearing my old glasses, so I had the lenses replaced, but the astigmatism correction was insufficient (less than -0.50 diopters).
Since I had been uncomfortable with the new glasses, I started wearing contact lenses (with the same prescription as the dilated measurement), which felt slightly better, but I still experienced dizziness.
Typically, after wearing them from 9 AM to noon, I would feel a bit dizzy.
Once I received the new lenses, I adjusted them several times but still felt uncomfortable, so I switched to a smaller frame while keeping the same lenses.
Currently, it is the fifth day of wearing the new smaller frame glasses.
Initially, I felt much better, but there is still a slight discomfort.
Today, I started feeling a bit dizzy and slightly nauseous again.
I would like to know if this could be related to my previous experiences or if there might be any damage to my eyes.
What can I do to alleviate these symptoms?

Chen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/04/09

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology

You can visit a hospital or clinic for an examination.

Reply Date: 2022/04/09

More Info

Adjusting to new glasses can be a challenging experience, especially when discomfort and symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches arise. Your situation, where you have switched to a new pair of glasses with a slightly larger frame but the same prescription, is not uncommon. Many people face difficulties when transitioning to new lenses, particularly if there are any discrepancies in the prescription or if the lenses are of a different type than what they are accustomed to.

From your description, it seems that the initial discomfort you experienced led to a series of adjustments and ultimately a change in prescription due to the findings from your eye exam. The fact that your left eye was overcorrected by 75 degrees and your right eye by 25 degrees indicates that the new lenses were not accurately tailored to your visual needs. This discrepancy can certainly lead to symptoms such as dizziness and headaches, as your visual system struggles to adapt to the incorrect prescription.

When you received the new lenses and continued to experience discomfort, it’s important to consider several factors that could contribute to your ongoing issues:
1. Frame Size and Fit: You mentioned switching to a smaller frame after trying the larger one. The fit of the glasses is crucial. If the frames are too loose or too tight, they can cause discomfort and affect how the lenses align with your eyes. Ensure that the frames sit comfortably on your nose and ears without pinching or slipping.

2. Lens Type and Design: Different types of lenses (e.g., aspheric vs. spherical) can affect how light is refracted and how your eyes perceive images. If you were accustomed to a specific lens type, switching to another may require a longer adaptation period. Additionally, if your new lenses have a different anti-reflective coating or blue light filter, this could also influence your visual comfort.

3. Adaptation Period: It’s normal for some individuals to require a period of adjustment when switching to new glasses. However, if discomfort persists beyond a few weeks, it may indicate that the prescription is still not quite right or that the lenses are not suitable for your needs.

4. Eye Strain and Fatigue: If you are experiencing eye strain, it could be due to prolonged screen time or inadequate breaks while working. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce eye strain.

5. Underlying Eye Conditions: If you have a history of eye injuries or conditions, it’s essential to rule out any underlying issues that could be exacerbating your symptoms. Regular check-ups with an eye care professional can help monitor your eye health.

To alleviate your discomfort, consider the following strategies:
- Consult Your Eye Care Professional: Since you have already experienced issues with your prescription, it would be wise to return to your optometrist or ophthalmologist for a thorough evaluation. They can reassess your prescription and ensure that your new lenses are appropriate for your visual needs.

- Take Breaks: If you are using screens frequently, ensure you take regular breaks to reduce eye strain. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule can be beneficial.

- Use Artificial Tears: If your eyes feel dry or fatigued, using lubricating eye drops can help alleviate discomfort.

- Gradual Adaptation: If you find that wearing your new glasses is still uncomfortable, try wearing them for shorter periods and gradually increasing the time as your eyes adjust.

- Consider Lens Options: If the current lenses continue to cause issues, discuss with your eye care provider about alternative lens options that may provide better comfort and clarity.

In conclusion, while it is possible that your symptoms are related to the transition to new glasses, it is crucial to ensure that your prescription is accurate and that the lenses are suitable for your needs. Regular follow-ups with your eye care professional will help address any ongoing issues and ensure that your vision remains clear and comfortable.

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