Why Your New Glasses Might Be Causing Discomfort: Common Issues Explained

Q: Why Your New Glasses Might Be Causing Discomfort: Common Issues Explained

Hello： 1. <br>Dryness： New glasses can sometimes cause a sensation of dryness in the eyes. <br>This may be due to your eyes adjusting to the new lenses, or it could be related to the lens material or coating. <br>It is advisable to give yourself some time to see if this sensation

Discomfort with new glasses?

I just got a new pair of glasses yesterday and had an eye exam at a store I had never visited before.
I learned that my myopia prescription remained the same, but the optometrist suggested increasing my astigmatism correction by 50 degrees (I'm not sure if this was based on the exam results or another assessment, as I didn't hear clearly at the time).
However, while using the new glasses, I often feel dryness in my eyes, and when looking at traffic lights and street lamps, I notice a significant halo effect around the lights.
I would like to know if these symptoms are normal or if I might be overly sensitive.
Which aspects of the glasses could truly affect my experience? Additionally, could switching from my original rectangular glasses to new, smaller round frames also be a contributing factor? Thank you for addressing these three questions.

Yang Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/11/27

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: 1.
Dryness: New glasses can sometimes cause a sensation of dryness in the eyes.
This may be due to your eyes adjusting to the new lenses, or it could be related to the lens material or coating.
It is advisable to give yourself some time to see if this sensation improves over time.
If this issue persists or worsens, it is best to return to the optical store to discuss it with the optometrist.
2.
Light scattering: This issue is often related to the quality of the lenses.
Lower quality lenses may cause light scattering, especially when viewing traffic lights or street lamps.
If this problem continues, you may request an evaluation of the lens quality or ask the optometrist to check if the lenses are correctly aligned with your prescription.
3.
Changes in glasses may require an adjustment period: Transitioning from your original rectangular frames to smaller round frames may take some time for you to adapt to the new shape and size of the frames.
Additionally, the new glasses may have different prescriptions and astigmatism, which may also require your eyes some time to adjust.

Reply Date: 2023/11/27

More Info

When you get a new pair of glasses, it’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort or visual disturbances, especially if there have been changes in your prescription or the style of the frames. Here are some common issues that could explain your discomfort:
1. Adjustment Period: Whenever you switch to a new pair of glasses, your eyes may need time to adjust to the new lenses. This is particularly true if there are changes in your prescription, such as an increase in astigmatism. The adjustment period can last from a few days to a couple of weeks. During this time, you might experience symptoms like dryness, blurred vision, or difficulty focusing.

2. Lens Type and Design: If your new glasses have a different lens design (for example, if they are progressive lenses or have a different curvature), this can affect how you see through them. Lenses that are thicker or have a stronger prescription can also cause distortion at the edges, leading to the "light scattering" effect you described when looking at bright lights like traffic signals or street lamps. This is often referred to as "lens aberration," which can be more pronounced in certain lens types.

3. Frame Fit: The size and shape of your new frames can significantly impact your vision and comfort. If your new frames are smaller or have a different shape than your previous ones, they may not align properly with your eyes. This misalignment can lead to discomfort and visual distortion. Ensure that the frames sit correctly on your nose and ears, and that the optical center of the lenses aligns with your pupils.

4. Lens Coatings: If your new lenses have anti-reflective or blue light filtering coatings, these can sometimes cause visual disturbances, especially if they are not applied correctly. Make sure to check with your optician if the lenses were manufactured properly.

5. Dry Eyes: If you are experiencing dryness, it could be unrelated to your glasses. Factors such as environmental conditions, prolonged screen time, or underlying health issues can contribute to dry eyes. Consider using lubricating eye drops or consult with an eye care professional if this persists.

6. Sensitivity: Some individuals are more sensitive to changes in their vision than others. If you feel that your discomfort is excessive or not improving, it’s essential to consult with your optometrist. They can reassess your prescription and the fit of your glasses to ensure everything is correct.

In summary, while some discomfort with new glasses is normal, especially with changes in prescription or frame style, it’s crucial to monitor your symptoms. If the issues persist beyond a couple of weeks or worsen, it’s advisable to return to your optometrist for a follow-up. They can check the fit of your glasses, reassess your prescription, and ensure that the lenses are appropriate for your vision needs.

Similar Q&A

Common Eyewear Concerns: Effects of Lens Issues and Prescription Accuracy

Dear Dr. Gao, Thank you very much for your response to my personal inquiries; I have truly benefited from your insights. This time, due to the delamination of my eyeglass lenses, I have come to understand many ophthalmological concepts that I previously only partially grasped or...

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology
Hello, Ah-Hsiang: 1. No, it won't happen. 2. There is no correlation. 3. No, it won't happen. 4. Yes, the eyes can get used to new glasses; there may be a transition period, which can vary from person to person. 5. It may not necessarily be caused by the prescription. ...

Understanding Discomfort with Glasses: Causes and Solutions

Hello, I would like to ask about my father. For the past couple of years, he has been feeling very uncomfortable wearing glasses. He often uses pliers to adjust them himself. He says that the optical shops do not provide the comfort he desires, and he quickly feels uncomfortable ...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello, I think we should first confirm whether there are any other issues related to his headache and nasal symptoms. If there are none, we can consider adjusting his glasses as a last resort. Some people's glasses do require some time to adjust, so it might be a good idea t...

Understanding Vision Issues with New Glasses: Dizziness and Discomfort Explained

Hello Dr. Tsai, I would like to ask about a recent issue I've been experiencing. I recently started wearing new glasses that have the same prescription as my old ones, but they include a blue light filter. However, when I look at things with my left eye through the new gla...

Dr. Cai Wenyuan reply Ophthalmology
It may be necessary to measure the prescription for glasses and the pupillary distance.

Why Your New Glasses Make Close-Up Vision Uncomfortable

Hello Doctor: I recently got a new pair of glasses with the same prescription as my previous pair (lens prescription: -5.25 and -5.50, with astigmatism in both eyes). I wanted to change my glasses because the lenses of my old pair were quite worn out. After wearing the new glasse...

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology
Hello: Based on the description, we should first consider whether there is a case of presbyopia. However, if you are 26 years old, the likelihood of presbyopia is low. I recommend that you take both pairs of glasses to an optician for an examination. If that does not resolve the ...