New Glasses Causing Eye Strain and Eyebrow Pain: What to Do? - Ophthalmology

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It sounds like you're experiencing discomfort and strain in your left eye after getting new glasses, particularly after a week of use. This situation can be quite frustrating, especially considering your recent eye injury and the adjustments to your vision. Here are some insights and practical solutions to help you address this issue.

First, it's important to understand that when you have a difference in prescription between your two eyes, it can lead to visual discomfort. In your case, your left eye is still at 20/20 vision, while your right eye has a reduced prescription due to the cataract film, resulting in a maximum vision of 20/25. This discrepancy can cause your brain to work harder to reconcile the different visual inputs from each eye, leading to symptoms like eye strain, headaches, and discomfort around the eyebrows.


Possible Causes of Your Symptoms:
1. Prescription Adjustment: If your new glasses are not perfectly aligned with your current vision needs, they may not provide the optimal correction. Even a small difference in prescription can lead to discomfort, especially if your eyes are trying to compensate for the imbalance.

2. Eye Fatigue: Prolonged screen time can exacerbate eye strain, particularly if your eyes are not properly aligned or if the prescription is not suitable for your work environment. This is especially true if you are using digital devices for extended periods without breaks.

3. Overuse of the Left Eye: Since your right eye has a reduced vision capability, your left eye may be compensating more than usual, leading to fatigue and discomfort. This can create a feeling of pressure or strain in the left eye and surrounding areas.

4. Adjustment Period: Sometimes, new glasses require an adjustment period. Your eyes and brain need time to adapt to the new lenses, especially if there is a significant difference in prescription.


Practical Solutions:
1. Consult Your Optometrist: The first step is to revisit your optometrist or eye care professional. They can reassess your prescription and ensure that the lenses are correctly made according to your needs. It may be necessary to make slight adjustments to the prescription or the fit of the glasses.

2. Take Regular Breaks: Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain from prolonged screen time.

3. Adjust Your Work Environment: Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level and that you are sitting at a comfortable distance. Proper lighting can also reduce glare and strain on your eyes.

4. Consider Computer Glasses: If you spend a lot of time on the computer, you might benefit from glasses specifically designed for computer use. These glasses can help reduce strain by optimizing your vision for the distance at which you typically view your screen.

5. Eye Exercises: Engage in simple eye exercises to help relieve strain. For example, try rolling your eyes or focusing on different distances to help relax the eye muscles.

6. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of when your symptoms worsen. If they persist or worsen despite these adjustments, it may be necessary to seek further evaluation from an eye care specialist.

7. Stay Hydrated and Rested: Ensure you are getting enough sleep and staying hydrated, as fatigue and dehydration can exacerbate eye strain.


Conclusion:
Your symptoms of eye strain and eyebrow pain after getting new glasses are likely due to a combination of prescription adjustment, eye fatigue, and the need for your eyes to adapt to the new lenses. By consulting with your eye care professional and implementing some practical strategies, you can help alleviate these symptoms and improve your overall comfort. Remember, your eye health is paramount, and addressing these issues early can prevent further complications.