None of us are new to the concept of correcting one’s vision; however, if you’re new here, it is likely that you are also new to what it’s like to become a glasses-wearing human being for the first time. We very much hope your eye doctor has given you a heads up on what to expect from your first pair, but if you haven’t made an appointment quite yet and are furiously scouring the internet for information on the topic prior to consulting an expert (as one does), we’re here to impart our first-timer glasses-wearing wisdom upon you.
What may not be obvious is that transitioning away from your blurry, squinty existence isn’t like turning a switch on or off. Like any change in life, wearing glasses for the first time can take some getting used to, both for you and your eyeballs. With a new prescription, lens type, or frame, you can experience anything from slight headaches, eye strain, and blurry vision to noticing a strikingly sophisticated version of yourself in the mirror and receiving an unprecedented amount of compliments on your new frames. The “new glasses” adjustment period is indeed a process on many levels. Of course, change is experienced differently for everyone, so buckle up because there’s a lot of ground to cover on the journey through demystifying what it’s like to go from un-framed to good-looking (pun intended, you handsome devil).
What Can I Expect From My First Pair of Glasses?
What Can I Expect From My First Pair of Glasses?
First of all, if you are in fact new here and new to glasses in general, we’d like to take a moment to say, hello and welcome dear reader. Whether you’re new to seeing straight, enjoying the view, or being able to read the wine list, it’s without a doubt that you have arrived at the right place and it is reasonable to have a few questions and concerns. As you may have guessed, framing the windows to the soul is our passion, and we look forward to sharing our know-how on what to expect when expecting new eyeglasses so you can move forth with boldness.
Why Does it Feel Weird to Wear New Glasses?
Why Does it Feel Weird to Wear New Glasses?
As we mentioned above, becoming four-eyed for the first time isn’t all rainbows and unicorns. When you start correcting your vision or get new prescription glasses it’s completely normal to experience some uncomfortableness during this adjustment period. It’s very common, especially in the first few days, to experience, blurry vision, dizziness, headaches, and possibly slight nausea for up to two weeks. Why is this happening? Because your brain and your eyes have been overcompensating for poor vision for who knows how long and they need some time to learn how to process images differently now that you wear glasses. Although unpleasant, it is normal to deal with some distorted vision – objects may appear warped, bent, or out of focus and you might struggle with depth perception. Of course, this adjustment period is temporary. With the right prescription lenses, you may need to allow some time to let your eyes adjust.
How Do You Get Used to Wearing Readers?
How Do You Get Used to Wearing Readers?
Now that we’ve established that new glasses symptoms are a thing and temporary new lenses uncomfortableness is normal, here are some adjustment phase hacks that can help you get used to your new glasses as your eye muscles and brain repair their relationship.
Especially if this is your first time wearing glasses, please know there is no shame in taking breaks as you’re adjusting to them. It can be very helpful to start your day by wearing your new glasses for as long as you can. No need to power through the day, try wearing them for an hour or two at a time and then take them off for the rest of the day. Gradually increasing wear time will prove to be your new best friend.
Are Glasses Supposed to Be Blurry When You First Get Them?
Are Glasses Supposed to Be Blurry When You First Get Them?
While you might feel slightly like you’re entering The Twilight Zone when first wearing your new glasses, rest assured that this may be par for the course. If the fuzziness doesn’t fade in a couple weeks, it may be time to revisit your eye doctor.
Dirty lenses, however, are a no-no, because any unsightly spots or smudges can contribute to blurry vision, create halos around light, and generally distract from how incredible you look. All eyebobs frames come with a spiffy cleaning cloth and we highly suggest you use it – both to avoid blurry vision and because everyone looks at least 50% more intelligent if they casually tend to their lenses while sharing insights on literally anything.
How Do You Get Used to Wearing Glasses for the First Time?
How Do You Get Used to Wearing Glasses for the First Time?
When your eyes begin to strain, that’s a good time to take a short break from business as usual and do a few eye exercises without your new lenses. If you’re at work, try looking away from your screen and out the window at something in the distance. Afterward, look down at something close. Focusing on different objects at different distances will help especially if you’re donning progressive lenses.
How Long Does it Take to Get Used to Wearing Glasses?
How Long Does it Take to Get Used to Wearing Glasses?
If your new prescription, lenses, or frames are giving you a hard time for longer than two weeks, then it’s time to reach out to your eye doctor. By this time your eyes, brain, and face should have had enough time to get used to all the newness (aside from all the compliments you’re receiving, those can take some additional getting used to). If you’re still struggling you may need to make a few adjustments with your optometrist.
Find Your Perfect Fit
Find Your Perfect Fit
Your new prescription tends to get all the attention when we’re talking about adjusting to your new frames, but it’s also important to recognize that the frames themselves are also an important factor in fully adjusting to your corrected vision. No matter what style you go with, you’ll want to make sure you choose frames that fit both your head size (wide, average, or narrow) and face shape (round, oval, heart, diamond, or square). Ill-fitting frames can cause tension headaches and generally make it difficult to see straight. So if you’re experiencing slipping or sliding or a vice grip around your temples, be sure to reach out for an adjustment or try some different frames
Finally, Keep It Clean
Finally, Keep It Clean
Just as you want to get used to keeping your lenses clear as day, you’ll also want to keep them safe from harm in their protective case. It’s important that your frames line up with your eyes correctly, dropping them or leaving them unprotected can bump them out of alignment which would make adjusting to your new prescription next to impossible.
If You Don’t See Something, Say Something
If You Don’t See Something, Say Something
Whether it’s your first time with your new prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, or simply a new pair of frames with blue lights, we wish you the best of luck as you adjust to all the newness. Now go forth in your quest for excellent vision. Godspeed dear reader. You’ve got this.