First Time Glasses Wearer: Common Questions

Wearing glasses for the first time can be enjoyable and exciting because you can finally see properly. However, it can also bring challenges as you get used to your appearance and the feeling of having something on your face. It's normal to experience some discomfort during the adjustment period, whether wearing glasses for the first time, changing your prescription or even changing your frames.

Top Questions for New Glasses Wearers

The first few days might be tricky, and it's important to be able to tell if any discomfort is due to unfamiliarity or an issue with your lenses. Luckily, there are some key questions to ask as a first-time glasses wearer that can help you figure this out.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Glasses?

Many people wonder how long it takes to get used to glasses. In truth, it depends. For many new wearers, it takes two or three days. For others, it might take two hours or up to two weeks. Usually, if you experience unpleasant symptoms for more than three or four days, it's best to contact your optometrist.

Should My Glasses Be Uncomfortable?

If you aren't used to wearing glasses, it can be awkward to wear them at first. You might find yourself compelled to fiddle with or remove them and have to allow a few days to adjust. Even changing glasses to a pair with a different frame, shape or weight can initially feel strange. 

Is It Normal to Get Headaches With New Glasses?

It's pretty standard to get a headache with new glasses. Your frames may press your temples and nose and cause a tension headache, or eyestrain may be the cause. In the first few days, taking breaks from your glasses may be helpful so you can get used to them. 

If you have changed from an old prescription, try not to wear your previous glasses because this can slow the adjustment process. Wear your glasses for an hour, take a break and slowly build up your tolerance. Your headaches should go away naturally over a few days. 

Why Is It Difficult to Adjust to New Glasses?

Your brain has to adjust to a new way of receiving and processing what you see, which takes some time. During the adjustment period, your eyes will work harder to adjust to clear images at first, which can cause eyestrain and blurry vision. However, if your prescription is wrong, your brain will not adapt to it, so it's best to confer with your optometrist if you experience prolonged discomfort.

What Are Symptoms of the Wrong Eye Prescription?

Lens adjustment may be necessary if your new eyeglasses cause blurry vision or you experience other side effects. Symptoms of the wrong eye prescription include:

• Eyestrain
• Headaches
• Poor depth perception
• Blurry vision
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Distorted vision
• Fishbowl effect (edges of your visual field look bent)

While many of these symptoms are common in the first few days, consult with your optometrist if they are excessive or persist.

Shop Lensabl Products Today!

Lensabl provides quality frames and lenses at affordable prices so you can look and feel your best. We can add the correct lenses for your prescription to any frames you love. Shop our frames for a new look, or send in your frames for lens replacement, and we'll update your existing pair. You can also order new lenses with us and explore our vision plans for customized vision services.