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What to Expect When Getting New Glasses

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Dr. Marc

3 MINUTES READ
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Getting eyeglasses for the first time can take some getting used to, as can replacing your current prescription. Discomfort is part of the process of adjusting to new lenses. However, there are ways to make the transition easier.

Read on to learn the most effective means of adapting to a new prescription and for other information you’ll need to know if you’re getting a prescription for the first time.

How to Get Used to Your Glasses
Adjusting to new lenses can take several days. Symptoms you might experience in the interim include dizziness, headaches, blurred or distorted vision, and eye strain. Because of these issues, it may be tempting to take off your new glasses. The best way to adapt, however, is to keep them on.

Taking off your lenses for lengthy periods of time or swapping them out for your old prescription may provide immediate relief. Unfortunately, doing so will prolong the adjustment period for your new prescription.

Although there’s a common myth that wearing glasses all the time can further impair your vision, there’s no evidence to suggest this is the case. In fact, wearing a weaker prescription or not wearing glasses when you need them has been shown to worsen one’s eyesight over time. Unless they’re only needed for specific activities like reading or driving at night, wearing glasses all the time is advisable. That’s especially true for new ones.

Watch Out for UV Protection
Many lenses come with UV protection nowadays, and they’re something to consider if you’re cognizant of your eye health. Too much exposure to UV light is correlated with cataracts and other forms of eye damage. However, it’s important to note that UV lenses aren’t a catch-all solution.

Although they protect part of your eye from UV light, ocular health goes deeper than your cornea. Wearing sunglasses when you’re outdoors, and especially when it’s sunny, is critical to avoiding health problems. Taking advantage of hats and applying sunscreen to your eyelids can also add other layers of protection.

Make Sure You’re Cleaning Your Glasses
If you’re wearing your glasses regularly, it’s critical that you maintain them. Dirty, damaged lenses aren’t just an inconvenience. They can also cause eye strain and lead to bacteria build-up near your eyes and face.

To avoid such occurrences, make a habit of cleaning your new glasses at least once per day. It only takes a minute, and all you’ll need is a microfiber cloth and eyeglass cleaning solution. Start out by washing your hands and wiping down your glasses with the cloth. Then spray them with the solution, rinse with water, and dry them off.

What If Your Eyes Don’t Adjust?
If you’re still having trouble adjusting to new glasses after about a week, you should consult your eye doctor. On occasion, the process can take as long as two weeks. However, it’s important to make sure nothing more sinister is causing your discomfort. Plus, your eye doctor may offer additional tips for getting used to new lenses.