How Long Does it Take to Adjust to New Glasses?

Types
Features
Considerations
Misconceptions
Time Frame
Prevention/Solution

Written by Beth Richards

27 July, 2017

It may take some time to get used to prescription glasses. Each person's adjustment period will depend upon their own unique prescription and individual situation.

Is This an Emergency?

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Types

New glasses can be prescribed for distance correction, near correction, reading correction or astigmatism 1. Some prescriptions correct for a combination of corrections, such as distance and reading, or distance and astigmatism.

Features

Types of Eye Glasses for Someone Nearsighted

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Distance correction is called nearsightedness because you can see things closer but not at a distance. Farsightedness means you can see things that are far away better than closer ones. A reading prescription is for small print and detail, usually needed by people over 40. Astigmatism is usually caused by irregular curves in the eye and the problem of light not coming to a complete point on the retina.

Distance correction is called nearsightedness because you can see things closer but not at a distance.

Considerations

Because we see with our brains, it takes awhile for the eyes and the brain to coordinate getting used to a new prescription. The length of time for adjustment depends on the strength of the prescription, on whether there has been a significant change in prescription or on whether you are wearing glasses for the first time. Additionally, if you have gone from a large frame to a smaller frame or vice versa, or from contacts to glasses, there may be a longer adjustment period.

Misconceptions

Symptoms of a Wrong Glasses Prescription

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When you put on a new pair of glasses for the first time, things may not appear perfect 1. While some people are lucky and can see well, for many people there is an adjustment period for new eyeglasses. The process is similar to breaking in a new pair of shoes. There may be a brief period of discomfort, but eventually the glasses should become very comfortable.

When you put on a new pair of glasses for the first time, things may not appear perfect 1.
While some people are lucky and can see well, for many people there is an adjustment period for new eyeglasses.

Time Frame

Adjusting to new glasses can take up to a week. If you have glasses for the first time, the best way to get used to them is to wear them as often as possible and as directed by your eye doctor. If you have had a change in prescription and the difference is significant, the adjustment period may be a week or two, or even a little longer. The same applies for adjusting to bifocals, especially no-line bifocals.

Adjusting to new glasses can take up to a week.
If you have had a change in prescription and the difference is significant, the adjustment period may be a week or two, or even a little longer.

Prevention/Solution

If you have worn your glasses for at least a week or two and you are still experiencing difficulty adjusting to the new correction, have your doctor or optician recheck the lenses to verify they have been made according to the prescription. If the lenses are correct, then ask to be rechecked by the doctor to see if the prescription needs to be adjusted. Also, do not wear your old prescription while trying to get used to a new one. This will make the adjustment period take longer.

If you have worn your glasses for at least a week or two and you are still experiencing difficulty adjusting to the new correction, have your doctor or optician recheck the lenses to verify they have been made according to the prescription.
If the lenses are correct, then ask to be rechecked by the doctor to see if the prescription needs to be adjusted.