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How Long Does It Take to Adjust to New Eyeglasses?

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A patient smiling while an optometrist adjusts a new pair of glasses in front of their face in an optometry clinic.

Your vision changes over the years—this is entirely normal. It tends to stabilize in early adulthood, but if you wear glasses, your eyesight still adjusts every now and then. Eventually, there may be a point where you need to update your prescription. How long does it take to adjust to these new glasses?

It typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks to adjust to new glasses. Your eyes and brain need time to adapt to the changes in your lenses—especially if it’s your first time wearing glasses. Give it time and be patient, and you should adapt to your new lenses in no time.

How Often Should You Update Your Glasses Prescription?

Keeping your prescription up-to-date is key for clear vision. You should regularly visit your optometrist for comprehensive eye exams—they’re a great way to stay on top of your eye health.

If you wear glasses, you should try to update your prescription every 1–2 years. However, some factors might lead to the need for more frequent updates. Regular check-ins with your optometrist help spot these changes early and save you from strain. Certain conditions come and go, while other problems require more advanced intervention. 

If it feels like your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be, or if you’re dealing with headaches and strain, it’s time to visit your optometrist for your next eye exam.

Signs It’s Time to Update Your Glasses

Don’t wait for blurry vision to become a daily frustration. Your glasses should give you clear vision—any blurriness or distortion is a sign they’re no longer functioning properly. These signs all indicate it’s time for a new pair of glasses:

  • Frequent headaches 
  • Blurred or fuzzy vision 
  • Increased eye strain during activities requiring intense focus 
  • Glare or double vision, particularly at night 

If these sound familiar, you should reach out to your optometrist and schedule an eye exam. While these are often signs your glasses are out of date, they could also indicate an underlying eye condition.

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam isn’t just about testing how well you see. It’s about gaining a full understanding of your overall eye health. Your optometrist will work through a series of different tests to check all the parts of your eye.

These tests can vary, but your optometrist will likely perform the following:

  • Phoropter test: This involves rotating lenses through a machine to find the lens that best matches your vision needs. 
  • Visual acuity test: You’ll read letters or shapes from a chart on a wall to measure your clarity of vision. 
  • Eye pressure test: This evaluates your risk for conditions like glaucoma
  • Retinal exam: Your eye doctor checks the overall health of the back of your eye. 
  • Eye movement test: This checks how well your eyes work together when tracking movements.

These work together to give an eye care professional an in-depth understanding of your unique needs. Then, they can use this information to update your prescription and address any potential problems.

A patient smiling as they try on new glasses while across the desk from a happy optometrist.

What to Expect When Adjusting to New Glasses 

Adjusting to new glasses can come with a few surprising symptoms, especially if it’s your first time. This is entirely normal—your eyes and brain need time to adjust to this new clarity.

For some people, this adjustment only lasts for a few days. Meanwhile, other people could take up to a week or more. It’s essential to stay patient and give your eyes time to adjust.

During this time, you might notice:

  • Mild dizziness 
  • Feeling off-balanced 
  • Headaches as your vision settles 
  • Slight strain when focusing up close or far away 

These experiences should be temporary. With consistent wear, your brain and eyes work together to adapt, and the process becomes seamless in no time.

However, if your symptoms don’t wear off within a few days, reach out to your optometrist. Significant discomfort is unusual and can be a sign of something more serious.

Tips for Taking Care of Eyeglasses 

Your glasses are an investment. Proper eyeglasses care helps make them last longer, and it keeps your vision unobstructed. You’ll need to care for your eyeglasses often to protect the frames and lenses.

Here are practical tips for keeping your glasses in tip-top shape:

  • Store them in a hard case when not in use. 
  • Clean lenses with a microfiber cloth and lens-safe cleaner. 
  • Avoid placing your glasses face-down on surfaces. 
  • Check the screws in frames occasionally to ensure they’re secure. 
  • Never use abrasive products like paper towels, which may scratch the lenses

These steps help keep your glasses looking and feeling great for much longer.

Is It Time to Update Your Prescription?

Consistently updating your prescription is an excellent choice. It keeps your vision clear and comfortable—just like you deserve.

If you’ve noticed signs of blurry vision, headaches, or increased strain, it’s time for a visit with our team at L’occhio Eyecare-Eyestyle. An eye exam can make all the difference in the world, and we’re ready to help. Request an appointment with our team today to take your first step toward clearer vision!

Written by Dr. Richard Grifasi

When I started out nearly two decades ago, I had a clear philosophy. Whether protecting your sight from glaucoma or diabetes, introducing you to the most advanced laser vision correction or helping you find the most fashionable and sophisticated eyewear, you should always come first.

That philosophy has led me to strive for excellence in every area of my eye care and optical centers. Excellence in the care and service I give every client. Excellence in the diagnosis and treatment of all vision problems and eye diseases. Excellence in the technology we use to evaluate and test your eyes. And excellence in the quality and workmanship of our frames and lens selections.

Most of all, I have strived to build excellence into your whole eye care experience, from the moment you first visit until long after you have received treatment or a prescription. Today, I am pleased to report that we have achieved excellence in these areas. How do I know? My patients tell me every day.

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