Getting Used to New Glasses

Published: July 23, 2024
Last reviewed by: Leightons Clinical Team
Last reviewed: January 20, 2026

If you wear glasses, you’re probably familiar with the odd feeling that comes with a new pair of lenses. That disorienting feeling is due to your eyes adjusting to the new lenses. Just like new shoes that need to be broken in, new glasses can sometimes need a bit of time before they feel more natural. Many people’s eyes won’t adjust right away—and there’s nothing wrong with that.

In this guide, we’ll be discussing how long it takes to get used to new glasses, some of the symptoms you might experience, and how to help yourself adjust to the new glasses.

How Long Does it Take to Get Used to New Glasses?

It will take most people 3-4 days to get used to their new pair of glasses although it can take up to a week or longer for some. This depends on whether you’re brand new to glasses, how strong your prescription is, how much of a difference there is between your old prescription and your new prescription, or how much your eyes were overcompensating before you got your glasses. Adapting to your new glasses takes time because your brain and eyes are adjusting to the changes and trying to work together with your glasses to clear your vision.

If you’re still experiencing discomfort after 2-3 weeks, contact your optometrist for advice on next steps.

Learn more about How should glasses fit.

What Are the Symptoms of Adjusting to New Glasses?

When you first put on your new glasses, it’s common to feel a little disoriented or have some other side effects.

woman woman having headache and tired her eyes from overworked on computer screen hand holding eyeglasses

Common symptoms you might experience with new glasses include:

  • Difficulty focusing your eyes
  • Mild visual distortions – such as a “fishbowl effect” that makes the edges of your field of vision slightly curved
  • Eye strain
  • Eye migraines
  • Issues with depth perception and spatial awareness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Headaches

Typically, these symptoms are mild and resolve themselves after a few days as you adjust to your new glasses. If you’re still having difficulty or experiencing symptoms after a few days, feeling dizzy long-term, or if any of these symptoms are disrupting your day-to-day tasks, speak to your optometrist for advice.

Why Does it Take So Long to Get Used to New Glasses?

Sometimes, even if you have the same eyesight prescription, a new pair of glasses can feel odd at first and take a few days to adjust to. This could be due to a couple of reasons. First, the lenses might have a slightly different alignment than what you’re used to. Second, the frame style can feel unfamiliar if your last frames were very different, especially if you’re going from a small frame style to a pair of larger frames. Additionally, the new frames may have fit issues such as being too tight which can also cause discomfort.

Tired Worker with Irritated Eyes Looks at Glasses

It takes a while for muscle memory to kick in and, as the muscles in your eyes are getting used to working in a different way, it can take a few days for those muscles to get used to working with the new prescription – especially if this is your first pair of glasses and you’re getting used to not straining your eyes to see clearly.

However, there might be other factors that are affecting your ability to acclimatise to your new glasses. If you feel like your symptoms are particularly bad, or if they’re lasting too long, there could be another issue causing the problems such as an error in your prescription or scratches on the lenses. Contact your opticians to discuss any concerns you may have.

How to Adjust to New Glasses

The adjustment period can be frustrating and there’s no way to fast-track getting used to new glasses. But there are a few things to keep in mind when trying to adjust to your new pair of spectacles.

  1. Make sure your frames fit your face – they shouldn’t be too loose or too tight, they should fit your face just right. Your opticians should fit your glasses to your face and head to help with this.
  2. Put your glasses on when you start your day – a sudden change part way through the day can be more disorienting than starting your day wearing them.
  3. Wear them correctly – if you only need your glasses for certain tasks like reading or driving, ensure you’re wearing them correctly and only use them for that task to avoid further eye strain.
  4. Stop wearing your old glasses – it can be tempting to switch back to your old glasses if your eyes feel strained but doing so sets you back and means it’ll take longer to adjust to your new ones.
  5. Take off your glasses if your eyes feel itchy, red, or sore – put them back on when the symptoms have passed.
  6. If you’re adjusting to a new pair of bifocals or varifocals, try turning your head rather than just your eyes.
  7. Even if it feels uncomfortable, persevere – the longer you wear your new glasses, the quicker your eyes will adjust.
  8. Check your prescription – Adjusting to new glasses shouldn’t take longer than a few weeks. So if you continue to struggle with your new glasses for longer than that, it could be because of an error in your prescription.

Common Issues with New Glasses

Tired Asian Businesswoman Feeling Dizzy from Overworking Is Rubbing her temple.

Wearing glasses changes the way your eye muscles are used to working. Even though it will improve your vision, it just takes a bit of time for the muscles in your eyes to adapt from their usual habits. There are a number of reasons why your glasses might not be comfortable and you may not be adjusting to them properly.

Some common reasons include:

  • Headaches – Because your new frames need to be fit to your head it’s common to get headaches when getting used to new glasses. Poorly fitted frames, specifically too tight frames can trigger headaches.
  • Poorly fitted frames – whether they’re either too loose or too tight. Using them for other activities – You might experience headaches if you’re using your glasses for something they’re not intended for, such as using your reading glasses to watch TV.
  • Digital eye strain – Your eyes generally need to work harder when using screens. Spending lots of time on our smartphones, laptops or tablets means our eyes need to work hard to take in the moving images, glare and flickering from screens. Therefore, digital eye strain is a real risk when you’re getting used to new glasses. The distance we view digital screens is often in-between our vision zones – in other words, it’s just another thing that our eyes need to adjust to.

If you’re having issues with your new glasses, book a style consultation with Leightons to find the perfect fit – our experts will help to make sure your frames fit your face properly, your lenses are the correct prescription, and there’s nothing else wrong with the glasses themselves that might be interfering with your vision or ability to adjust to your new glasses.

Leightons are here to help and offer our expertise – Find a Branch to pop in store or book an appointment.

Book an appointment online

You may also like

Migraine glasses: can tinted lenses help with headaches?
Migraine glasses: can tinted lenses help with headaches?
If you experience migraines or frequent headaches, you may have noticed that light can make symptoms feel worse. Bright environments, glare or certain patterns can trigger discomfort and make it harder to focus. Many people searching for migraine glasses in the UK are looking for ways to reduce these visual triggers. While glasses cannot treat migraines themselves, certain lenses, including carefully selected tinted lenses, can help improve visual comfort and reduce the impact of light. If you are exploring your options, it can also help to understand how tinted lenses for everyday comfort and clarity and everyday use.   Why light can trigger migraines and headaches For many people, migraines are closely linked to how the brain processes light. Bright or flickering light, glare from screens, or high-contrast environments can place extra strain on the visual system. This can lead to: Increased light sensitivity (photophobia) Eye strain and visual discomfort Difficulty focusing Headaches triggered or worsened by bright environments Some people may also experience visual stress, where patterns or contrast make text or surroundings feel uncomfortable or unstable.   What are migraine glasses? The term migraine glasses is often used to describe glasses designed to reduce light sensitivity and visual discomfort. In many cases, these involve tinted lenses that help soften brightness and reduce the intensity of certain light wavelengths. One commonly referenced option is FL-41 tinted lenses, which use a rose-based tint designed to filter specific parts of the light spectrum. Some people find this type of tint more comfortable, particularly in environments with artificial lighting or screen use. However, there is no single tint that works for everyone, and results can vary.   Do FL-41 lenses work for migraines? FL-41 lenses are often discussed in relation to migraines, and some people report improved comfort when using them. They are designed to reduce certain wavelengths of light that may be linked to visual discomfort. However, it is important to understand that: They do not prevent or treat migraines Their effectiveness varies between individuals They are one of several tinted options, not the only solution For many people, a personalised approach to tinted lenses can be more effective than choosing a single standard tint.   How tinted lenses can help Tinted lenses work by reducing overall brightness and improving how your eyes respond to light and contrast. For some people, this can help: Reduce visual discomfort in bright environments Soften glare from screens and artificial lighting Make reading or focusing feel easier Create a more relaxed visual experience If your symptoms are linked to light sensitivity or visual stress, you may also benefit from understanding the different types of tinted lenses and colours available, as some tones feel more comfortable than others.   Tinted lenses vs blue light glasses You may also come across blue light glasses when searching for migraine solutions. Blue light lenses are designed to filter a portion of light from digital screens and may help reduce glare for some people. However, there is currently limited evidence to show that they reduce migraines or prevent headaches. These lenses can enhance warmer tones, meaning a white background may appear slightly softer or more sepia in tone, similar to the setting often used on e-readers. Tinted lenses tend to offer a broader approach by reducing overall brightness and improving contrast, which may feel more beneficial if your symptoms are linked to light sensitivity rather than screen use alone. Compare blue light lenses vs tinted lenses to understand which is right for your needs.   Finding the right tint for you There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to migraine glasses. The way your eyes respond to light is highly individual. Some people find relief with softer tones such as rose or grey, while others benefit from more specific colours tailored to their visual response. If visual stress is a contributing factor, a personalised assessment such as a colourimetry visual stress test can help identify which tint feels most comfortable for you.   Start with a full eye examination Before choosing tinted lenses or migraine glasses, it is important to understand what is causing your symptoms. A comprehensive eye examination allows us to assess your vision, check for underlying eye conditions, and understand how your eyes respond to light. From there, our qualified dispensing opticians can guide you towards the most appropriate options for your needs.   Takeaway Migraines and headaches can affect everyone differently, and the way your eyes respond to light is highly individual. While glasses cannot treat migraines, the right lenses can help reduce visual triggers such as brightness and glare, making everyday environments feel more comfortable. Tinted lenses, including options similar to FL-41, may help some people by softening light and improving visual comfort, particularly where light sensitivity or visual stress is a factor. However, there is no single solution that works for everyone, which is why a personalised approach is so important. At Leightons, we take the time to understand your symptoms, your lifestyle and how your eyes respond to light. Starting with a comprehensive eye examination by one of our optometrists, our qualified dispensing opticians can advise on the correct lens solution or you, whether that involves tailored tinted lenses or further assessment such as colourimetry. Book an appointment Find your nearest branch
Learn more
Right Arrow
Navigation Previous
Navigation Next