Why is my vision blurry after getting new glasses?

Blurry Vision After Getting New Glasses: Causes and Solutions

Blurry vision after getting new glasses is most commonly caused by an incorrect prescription, but can also result from adaptation issues to new lens designs, improper lens fitting, or underlying eye conditions that may require medical attention. 1

Common Causes of Blurry Vision with New Glasses

Prescription-Related Issues

• Incorrect prescription: The most common reason (59%) for spectacle non-acceptance 2
• Overcorrection: Excessive correction can cause visual discomfort and blurriness 1, 3
• Change in lens material: Different materials have different optical properties 1

Adaptation Issues

• Adjustment period: Your brain and eyes need time to adapt to new prescriptions (about 10% of cases) 2
• Progressive lenses: These have peripheral distortion inherent in the design, with smaller reading zones compared to bifocals 1
• Bifocal adjustment: The height and position of segments can cause visual disturbances 1

Fitting Problems

• Improper centration: Lenses not properly centered in front of pupils 1
• Incorrect vertex distance: The space between your eye and the lens 1
• Pantoscopic tilt: Improper angle of the glasses relative to your face 1
• Frame size and fit: Poorly fitted frames can affect vision 1

Lens Design Issues

• Base curve issues: The curvature of the lens can affect vision 1
• Cylinder location: Where astigmatism correction is placed on the lens 1
• Lens aberrations: Including spherical and chromatic aberrations 1

Special Considerations

Anisometropia (Different Prescriptions Between Eyes)

• Most adults can tolerate up to 3.00 diopters difference between eyes 1
• Larger differences may cause visual discomfort and adaptation problems 1

Corneal Edema

• Can cause transient blurred vision, especially upon waking 1
• Vision often improves later in the day due to evaporation reducing edema 1
• May indicate underlying eye conditions requiring medical attention 1

What To Do If You Experience Blurry Vision

1. Give yourself time to adapt: Allow 1-2 weeks for your eyes to adjust to new glasses

2. Return to your eye care provider if:

   • Blurriness persists beyond 2 weeks
   • You experience headaches, eye strain, or dizziness
   • Vision is significantly worse than with your old glasses
   • You notice distortions or double vision

3. Possible solutions your provider may recommend:

   • Adjusting the prescription
   • Modifying the frame fit
   • Changing lens design or material
   • Checking for underlying eye conditions

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Assuming all blurriness will resolve with time: While adaptation is common, persistent blurriness may indicate a real problem 2
• Continuing to wear uncomfortable glasses: This can lead to headaches and eye strain
• Ignoring changes in vision: New blurriness could indicate underlying eye conditions requiring treatment 1
• Self-adjusting glasses: Bending frames can affect lens positioning and worsen vision

Remember that approximately 1.6% of all spectacle prescriptions require reassessment due to vision problems 2. Most issues can be resolved with proper adjustments by your eye care provider.