Why You Might Experience Dizziness with a New Frame

Getting new glasses is an exciting opportunity for clearer vision, but it can come with some temporary discomfort, particularly dizziness. Many people experience this when they switch to new frames, even if their prescription hasn't changed. Whether it's a shift in prescription, a change in frame style, or simply getting used to a new fit, several factors can contribute to dizziness or visual discomfort. Understanding why this happens can help ease the adjustment process.

Here’s a detailed explanation of why dizziness occurs with a new frame and how you can minimize it.

1. Prescription Change

Why It Happens:One of the most common reasons for dizziness when getting new glasses is a change in your prescription. Whether it's due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia, any adjustment in your prescription means your eyes need time to adapt to new focal points. This can lead to temporary visual confusion as your brain adjusts to the new configuration of lenses.

What You Can Do:

• Be Patient: It’s normal for it to take anywhere from a few hours to a few days for your eyes to adjust to the new prescription.

• Follow Up with Your Optician: If dizziness lasts longer than expected, schedule an appointment with your optician to ensure your prescription and lens alignment are correct.

2. Change in Frame Style

Why It Happens:Switching to a new frame style can also lead to dizziness, even if your prescription remains the same. New frames fit differently on your face, and the lenses may be positioned at a different distance from your eyes. This slight change in the lens position can disrupt your focal points, making it difficult for your eyes to adjust at first.

For example, switching from small, narrow frames to larger, bulkier ones could cause the lenses to sit farther from your eyes, which can lead to dizziness as your eyes try to adjust.

What You Can Do:

• Take Gradual Breaks: If you’ve made a significant switch in frame style, consider wearing your glasses for shorter periods and gradually increasing the time as your eyes adjust.

• Ensure Proper Fit: Have your optician adjust your new frames to ensure the lenses are sitting properly on your face and aligned correctly.

3. Same Prescription, New Frame (Same Exact Model)

Why It Happens:Even if you keep the same prescription and opt for a frame that looks identical to your previous one, dizziness can still occur. The fit and positioning of the lenses might vary slightly from your old frame, leading to minor changes in the way your eyes interact with the lenses. Habits from wearing your old glasses, like how the lenses sit on your face, can make you more sensitive to these small adjustments.

What You Can Do:

• Allow Time to Adjust: Even if the frame style is the same, small differences in fit or alignment can cause discomfort. Be patient and give your eyes time to adapt.

4. Higher Prescription Sensitivity

Why It Happens:If you have a higher prescription, the alignment of your lenses with your pupils becomes even more crucial. A small misalignment can cause significant visual discomfort or dizziness. This is because higher-prescription lenses require precise measurements to ensure the optical centers align perfectly with your pupils.

What You Can Do:

• Request Precise Measurements: If you have a high prescription, it’s important to ensure your optician takes accurate measurements of your pupillary distance (PD) and makes sure the optical centers of your lenses are aligned properly with your pupils.

• Customization: The optician should have you wear the optical frame and mark on the demo lens where your focal point is located. They will then compare this marked focal point to the final lenses and cut them to match the position. This precise adjustment helps reduce dizziness and other visual discomforts.

5. What to Avoid: Switching Lenses Between Frames

Why It Happens:It might be tempting to transfer the lenses from an old frame to a new one, especially if your old frame is damaged. However, this can lead to dizziness or blurry vision. Even if the lenses appear to fit the new frame, the distance between the lenses (nosebridge) may be different, causing the optical center of the lens to shift. This misalignment leads to distorted vision and discomfort.

What You Can Do:

• Don’t Transfer Lenses: Always replace the entire frame if it’s damaged and have the lenses properly aligned. This ensures the optical centers are positioned correctly, minimizing discomfort and improving clarity.

Conclusion

Feeling dizziness with a new pair of glasses is a common issue, but it’s usually temporary. Whether it’s due to a prescription change, a new frame style, or getting used to slight differences in fit, your eyes need time to adjust to the new configuration.

If you have a high prescription or are particularly sensitive to changes, it’s essential to ensure that your optician takes precise measurements and ensures the lenses are fitted correctly. By requesting accurate pupillary distance measurements and ensuring the lenses are customized to your eye’s focal point, you can minimize dizziness and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.

If dizziness persists or you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your optician for further adjustments. With patience and proper fitting, your new glasses will soon provide you with the clear and stable vision you need.