After living with headaches, blurred vision, and strained eyes for years, you’ve finally decided to get a pair of prescription glasses. Hopefully, they’ll solve all your problems, right?
The answer is yes, with qualifiers. A quality pair of prescription glasses will help remedy those headaches and other poor-vision frustrations. However, you might not notice those results immediately. In addition, there’s quite a bit to consider before purchasing your prescription glasses.
Check out these eight tips to get a crash course in adjusting to your new pair of prescription glasses.
Expert Blurry Vision at First
You’ve gone for years adapting to blurred vision. It’s been your “normal” for as long as you can remember. So, of course, the logical assumption is a pair of glasses will fix that right away. Although your prescription glasses will undoubtedly improve your vision, you’ll have to go through an adjustment period first.
It’s possible, if not probable, that you’ll experience a bit of blurry vision when you first put on your prescription glasses. This is because your eyes are used to straining in a way that’s no longer necessary. So, as your eyes and brain adjust to this new normal, you might notice that your 20/20 vision doesn’t seem perfect. Just rest assured, it’s temporary.
Don’t Settle for the First Pair
Purchasing a pair of prescription glasses isn’t as simple as your doctor handing them to you. First, you’ll need to get your prescription. Then, you’ll get fitted for a pair of glasses frames that suit you. As you choose the best pair, it’s essential to keep all your options open. Don’t settle for the cheapest pair or the lenses that let you see “well enough.”
Carefully consider your lenses, strength, and frames. The proper pair of prescription glasses should:
- Be lightweight.
- Provide clear vision.
- Be sturdy.
- Be scratch-resistant.
- Flatter your face.
Other options to consider are anti-glare coating and blue light filtering lenses. Your prescription glasses should suit your lifestyle, not just your face. Sit with your eye doctor to go over every option before making your decision.
Don’t Be Surprised by Eye Strain and Headaches
As your eyes and brain adjust to being able to see clearly, you might notice eye strain or headaches. Any changes in your vision, whether biological or artificial, can cause headaches.
The muscles in your eyes work hard all day long. Your eye muscles will work harder when you’re shifting between struggling to see and doing so with ease. Fortunately, the headaches are a temporary side effect. Wearing your prescription glasses for an hour or two at a time at first to ease yourself into them can help minimize any pain.
Splurge for Prescription Sunglasses, Too
Whether you’re near or farsighted, you should purchase a pair of prescription sunglasses when you buy your regular glasses. Although you might find expensive sunglasses to be an unnecessary expense, the cost is often worth it.
Each time you take your prescription glasses on and off, you’re forcing your eyes to bounce between straining and not. The same thing happens if you take your prescription glasses off and replace them with non-prescription sunglasses. So, to prevent eye strain or headaches, consider purchasing a pair of sunglasses to match your new glasses frames.
Don’t Leave Your Prescription Glasses in the Car
Whether you live in the frigid north or the blistering south, you should never leave your prescription glasses unprotected in the car. You’ve likely put a lot of money into your new glasses, and the last thing you want is them to get damaged in the heat.
Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause the plastic in the frames to warp or degrade over time. Since nearly everything on your prescription glasses is either plastic or plastic-coated, they could end up damaged if you leave them in the car. So it’s best to leave them inside or carry them with you.
Wash Your Prescription Glasses at Least Once a Day
You’d be shocked at how dirty a pair of glasses can get throughout the day. Between splashes, oil, and bits of food or dust, your prescription glasses might resemble a dirty windshield by the time you turn in for the night.
Dirty lenses can cause your eyes to strain just like the wrong prescription, so keeping them clean is best. As part of your nighttime routine, clean your glasses to ensure they’re dirt and grime-free. Not only will this prolong their life, but it’ll help you see better, too.
Don’t Put Your Prescription Glasses on Your Head
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably stuck your sunglasses on your head on multiple occasions. It’s the easiest way to keep them within easy reach. However, putting your prescription glasses on your head can actually be quite damaging.
Your glasses may have springs in the arms that allow them to fit your head’s size and shape. However, putting them on top of your head causes the arms of the frames to flex differently than they would normally. Over time, that change in position can cause the springs to wear prematurely.
Purchase a Backup Pair
After shelling out money for the best pair of prescription glasses, the thought of buying a second pair might seem crazy. But, in reality, a backup pair of glasses is an excellent way to ensure you’re never without your corrective lenses. Going without your prescription glasses could cause you to end up suffering the same problems that led you to get them in the first place.
Your backup pair doesn’t need to be as fancy as your main pair. If you stick with the basic “needs” and avoid the “wants,” you’ll be able to get a second pair for a lower price. Not to mention, many opticians tend to run sales now and then that’ll give you a discount.
Final Thoughts
Transitioning from not wearing prescription glasses to having them can be a big task. You might think the headaches, eye strain, and blurred vision mean your new lenses aren’t working. However, don’t give up. You’ll adjust in no time, and you’ll start to wonder how you ever functioned without prescription glasses in the first place.
Contact Art of Optiks today to schedule your comprehensive exam for prescription glasses.
