Getting a new pair of glasses is exciting. It means clearer vision, a fresh style, and better comfort. But, some people feel weird and see double vision. If you’re wondering why your new glasses make you feel cross-eyed or cause double vision, you’re not alone. Seeing double when on phone new glasses? This guide explains the key reasons, from wrong prescriptions to adjustment periods.
At Liv Hospital, we get these worries. We’re all about giving top-notch eye care. Double vision, or diplopia, is a common problem when you get new glasses. We’ll look into why it happens and what you can do about it.
Key Takeaways
- Double vision, or diplopia, is a common issue after getting new glasses.
- Adjustment period varies among individuals.
- Understanding the causes can help alleviate concerns.
- Proper fitting and follow-up care are key.
- Seeking professional help is essential if double vision persists.
Understanding Double Vision with New Glasses
New glasses can sometimes cause double vision, a temporary issue that usually goes away by itself. Double vision, or diplopia, is when you see one object as two separate images. This can happen for several reasons related to the new glasses.
What is Diplopia and How Common Is It?
Diplopia, or double vision, is seeing two images of one object. This can be side by side (horizontal) or one above the other (vertical). Many people experience double vision when they start wearing new glasses. Studies show that a big number of people adjusting to new eyewear may see double.
Condition | Description | Prevalence |
Horizontal Diplopia | Seeing double images side by side | Common |
Vertical Diplopia | Seeing double images one above the other | Less Common |
The Psychological Impact of Vision Changes
Getting used to new glasses can be stressful, and double vision can make it worse. The emotional impact of vision changes is important to consider. It’s key to remember that diplopia is often temporary and goes away as your eyes and brain adjust.
Knowing that many people see double when they start wearing new glasses can help. This issue is usually not serious and can be fixed by talking to an optometrist if it doesn’t go away.
The Science Behind Seeing Double with New Glasses
Double vision with new glasses happens because your brain needs time to adjust. When you get new glasses, light focuses differently on your retina. This helps you see better but can cause confusion at first.
How Your Eyes and Brain Process Visual Information
Our eyes capture light and send signals to the brain. The brain then makes sense of these signals, letting us see the world. New glasses change how light hits your retina, causing your brain to get mixed signals.
This mix-up can lead to double vision, or diplopia. The process involves complex brain pathways. The eyes send signals to the brain, which then interprets them. New glasses can affect how the eyes align and how the brain processes images.
The Neurological Adaptation Process
The brain is amazing at adapting to new visual information. When you start wearing new glasses, your brain starts adjusting. This neurological adaptation process takes time, from a few days to weeks, depending on the change.
During this time, some people see double, more so with big prescription changes or astigmatism. The brain works to align the images from each eye. Over time, most people see less double vision as their brain gets used to the new glasses.
Knowing the science behind seeing double can help you be patient. If double vision doesn’t go away, see an eye doctor to check for other issues.
Common Causes of Double Vision with New Glasses
Many people experience double vision with new glasses. It’s important to find out why this happens. Several things can cause it, from wrong prescriptions to how the glasses look.
Incorrect Prescription Measurements
One big reason for double vision is a wrong prescription. If the prescription is off, it can mess with your vision. Make sure your eye doctor takes accurate measurements.
Frame Fit Problems
The way the frames fit can also affect your vision. If the frames don’t fit right, it can cause double vision. Getting the frames fitted correctly is key to avoiding this problem.
Astigmatism Correction Challenges
Fixing astigmatism can be tricky, even for experts. It’s about getting the right shape for your eye. If it’s not done right, you might see double or things won’t look clear.
Optical Center Misalignment
The optical center is where you should look to see things clearly. If it’s off, you might see double. Make sure the lenses are in the right spot in your frames.
Cause | Description | Potential Solution |
Incorrect Prescription Measurements | Inaccurate measurement of lens power | Re-check prescription with eye care professional |
Frame Fit Problems | Frames not adjusted to fit the face properly | Adjust frames to fit properly |
Astigmatism Correction Challenges | Difficulty in accurately correcting astigmatism | Specialized astigmatism correction lenses or techniques |
Optical Center Misalignment | Lens optical center not aligned with pupil | Adjust lens position in frame |
Knowing why you might see double vision with new glasses helps. You can fix it by adjusting the frames, checking the prescription, or dealing with astigmatism. There are many ways to solve this problem.
Types of Double Vision You May Experience
Double vision, or diplopia, comes in different forms. Each type has its own meaning for your vision. Knowing the differences helps find the cause and the right treatment.
Monocular Double Vision (Affecting One Eye)
Monocular diplopia happens when you see double in one eye, even with the other eye closed. It’s often due to problems in the eye itself, like astigmatism. Issues with the cornea, lens, dry eye, or certain retinal problems can cause it.
Binocular Double Vision (Affecting Both Eyes)
Binocular diplopia affects both eyes and is noticed when both are open. It’s usually linked to eye alignment problems or brain issues. Causes include strabismus, nerve palsies, or certain neurological conditions.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Doubling Effects
Double vision can also be divided by image orientation. Horizontal double vision shows two images side by side. Vertical double vision shows images stacked. The type can hint at the cause. For example, horizontal vision might point to lateral rectus muscle or sixth cranial nerve issues. Vertical vision could suggest problems with superior or inferior rectus muscles or third cranial nerve.
Seeing an eye care professional is key to figuring out your double vision. They can tell you if it’s monocular or binocular, horizontal or vertical. A detailed eye exam will help find the cause and guide treatment.
Seeing Double When on Phone New Glasses: Digital Device Challenges
Double vision with new glasses can get worse when using digital devices like smartphones and computers. As we use these devices more, it’s important to know how they affect our vision.
Why Screens Exacerbate Double Vision
Screens can make double vision worse because of glare and reflections. This is a big problem for people getting used to new glasses. The glare from screens can make symptoms even more severe.
Anti-reflective lens coatings can help reduce glare. This can give some relief from the problem.
Also, the blue light from digital devices can affect how we see things. Long-term exposure to blue light can cause eye strain. This can make double vision symptoms worse.
Blue Light Effects on Visual Processing
Blue light, a high-energy visible (HEV) light, is found in digital devices. Studies show that too much blue light can lead to eye strain. This can make double vision symptoms worse.
To fight blue light effects, use blue light filtering glasses or apps. These tools can help reduce blue light from screens, which is good for your eyes.
Tips for Comfortable Digital Device Use with New Glasses
To use digital devices comfortably with new glasses, try these tips:
- Adjust your device’s display settings to a comfortable brightness and contrast.
- Use anti-reflective coatings on your lenses to cut down on glare.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Consider using blue light filtering glasses or apps.
By following these tips, you can make using digital devices with new glasses easier. This will help you adjust to your new prescription more smoothly.
The Normal Adjustment Period for New Glasses
Getting used to new glasses can be tough, but knowing how long it takes helps a lot. Many of our patients want to know what to expect when they start wearing their new glasses. The good news is that for most, it’s a short adjustment period.
Usually, it takes 24 to 48 hours for your eyes and brain to get used to the new glasses. But, it can take a few days to two weeks for everyone. This depends on how complex your prescription is and how your body reacts.
Typical Timeline: What to Expect Day by Day
The adjustment period has different stages. Here’s what you might go through:
Day | Typical Experience |
1-2 | At first, you might feel uncomfortable, see blurry, or double vision. This is as your eyes get used to the new prescription. |
3-5 | Your brain starts to adjust, and your vision gets clearer. You might notice some small distortions. |
6-14 | Your vision keeps getting better as your eyes and brain fully adjust to the new glasses. |
One of our patients said, “I was surprised at how quickly my eyes adjusted to the new glasses. Within a few days, I forgot I was even wearing them!” This quick adjustment is common, but remember, everyone’s experience is different.
Factors That Extend Adjustment Time
While most people adjust to their new glasses in a couple of weeks, some things can make it take longer. These include:
- Significant changes in prescription
- Astigmatism correction
- Progressive or multifocal lenses
- Age-related changes in vision
- Previous eye surgeries or conditions
It’s important to be patient and let your eyes adjust. If you have ongoing discomfort or vision issues, talk to your optometrist. They can check for any other problems.
As shown in the table above, the adjustment period can vary. But, with time, most people find their new glasses become comfortable and their vision improves.
When Double Vision Indicates a Serious Problem
Double vision with new glasses can be worrying. It’s important to know when it might mean a serious problem. While getting used to new glasses, some visual issues are normal. But, if double vision is constant or very bad, it could mean a serious issue that needs medical help.
Red Flags That Require Immediate Professional Attention
Certain symptoms with double vision need you to see a doctor right away. These red flags include:
- Persistent double vision that lasts more than a few hours
- Severe eye pain or headache
- Blurred vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes
- Dizziness or nausea
- Eye redness or swelling
If you notice any of these signs, get medical help fast. They could mean a serious problem that needs quick attention.
Distinguishing Between Normal Adaptation and Prescription Errors
It’s hard to tell if double vision is just from new glasses or if there’s a prescription error. If double vision doesn’t go away after a few days to a week, it might mean you need to check your prescription or how your glasses fit.
Normal adaptation means your eyes and brain slowly get used to the new glasses. But, if double vision is very bad, doesn’t go away, or hurts, you should see your optometrist. They can check if there’s a problem with your prescription or how your glasses fit.
Underlying Medical Conditions That Can Cause Double Vision
Double vision can also be a sign of a medical problem, not just glasses issues. Conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or thyroid disorders can affect your vision. Also, injuries or some neurological conditions can cause double vision.
If you keep getting double vision, it’s important to get a full eye exam. You might also need to see a doctor to find out if there’s a medical issue.
Practical Solutions for Double Vision with New Glasses
Experiencing double vision with new glasses can be fixed with at-home tricks and professional help. Getting used to new glasses takes time and sometimes a few changes to see better.
At-Home Adjustment Techniques
Start by wearing your new glasses as often as you can. This helps your eyes and brain get used to the new prescription. Also, taking breaks from digital devices can help reduce eye strain. Here are some tips to try at home:
- Cover one eye at a time to see if the double vision stays in one eye or if it’s both.
- Move your computer or reading material to avoid glare.
- Make sure your room is well-lit to reduce eye strain.
Wearing your glasses consistently and taking good care of them is key. Clean your lenses often and store them right to avoid damage that could make double vision worse.
When to Return to Your Optometrist
If double vision doesn’t go away after a while, you should see your optometrist again. They can check if you need a prescription change or other help.
“If you experience persistent double vision, it’s vital to see your optometrist to check for any underlying issues that might need attention.”
Some signs you might need to go back include:
- Double vision that lasts more than a few weeks.
- Severe eye strain or discomfort.
- Double vision getting worse.
Possible Prescription and Fit Modifications
Your optometrist might need to tweak your prescription or how your glasses fit. This could mean:
Modification Type | Description |
Prescription Adjustment | Making small changes to the lens prescription to better fit your vision needs. |
Frame Adjustment | Adjusting the frame to fit your face right, aligning with your pupils. |
Lens Realignment | Aligning the optical center of the lenses with your pupils. |
Working with your optometrist can help find the best ways to fix double vision. This way, your new glasses will give you the best vision possible.
Special Considerations for Different Types of Lenses
Knowing about different lenses is key to handling double vision. Each lens type meets specific vision needs. Their unique features can affect how we adjust to new glasses.
Progressive Lenses and Double Vision
Progressive lenses blend near, intermediate, and far vision in one lens. But, this can cause double vision when getting used to them. Proper alignment and adjustment are vital to avoid this.
Working with your optometrist is important for progressive lenses. They can help you adjust to the lens zones and make adjustments to lessen distortion.
Bifocal Adjustment Issues
Bifocal lenses have a line that can cause double vision at first. Adapting to bifocals takes time and practice.
Here’s a table with common bifocal issues and solutions:
Issue | Solution |
Double vision | Adjust to the new lens power gradually |
Discomfort | Ensure proper frame fit |
Visual disturbance | Practice looking through the correct part of the lens |
High-Index Lenses and Visual Distortion
High-index lenses are thin and light, great for strong prescriptions. But, they can cause double vision if not made or fitted right. Choosing a trusted optician is key to avoiding these problems.
Specialty Lenses for Specific Vision Problems
Specialty lenses, like those for astigmatism or presbyopia, come with their own challenges. They’re made for specific vision issues and may need more time to get used to. Following your eye care professional’s advice is important for a smooth transition.
By understanding different lenses and working with your optometrist, you can reduce double vision. This way, you can enjoy clear, comfortable vision with your new glasses.
Conclusion
Getting used to new glasses can be tough, and double vision is a common problem. We’ve looked into why it happens, like wrong prescription, bad fit, and issues with astigmatism. Knowing these reasons and how to handle double vision can really help you adjust.
Dealing with double vision takes time and sometimes, you need a pro’s help. If it keeps happening, go back to your eye doctor. They can tweak your prescription and fit. This way, you can get through the transition to your new glasses better.
At the core, double vision is usually a short-term issue that can be fixed. We suggest you act fast if you notice any vision problems with your new glasses. This ensures you enjoy your new eyewear to the fullest.
FAQ
Why do my new glasses cause double vision?
Double vision, or diplopia, with new glasses can be caused by several factors. These include incorrect prescription measurements and frame fit issues. Challenges with astigmatism correction and optical center misalignment also play a role. Understanding these causes can help you identify why you’re experiencing double vision and how to address it.
Is double vision with new glasses a common issue?
Yes, double vision is a common issue when adjusting to new glasses. Many people experience some level of double vision or discomfort when they start wearing new eyewear. This is often temporary as their eyes and brain adjust.
How long does it take to adjust to new glasses?
The adjustment period for new glasses can vary. It usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks for your eyes and brain to fully adapt. Factors such as the complexity of your prescription, the type of lenses, and your individual adaptability can influence the adjustment time.
What is the difference between monocular and binocular double vision?
Monocular double vision affects one eye and can be caused by issues within that eye, such as astigmatism or lens problems. Binocular double vision, on the other hand, affects both eyes. It is often related to how your eyes work together, which can be influenced by your prescription, eye alignment, or how your brain processes visual information.
Can digital device use worsen double vision with new glasses?
Yes, using digital devices can exacerbate double vision. This is true if you’re not used to the new prescription or if the screen is not properly aligned with your eyes. Blue light emitted by screens can also affect visual processing, potentially worsening double vision.
When should I seek professional help for double vision with new glasses?
If your double vision persists beyond the typical adjustment period, is severe, or is accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain or headaches, you should seek professional help. Red flags that necessitate immediate attention include significant discomfort, blurred vision, or if you notice a significant change in your vision.
Can my optometrist adjust my glasses to alleviate double vision?
Yes, your optometrist can make adjustments to your glasses to help alleviate double vision. This might involve adjusting the frame fit, re-centering the lenses, or making modifications to your prescription. Returning to your optometrist is a key step if you’re experiencing persistent double vision.
Are there any special considerations for different types of lenses?
Yes, different types of lenses, such as progressive, bifocal, high-index, or specialty lenses, have unique characteristics. These can affect how you see with your new glasses. Understanding the specific features and challenges of your lens type can help manage expectations and alleviate issues with double vision.
How can I manage double vision while adjusting to my new glasses?
To manage double vision, you can try at-home adjustment techniques. These include giving your eyes regular breaks, adjusting your viewing angle, or practicing eye exercises. If the issue persists, consulting with your optometrist for possible prescription or fit modifications is the next step.
References
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Evidence-Based Medical Guidance. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285570/
