How Long Does It Take for Your Eyes to Get Used to a New Prescription?

Getting a new glasses or contact lens prescription can be exciting. But for some, it may come with a short adjustment period. Whether it's your first pair or a change in your prescription strength, your eyes and brain may need time to adapt.
 

What Happens During the Adjustment Period

When you begin wearing new corrective lenses, your brain must adapt to the way your eyes now process depth, shape, and movement. This adjustment is particularly noticeable if you’ve had a significant change in your prescription, are switching between glasses and contact lenses, or have added new features like progressive lenses or astigmatism correction. These changes alter the way visual information is received and interpreted, which can take some time for your brain to get used to.
 

Common Symptoms While Adjusting

It’s completely normal to experience some initial discomfort as your eyes and brain adjust to your new prescription. Common symptoms include blurry or slightly distorted vision, and headaches. You may also have difficulty focusing on specific objects. While these effects can be inconvenient, they typically fade within a few days as your visual system adapts to the updated prescription.
 

How Long Will It Take?

Most people adjust within a few days to a week. However, more complex prescriptions (like bifocals, progressives, or significant vision changes) may take up to two weeks for full adjustment. If you’re still experiencing discomfort or blurry vision after this period, it’s important to schedule a follow-up to rule out any issues with the prescription or lens fitting.
 

Tips to Help with the Transition

• Wear them consistently: Switching back to your old glasses can slow the adjustment process.

• Be patient: Your eyes are relearning how to process visual information.

• Limit screen time: Give your eyes frequent breaks from digital screens during the adjustment phase.

We’re Here to Help

Adjusting to a new prescription is a common and expected part of vision care. Your eyes may need a little time, but the clarity and comfort that follow are well worth it. At Bright Eyes Optometry, we’re here to ensure that your new lenses are working for you.
 

Schedule a follow-up eye exam with Bright Eyes Optometry to make sure your eyes are on the right track to clear vision. Visit our office in Red Bank, New Jersey, or call (732) 605-0300 to book an appointment today.