If you find yourself getting a headache after switching to a new pair of eyeglasses, don’t be alarmed. When you get a new prescription, the muscles of your eyes need to adapt. While constantly adjusting in order to focus, they’re working harder than usual—so you may experience some discomfort. Here’s how to mitigate the effects.

5 Tips to Combat Those New-Glasses Headaches

1. Put on Your Glasses First Thing in The Morning

As soon as you wake up, put on your new eyeglasses so your eyes can start the day with the prescription they’re supposed to have. Eye muscles are best rested after a good night’s sleep and will adapt more readily at this time of day.

2. Reach for Your Medicine Cabinet

You can use over-the-counter painkillers to help with headaches. Simply lying down with a cold compress over your eyes and forehead can also help if you’d rather not take pills.

3. Take Breaks If Needed

Take short breaks from wearing your eyeglasses throughout the day. Don’t leave them off for more than one hour, however, and don’t revert to wearing your old lenses. This can result in distorted vision and disorientation.

4. Combat Other Sources of Eye Strain

Computer, tablet, and phone screens further strain your eyes. Get anti-reflective lenses to combat glare. When staring at a screen, follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eye muscles a break and encourages blinking—which you may forget to do when staring—so your eyes don’t dry out.

5. Communicate With Your Eye Doctor

Let your vision care professional know you’re experiencing discomfort. If it continues, go in for a checkup. They will verify the prescription and check whether any other issues may be to blame. 

If you need new eyeglasses, trust Whitefish Eye Center of Flathead County, MT. You can expect top quality—not only do they offer a huge variety of frames, including designer models, but their lenses are also locally crafted. Their warranty program includes all adjustments and minor repairs for the lifetime of your eyewear. Get an overview of all their vision care services, from contact lens fittings to eye exams, online. For an appointment, call (406) 862-2020.