Why Do My New Glasses Hurt? Four Common Causes of Discomfort and How to Fix Them
A new pair of glasses allows you to see the world more clearly, especially if they are your first pair or your prescription has changed significantly. However, many people experience discomfort when adjusting to new eyewear. If your glasses are causing pain, there are a few common reasons why this might be happening. Here’s what could be causing the discomfort and how to fix it.
Pain Behind Your Ears
If your glasses are causing soreness behind your ears, there are several possible explanations.
Causes
- The temples (arms) of your glasses may be too tight, pressing against the sides of your head.
- The frames could be too heavy, especially if you are used to lighter ones.
- The temple tips might be bent too much or not enough, creating pressure points.
Solutions
- Visit an optician for an adjustment. A simple tweak to the arms of the glasses can relieve the pressure behind your ears.
- If your glasses feel heavy, give yourself some time to adjust. In most cases, the discomfort will lessen as you get used to them.
- If discomfort persists, consider switching to lightweight frames made from materials like titanium.
Pressure on Your Nose
Glasses that pinch or press down uncomfortably on your nose are likely too tight or not properly fitted.
Causes
- Frames with nose pads may have them positioned too close together, creating excessive pressure.
- Plastic frames that lack nose pads might have a bridge that is too narrow for your face.
- The overall weight of the glasses may be too heavy, leading to discomfort on the bridge of your nose.
Solutions
- Have an optician adjust your nose pads for a better fit and reduced pressure.
- If your plastic frames pinch, check if the bridge width is appropriate for your facial structure. An optician may be able to make slight adjustments to improve the fit.
- If the weight of the glasses is an issue, switching to lighter materials may help.
Glasses That Constantly Slip
If you frequently find yourself pushing your glasses back up your nose, they may not be adjusted correctly.
Causes
- Loose nose pads can cause glasses to slide down.
- Frames with a bridge that is too wide may not sit securely on the nose.
- Plastic frames without nose pads may not grip well enough to stay in place.
Solutions
- An optician can tighten the fit by adjusting the frames or nose pads.
- Switching to silicone nose pads can improve grip and reduce slipping.
- If you wear plastic frames, adhesive silicone or foam nose pads can be added to improve fit and stability.
Headaches from Your New Glasses
If your new glasses are causing headaches, eye strain may be the culprit. This could be due to an adjustment period, an incorrect prescription, or misaligned lenses.
Causes
- It takes time to adapt to a new prescription, especially if it is stronger than your previous one.
- The prescription may be too strong or too weak, leading to strain.
- An incorrect pupillary distance (PD) measurement can cause discomfort, as the lenses may not align properly with your eyes.
Solutions
- Give your eyes time to adjust. Most people adapt to a new prescription within a few days to two weeks.
- If headaches persist, schedule an appointment with your optometrist to verify the prescription.
- Ensure that your PD measurement was taken correctly. If it was miscalculated, lens adjustments may be necessary.
Need an Adjustment?
If your new glasses are uncomfortable, the team at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. can help. With five locations in and around Edmonton, we provide professional adjustments to ensure your glasses fit comfortably.
Call today to schedule a consultation or stop by for a quick adjustment. Seeing clearly should never be painful.
