Eye care guide
New glasses giving you headaches or eye strain?
Feeling a bit strange for the first few days in new glasses is common. Headaches that last beyond a week or two usually mean something about the glasses is not right: the prescription, the measurements, or the fit. It can almost always be fixed, and we check glasses wherever you bought them.
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The usual causes
- Adjusting to a new prescription. Normal for a few days, especially after a big change.
- Lenses not centred on your eyes. If the optical centres are in the wrong place, your eyes work harder all day.
- The frame sits crooked or slips. It moves the lenses out of position.
- Varifocals measured in the wrong place. The reading or screen area is not where your eyes look. See varifocal problems.
- Glasses for the wrong distance. Reading glasses used for a screen, or distance glasses for close work.
What we do
Bring the glasses and, if you have it, the prescription. We check the lenses against the prescription, measure where they sit against your eyes, and adjust the fit. If the prescription itself may be wrong, we will suggest an eye test. We advise, you choose.
When it is urgent
A sudden, severe headache, or a headache with sudden loss of vision, double vision, a painful red eye or weakness, needs urgent help. Call 111 or go to A&E straight away.
Common questions
Headaches and new glasses, answered
Is it normal for new glasses to give you a headache?
A little strangeness for the first few days is common, especially with a bigger change in prescription or new varifocals. Headaches that last more than a week or two, or that get worse, are not something to put up with; bring the glasses back and we will check them.
Why do my new glasses make me dizzy or feel strange?
Your brain needs a few days to adjust to a new prescription. If it continues, common causes are the lenses not being centred on your eyes, the prescription not suiting you, the frame sitting crooked, or varifocals measured in the wrong place.
Can the wrong glasses cause eye strain?
Yes. An out-of-date prescription, glasses made for the wrong distance, or lenses not lined up with your eyes can all cause tired eyes and headaches, especially after reading or screen work.
Do screens cause eye strain?
Screens do not damage your eyes, but long spells focusing close and blinking less can make eyes tired and dry. Take breaks with the 20-20-20 rule, and make sure your glasses suit your screen distance. See computer and office glasses.
When is a headache with eye symptoms urgent?
A sudden, severe headache, or a headache with sudden loss of vision, double vision, a painful red eye, or weakness, needs urgent help: call 111 or go to A&E. Do not wait for an eye test.
Will you check glasses I bought somewhere else?
Yes. We see people every week with glasses from elsewhere that are not right. We check the prescription, the measurements and the fit, and tell you plainly what we find.
Bring them in
Wherever you bought them. 252 Park Road, Dingle, opposite Tesco Extra, free parking. Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Or call 0151 726 0622
Written by Gavin Winstanley, who has been making eyewear on Park Road since 1998 and fits the varifocals himself. Last updated .