Summary
21 Jan, 2025
Multifocal Glasses Troubleshooting Guide
If your multifocals aren’t feeling quite right—whether they’re uncomfortable, blurry, or making you tilt your head at odd angles just to see properly—don’t stress, we’re here to help. It’s completely normal to face some challenges when adjusting to multifocal lenses, and you’re definitely not alone.
You may have heard people say things like "You just need to get used to them," or "That’s just how multifocals work." But is that really true? Well, yes and no. Multifocal glasses do take some getting used to, but that doesn’t mean you should struggle unnecessarily. If everything has been checked and fine-tuned correctly—your prescription, fitting, and adjustments—then yes, adaptation is part of the process. But here's the key: you should only be adapting to the natural experience of using multifocals, not to discomfort caused by issues that could have been resolved in the first place.
Think of it this way—if you're going to put in the effort to adjust, it’s worth making sure your glasses are set up correctly from the start. The good news? Many common issues can be easily identified and fixed with a few simple checks. Whether it’s blurry vision, discomfort, or feeling off-balance, there are solutions that can help you feel confident and comfortable in your multifocals. So, before you decide to “just get used to it,” take a moment to go through the symptoms below. If in doubt, give us a call and we can help with your multifocals. Let’s dive in!
Blurry Distance Vision
| Possible Causes | Most common issues present in multifocal wearers. Can be caused by either incorrect prescription or incorrect position. |
| How We Fix It | First we check the prescription in the lenses using to see if matches the prescribed prescription. If that passes, we check the positioning of the pupil relative to the fitting height that was specified. Fitting height can be improved by adjusting the nosepads. |
Blurry Reading Vision
| Possible Causes | Can be caused by incorrect prescription or incorrect position. Also, lack of familiarity with the lens zones. |
| How We Fix It | Check the prescription in the lens using specialised equipment. Ensure your frames are properly adjusted to sit correctly on your face. Check how the eyes converge relative to the reading zone. Double check angle of tilt towards the face of the frame. Sometimes raising or lowering the frames slightly can help. Practice using the different sections of the lenses for distance, intermediate and near zones. |
Distorted Peripheral Vision
| Possible Causes | Can be caused by a frame that is too curved or not curved enough. Also possible lens design limitations or lens position incorrect. |
| How We Fix It | Every lens has different lens technology, which can cause differing amounts of peripheral distortion - some more, some less depending on the quality of the multifocal. However, position is still important to check. This time we can check the curvature of the frame. |
Eye Strain or Headaches
| Possible Causes | Prescription not suitable. Incorrect posture when using glasses. |
| How We Fix It | One of the reasons eye strains and headaches occur is if the patient is using the wrong prescription for extended periods of time. For example, using the distance zone for computer work, or walking around in the intermediate for distance viewing. These situations, where "getting used to it" is the wrong advise. Verify your prescription working distances and consider slight adjustments if necessary, and maintain proper posture when reading or using a computer to avoid straining your eyes. |
Nausea or Dizziness
| Possible Causes | Usually occurs with new prescriptions. Incorrect fitting of glasses. |
| How We Fix It | For this symptom, getting used to it does make sense, as the brain isn't adapted to clearer vision, especially if there's a significant change between old and new prescriptions. Again, it's worthwhile checking the positions of the glasses. Gradually increase the amount of time you wear your glasses each day. Ensure your glasses are properly aligned with your eyes. |
Objects Appear Smaller or Larger Than Expected
| Possible Causes | Adaptation to lens magnification. Large difference in power between the eyes. Incorrect lens curvature. |
| How We Fix It | This can happen if there is a large difference in power between the eyes. Give yourself time to adjust to the new perception. If your multifocals are quite old, consider upgrading to a new lens technology as these newer lenses can help reduce spectacle magnification. |
Adjusting to multifocal glasses can take some time, but that doesn't mean you should settle for discomfort or frustration. The good news is that most issues can be resolved with the right approach—whether it’s a simple adjustment to the frame, refining your prescription, or just getting familiar with how the lenses work. Remember, getting used to multifocals should feel natural, not like a constant struggle.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with your multifocals, give us a call. Let’s work together to get your vision right and your glasses feeling comfortable!
