How to Adjust to Bifocals
Bifocal lenses take some adjustment for many people, whether you start with bifocals or switch from regular lenses. New bifocal wearers might experience difficulty as they move from looking through the top to the bottom of the lenses.
Bifocal lenses take some adjustment for many people, whether you start with bifocals or switch from regular lenses. New bifocal wearers might experience difficulty as they move from looking through the top to the bottom of the lenses. The bifocal line or the blurry lower portion of the lenses also cause visual distractions. Your eyes and your brain will eventually adapt to the visual changes that come with bifocals, but the process takes consistency.
Step 1
Purchase your bifocals from a vision center that allows exchanges in case you need adjustments made to the prescription or other changes to the lenses.
Step 2
Try on your new bifocals when you pick them up so the vision center staff can adjust them properly. The adjustment process ensures that the bifocals rest on your face the correct way so the bifocal area is in the correct spot when you look through the lenses.
Step 3
Wear only your new bifocals. Put away your old pair of glasses if you previously wore regular lenses. Switching back and forth between glasses makes the adjustment process more difficult and may extend the length of time it takes.
Step 4
Wear your bifocals all day if possible. Wearing the glasses for a long period of time gives your eyes the chance to adjust.
Step 5
Remove the bifocals if you feel your eyes straining or if you get a headache. Try them again after taking a short break.
Step 6
Move your entire head toward an object you want to see instead of only moving your eyes. This applies to sideways movements and vertical movements.
Step 7
Move objects closer or farther away if you are trying to look at them through the bifocal section. The bifocal section is meant to provide clear vision at a certain distance so an object that is too close or too far away might appear blurry.
Step 8
Revisit the store where you purchased the bifocals if you cannot adjust. They might be able to readjust the glasses to help. You might also need to revisit your eye doctor to ensure the bifocal prescription is correct.
Tip
Try not to think about the bifocals and visual differences you're seeing. Focusing on it makes it more difficult to get over.