Philip Walsh - Why am I experiencing peripheral distortion when wearing my new glasses?

Some people may experience a distortion of their peripheral vision after receiving a new glasses prescription. This can occur as your eyes are adjusting and getting used to the new prescription.

This type of peripheral vision distortion can often occur if the new glasses are of a higher prescription or the frames are larger than what you are used to. Glasses focus on the section of the visual field that is right in front of you, in order to help correct your vision and perception. If you've been wearing glasses for a long time, your brain gets used to this and can find it hard to adjust if the prescription has changed.

In addition to this, hi index lens materials can also cause a distortion of peripheral vision. These types of lenses are thinner and lighter than normal, which means the back surface of the lens is placed further away from the natural curve of your eye. This distance can in turn affect your peripheral view.  Another type of lens that can cause peripheral distortions are multifocal lenses.  These lenses are designed to provide clear vision in certain areas.  Towards the edges or sides of multifocal lenses, there are peripheral distortions.   

If you are experiencing peripheral vision distortion as a result of your new glasses, it is best you speak with an optometrist and about what you are experiencing. Your new glasses may need to be adjusted to overcome this.

To find out more about adjusting to new glasses go to www.specsavers.co.nz or speak to your local Specsavers optometrist.