Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Flip

Original poster

Weird drunk feeling with new glasses

16 replies

amethyst69 · 28/08/2023 07:34

I have been prescribed some 'super readers' from Specsavers which mean I should be able to read close up but also use the computer with no issues at a slightly greater distance. I have astigmatism amd find I cant tolerate any adjustment there as it makes straight edges go off on a jaunty angle but if I try use my current reading glasses with two screens at work everything in my peripheral vision moves. The effect is much worse with the super readers. Its almost link feeling drunk or having vertigo. The optician helpfully said she had super readers and didn't experience the issue. Everything is fine if I look at one thing and that's it. I'm curious if anyone else has experienced this effect with glasses. Thanks!

OP posts:

Roselilly36 · 28/08/2023 07:35

Go back to Specsavers, they have a great returns policy, if you can’t get on with the specs.

Thelonelygiraffe · 28/08/2023 07:52

You can certainly feel this way when you wear varifocals to begin with - sounds like the same thing here. If you persevere, the feeling might go away? Alternatively, go back to SpecSavers.

Original poster

amethyst69 · 28/08/2023 08:05

Thanks both I've got a retest booked. Did try persevere last week at work but it was impossible to do any work so I gave up. I guess it's easier to get used to them if they are worn all the time. Just wondered if it was a common thing!

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health

NameChangeEmbarressed · 28/08/2023 08:06

I was like this at first with my varifocals. It does go but it can take time. I just wore them at home to begin with then increased my time wearing then, for example the morning at work, few days later the whole day gradually increasing time till I can wear them all day. Don't even notice now

Sparkletastic · 28/08/2023 08:06

Oh god I've just had my Specsavers appointment and told them I can't tolerate varifocals for my astigmatism any more and they've prescribed super readers instead. Your post has filled me with dread! Maybe we are destined to have to tolerate the weird wibbly vision?!

Livebythecoast · 28/08/2023 08:24

I had the same with varifocals. The optician told me not everyone gets on with them and if I didn't, I'd have to have 2 pairs of glasses and switch when reading, computer work and driving. For a few days I had that dizzy feeling, especially going down stairs but thankfully it didn't last too long.

All you can do is what you've done and book a retest. Good luck 🤓

Original poster

amethyst69 · 28/08/2023 08:25

Sparkletastic · 28/08/2023 08:06

That made me smile! Weird wibbly vision! They are absolutely fine for reading one thing it's just the movement between desk, and the two screens that is wibbly. They removed my astigmatism adjustment completely on my last glasses and that helped

OP posts:

LollipopViolet · 28/08/2023 08:53

I sometimes get the same feeling for the first few day or so after a prescription change - I have astigmatism but also nsytagmus and optic nerve atrophy so can be affected more.

I'd definitely get the re-test, just to be sure all is OK. It may just be a case of building up the time wearing the new glasses.

Mykittensmittens · 28/08/2023 08:57

Specsavers have been awful for me. First pair lasted 18 months and were clearly needed - wore them all my waking time from day one with no issues/adjustment at all.

pair 2 were needed as reading vision had decreased. Distance was fine. But they did something to that too and 4 months in, and 7 visits back, they are still not okay and I don’t wear them most of the time. Going down stairs feels unsafe. I spend most of the time taking them on and off or having them sit on top of my head.

vision express or boots next time, for sure.

gravitytester · 28/08/2023 10:20

Check the distance from you to your screens- they need to be the correct 'working distance' for them to work (think magnifying glass- the stronger the magnifier, the closer the working distance- that is effectively what close range specs do).

Could also just be adaptation- it happens! Sometimes people are adamant it's a wrong prescription but after a while it gets better (also could be the curve/tilt of the frame)- worth taking old glasses with you when you go back so they can compare- you would be surprised how many issue are fixed by simply adjusting the frame to match the old ones!).

Flyawaywithmehoney · 28/08/2023 10:20

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

Original poster

amethyst69 · 28/08/2023 11:01

gravitytester · 28/08/2023 10:20

Thanks thats really helpful. I have my screens set at an arms length and the opticians are aware of that. The issue isn't there when I look at just one screen though I do feel a bit goldfishbowl if I look at someone who stands in front of my desk. That's why they went for the super reader I think as the range is slightly longer to see both close (reading) and screen. It's when I move from screen to screen It feels like psychedelic swerving. I've persevered for about 10 minutes trying to work but end up feeling nauseous. I have no need for glasses for all the time so I guess that would be easier to get used if I did.

OP posts:

CurlewKate · 28/08/2023 11:08

I really really want to say "Get smaller glasses" but I won't.

It took me at least a week to get used to varifocals. My dad never did. But make sure they are fitted properly.Opticians do get it wrong sometimes.

NannyGythaOgg · 28/08/2023 12:49

I'm not sure this idea is any good but ...
Maybe bifocals would work better in this situation. Then you will just have the 2 distinct areas with no transition.

Another thought (because I have similar but not as bad and as I'm retired it's not so critical) would shielding the edges - or wrap around glasses help. (Bit odd but if it worked and is just for work, might be worth a go.

Maybe both ideas are unfeasable but may be worth thinking about

Doggymummar · 28/08/2023 12:53

I never could get used to them, I had them from boots, they call them office lenses. I have two separate pairs now

dressedforcomfort · 28/08/2023 13:03

Be persistent with Specsavers - don't be fobbed off with any comments of 'you need time to get used to them.' I was having a terrible time with some varifocal I got from my local Specsavers. Eventually went to my local independent optician who told we the prescription was too strong for one eye and the varifocal was in the wrong place!

Flip