We’ve all been there. We’ve all been there. There is no questioning how easy it is to pop in lenses day after day. They have come to be part of you, much like your skin. But what if you have to go back to glasses? Whether it’s because of your eye health, lifestyle change or just because you simply need to rest your eyes, transitioning is not always straightforward. Here, we’ll dive into how to get back to glasses after long term contact lens use.

This is not another "how-to" article, it is your ultimate guide, with tips, insights, and relatable guidance to make your transition as easy as possible.

Why Consider Switching Back to Glasses?

Well, let’s get one thing straight — why would this change even be worth the effort? Contact lenses have that kind of convenience and invisibility that glasses can't ever achieve. But over time, long-term daily contact lens use can cause a host of complications such as:

  1. Dryness and Irritation: Over time, a long time continuous lens wear suppresses natural tear production, creating chronic dryness.
  2. Corneal Sensitivity: Over time, your cornea may become more sensitive and lenses can become painful or uncomfortable.
  3. Health Reasons: From increased infection risks to allergic reactions, your eyes might need a break.
  4. Lifestyle Changes: There may be more apparent changes in your lifestyle like more time on the screen and less time outside or maybe you want to have a more stylish look.

Wearing glasses for a short time will alleviate some of these problems. Let’s get down to business on how you can shift more easily.

Step 1: Get Ready for Adjustment Periods

But here’s the catch — it’s not going to come easy to transition back to glasses when you’ve been wearing contact lenses for years. You might notice the following:

  • Peripheral Distortion: Glasses don’t fully encircle your eye like contacts do, so it might look "off" around the edges.
  • Increased Awareness of Frames: Glasses will appear more "in-the-moment" than contacts, because they are placed on your face.
  • Eye Strain and Headaches: Your eyes may take some time to adjust to the new prescription, because the contacts rest directly on the eye and the glasses sit a little farther away.

The key to getting through this phase is patience. Begin with short wear periods and work your way up. Start by wearing glasses only for those things where you don’t need a crisp peripheral vision (such as on a computer or reading), and work your way outwards from there.

Step 2: Update Your Prescription for Glasses

You may be thinking this is trivial, but your prescription for glasses and your contact lens prescription are not the same. Contacts are about 12 millimeters from your eyes, and glasses are worn over your eyes. And even that little amount of a difference can change your perceptions dramatically. Make sure your eye doctor knows you’re going back to glasses, because that can change what prescription they give you.

Update your prescription if it is older than a year so that you do not put yourself under any unnecessary strain.

Step 3: Choose Frames That Fit Your Lifestyle and Comfort Needs

Frames have evolved a long way and the correct frames can mean all the difference in how you feel wearing your glasses every day. Here are a few things to think about:

  • Weight: Thin materials such as titanium or acetate won’t sting or leave traces like marks on your nose.
  • Lens Coatings: Anti-reflective, blue-light-blocking coatings reduce glare and keep your eyes protected if you’re constantly staring at screens.
  • Style and Fit: If you’re going to be wearing frames a lot, you’ll need frames that fit comfortably and flatter your face shape. Today's trends in frames allow you to be more adventurous — so get creative with them and wear something that fits you!

Choosing frames isn’t just a mere fashion statement, it’s a decision about your wellbeing. Don’t rush, don’t buy frames that "sort of" work. Glasses have become a part of your everyday life, so go about the buying process like you’re buying an item you’ll be wearing every day (because you will be! ).

Step 4: Managing Dryness and Eye Health

If dryness or discomfort is driving you back to glasses, you’re not alone. Eyes tend to become more dry after years of contact lens wear. Here are a few remedies to maintain your eyes feeling rejuvenated:

  • Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can soothe your eyes and keep them moist. Use them frequently, especially if you live in a dry environment.
  • Warm Compresses: Using a warm compress will open up your tear glands and give relief from the dryness.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water will keep you hydrated throughout your body, including your eyes.

Also, screen time should be reduced or follow the 20-20-20 principle: every 20 minutes, stop for 20 seconds, then look at something 20 feet away. This will minimize the strain and leave your eyes energized.

Step 5: Adjusting to Visual Differences

It’s confusing to adapt, especially if you’re a long-time contact wearer, to seeing how glasses change your visual field. You may feel a bit jumbled or like you’re seeing things differently (literally).

One solution? Try transitioning gradually. Be comfortable with wearing your glasses home before you leave the house, or just put them on for a few minutes each day (reading, working) before going full-time. Your eyes and brain will learn to work faster than you think, and soon things will come back to normal.

Step 6: Embrace the “New Look”

Going back to glasses doesn’t have to be purely practical, but can instead offer the opportunity to take on a new style or look. If you wear glasses, it makes you look more intellectual, adds sophistication or accentuates features in your face. They’re an accessory, people see them before anything else, so make a statement with them!

Common Pain Points and How to Solve Them

Let’s address some of the most common frustrations people face when switching back to glasses.

Fogging Up

Whether it’s from cold weather or wearing a mask, fogged-up glasses are no fun.

Solution: Anti-fog coatings or sprays can minimize this and some swear by the home remedy of soapy water or shaving cream.

Slipping Down the Nose

This is a classic annoyance, especially in warm weather.

Solution: Try to buy glasses that come with adjustable nose pads or grips to hold them in place.

Weight on Ears and Nose

Long-term wear can sometimes lead to discomfort.

Solution: Go with lightweight frames or invest in custom-built frames that evenly balance weight.

The Emotional Side of the Transition

Reverting back to glasses may be emotionally challenging as well. If you’ve always considered yourself a "contact lens kind of guy," you may notice a change in your self-perception or how others may look at you. But here’s the thing: glasses don't decide who you are — it’s just another way of expressing yourself.

And although it might be a bit weird at first, most people eventually fall in love with the way they look in glasses. Embrace the transition towards change, and remember, in the end, it’s always about how well you're taking care of your eyes.

Embrace the Benefits of Glasses

Going from contact lenses to glasses doesn’t need to be a hassle or a sacrifice. Consider it an opportunity to look after your eyes, change your looks, and embrace a different way of looking at the world. And glasses are not only a simple eyewear, but they also speak of fashion, lifestyle and – more importantly – a tool that allows your eyes to take the well-deserved time off.

So if you’re interested in switching, go for it. The advice here will ensure that you are ready for the transition. And keep in mind that your eyes are one of the most precious possessions you own — take care of them and they will take care of you.