01/11/2025
Ek het onlangs 'n Video gemaak, oor HOE om gewoond te raak aan jou nuwe Multifokale lense! As jy dalk sukkel, met jou Multifokale brille, kyk gerus hier!
When someone gets new multifocal or progressive lenses, it’s common to feel off-balance or experience eyestrain, especially during the first week or two.
AND , especially as you grow older or if you have astigmatism or you need any prisms .The brain and visual system need time to adapt to the new way images are distributed through different lens zones.
I always tell my patients, that you have become good at seeing bad, and now we have to teach you to become good at seeing good!
Although the main adjustment happens naturally, there is ONE eye–brain coordination exercises that can make the adaptation period easier and faster.
🌟 1. Head and Eye Coordination Practice
Goal:
Train your eyes to move naturally through the different zones of the lens.
Exercise:
• Hold a book or phone at normal reading distance.
• Instead of just moving your HEAD, tilt your eyes slightly downward to read through the lower part of the lenses.
• Then look up to a distant object (4-6 m away) by lifting your EYES slightly - TRY to keep your head as motionless as possible
• Repeat this back-and-forth eye movement and focus shift for 2–3 minutes, two or three times a day.
👉 This teaches your brain which part of the lens gives the clearest vision for each task.
👀 2. Tracking and Focusing Exercise
Goal: Improve smooth eye movement across the progressive corridor.
Exercise:
• Stick a small target (e.g. a letter or sticker) on a wall about 4-6 m away.
• Hold another similar target at reading distance.
• Look back and forth between the near and far targets, keeping your head still - ONLY move your eyes up and down and then - your head if necessary to bring targets into focus
⏱ Do this for 1–2 minutes a few times daily.
⸻
📘 3. Reading Line Training
Goal: Reduce distortion and “swim” sensation when reading.
Exercise:
• Use a magazine or newspaper.
• AGAIN - lower your eyes - first (not just your head), bring the first couple of words you want to see into focus and then slowly follow the line of words - slightly side to side
• Practice for 2-5 minutes.
💡 This trains smooth eye-head–coordination and stabilizes peripheral perception.
ALWAYS remember, the better and the quicker you teach your eyes way to look accurately in your new progressive or multifocal lenses, the bigger the visual field becomes and the less distortion on the sides you have!
🧠 4. Peripheral Awareness Exercise
Goal: Adapt to edge distortion or “swim.”
ONLY, do this exercise once you feel comfortable with looking straight up and down!
Exercise:
• Look straight ahead, then slowly move your head side to side, observing how the edges of your vision change.
• Try to keep your gaze relaxed and centered.
• Avoid large or jerky head turns — smooth, slow movements help your brain recalibrate spatial awareness.
🕐 Adaptation Tips
• ALWAYS, wear your new progressive or multifocal lenses in an environment that you feel comfortable with for example at home.
THEN, Wear your new progressive or multifocal lenses on a level flat surface - maybe outside - where you feel comfortable and relaxed.
ONLY, then, try full-time wear for 5–7 days (don’t switch back to your old pair).
• Ensure correct frame fit and pantoscopic tilt — even a few degrees off can make adaptation difficult.
• If dizziness or eyestrain persists after 2 weeks, contact your optometrist, as they should check your Prescription, lens centration, corridor length, and incorrect segment height..
When someone gets new multifocal or progressive lenses, it’s common to feel off-balance or experience eyestrain, especially during the first week or two. AND...
