Question
I've recently changed careers from skilled manual labor to professional driving. After jumping through hoops for a few months, I am finally licensed and employed for a major commercial carrier.
During my first trip across the US, I noticed that my eyes were hurting quite a bit while driving at night. I just figured it was due to my not being used to driving for such long periods and left it at that.
On the return trip, the pain increased significantly and it was getting to the point where I felt VERY unsafe operating the truck at night. My eyes would get tired, watery, itchy, objects in my vision would begin to "swim" if I focused on them for more than a few seconds, and any sort of artificial light would cause me such pain that, on a few occasions, I was forced to nearly shut my eyes until the light source passed me by.
It was all I could do to keep rolling until dawn came...
Well, long story short, I was prescribed corrective lenses for farsightedness.
I got them last night.
I was told to wear them at all times since I'd noticed that even my daylight vision was a bit fuzzy.
Now to the heart of the matter...
I've been wearing these glasses since I woke up this morning and I'm wanting to take them off. My eyes are hurting me a lot.
I liken the sensation to keeping my eyes crossed for an extended period of time.
Is this something I should worry about, or, do my eyes just need time to adjust to not having to work so hard to see properly?
I don't know if this is relevant or not, but I'll share it anyway.
Back in 1994-95, my stepmother had me get an eye exam. (My last TRUE eye exam by the way).
It was suggested that I get glasses, but the prescription they said I required was so mild that my father and stepmother declined because they felt they couldn't justify the costs.
Perhaps the last fourteen years has taken it's toll and I'll have to give my eyes more time to "accept" the correction?
Answer
Typically, first time wearers of farsighted prescriptions may take
some time to adapt to the prescription... perhaps up to a month. So an
adaptation period is to be expected.
Secondly, although you did not mention your age, this is most common
with patients in their late 30's 0r 40's, when the need for a small
farsighted prescription commonly arises.
I normally suggest that patients wear the new prescription when it
makes things clearer, and do not wear them when they do not help. I do
not recommend forcing yourself to wear them all the time. It will not
make your eyes weak or dependent on them whether you wear them or not.
The idea is to make you see better... if they help, use them if not,
don't... simple as that,
Lastly, long distance driving (especially at night) is visually
stressful, ocular blink rate diminishes, and eye strain and dry eye
commonly result. Dry eye can frequently cause blur and surface ocular
pain during long distance driving, particularly if you are driving
through cold climates with the heat on, which generates very dry air
in the cab.
I would recommend frequent (every hour) non prescription artificial
tears while driving... such as Refresh, which should decrease
sensitivity, and improve vision and comfort.
