Contact lenses are a convenient way to correct vision, but they can occasionally cause discomfort, including headaches. If you experience frequent headaches after wearing your lenses, contacts are often the cause. These headaches are typically tension headaches, resulting from constant strain on the eyes or surrounding muscles compensating for suboptimal vision or physical irritation. Understanding the specific mechanism—whether it involves lens specifications or usage habits—is the first step toward relief.
Headaches Caused by Incorrect Vision Correction
Headaches often stem from vision correction issues when the lens does not provide the precise optical power required. If a prescription is slightly incorrect, the ciliary muscles within the eye are forced to constantly work overtime to pull the image into focus. This sustained muscle effort leads to eye fatigue, which manifests as a frontal or temporal tension headache.
An ill-fitting lens can also trigger eye strain, even if the prescription power is correct. Contact lenses have a base curve and diameter that must match the cornea’s curvature. If the curve is too flat or too steep, the lens may move excessively or sit too tightly. Both loose and tight fits force the visual system to constantly readjust, causing muscular fatigue and head pain.
For individuals with astigmatism, headaches can be traced to a misalignment of the toric lens’s axis. Toric lenses require a specific rotational orientation to correct the irregular corneal shape. If the lens rotates out of position, the resulting blurred vision forces the brain to struggle intensely to reconcile the visual input. This accommodative strain triggers headaches, especially after prolonged visual concentration.
Headaches Caused by Usage and Environmental Factors
Headaches can arise from how the lenses are worn, independent of the prescription. Overwearing lenses beyond the maximum recommended hours restricts the flow of oxygen to the cornea, a condition known as corneal hypoxia. Since the cornea receives oxygen primarily from the air, wearing lenses too long compromises this process, leading to irritation and swelling. This physiological stress on the ocular surface translates into discomfort and pain that radiates into the head.
Prolonged screen time compounds this issue, resulting in digital eye strain. When concentrating on a screen, the natural blink rate decreases dramatically, sometimes by as much as 50%. Reduced blinking prevents the tear film from properly lubricating the lens surface, causing the lens to dry out and the eye to feel irritated. The sustained focus on a fixed distance also fatigues the eye muscles, leading to tension headaches around the temples and forehead.
Poor hygiene practices are a serious risk factor for head pain. Using contaminated solution, handling lenses with unwashed hands, or exposing lenses to tap water can introduce pathogens to the eye. This can lead to infectious keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea causing intense pain, redness, and light sensitivity. The severe ocular pain associated with this infection often results in a debilitating headache.
Immediate Steps for Relief and Prevention
The most immediate action upon feeling a contact lens-related headache is to remove the lenses and switch to glasses. This “contact holiday” provides instant relief from physical irritation, oxygen deprivation, or strain caused by a drying or ill-fitting lens. Allowing the cornea to breathe freely and the eye muscles to relax often alleviates the headache quickly.
Maintaining proper lubrication is a simple step, especially for those using digital devices. Use preservative-free rewetting drops throughout the day to stabilize the tear film and rehydrate the lens surface. Drinking plenty of water also supports the body’s ability to produce a healthy, stable tear film.
Behavioral changes prevent the recurrence of strain-related headaches. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule when working on screens: look away from the device every 20 minutes to focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice relaxes the focus muscles, preventing cumulative tension. Consciously remind yourself to blink fully and frequently, which refreshes the lens surface and prevents dryness.
Adhering strictly to lens care and replacement schedules is fundamental to prevention.
Lens Care Guidelines
Never wear lenses longer than the manufacturer recommends.
Use only fresh, sterile solution for cleaning and storage.
Replace the lens case every few months, as biofilm buildup is a common source of infection and irritation.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
While many contact lens headaches resolve with simple breaks and lubrication, certain symptoms require immediate professional attention. Any sudden, severe, or debilitating headache, especially one accompanied by intense eye pain, needs immediate evaluation. This is particularly true if the pain includes significant visual changes, such as double vision, rapid loss of clarity, or extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia).
If a headache is accompanied by persistent eye redness, visible swelling, or discharge that does not improve after removing the lenses, it could signal a serious corneal infection like keratitis. Regular, annual eye examinations are the most effective preventive measure. These exams ensure your prescription is current and that the lens base curve and diameter still provide the proper fit for your eye’s unique shape.