Yes, contact lenses can cause headaches, usually indirectly, by forcing the visual system to work harder than necessary. The discomfort is typically a tension headache resulting from eye strain or physical irritation that causes the ocular muscles to overcompensate for blurred or fluctuating vision. These issues are manageable and resolve once the specific cause, such as a poor fit or an outdated prescription, is corrected by an eye care professional.
Headaches Caused by Incorrect Prescription or Fit
A contact lens is a precise medical device, and even a minor error in its specifications can trigger a headache by forcing the eye muscles to strain constantly. A spherical power that is too strong or too weak requires the eye’s internal focusing muscle (the ciliary body) to continuously adjust focus. This prolonged effort results in eye fatigue and a tension headache, often felt around the forehead or temples. The same strain occurs if the prescription is outdated due to natural vision changes.
For those with astigmatism, improper correction is problematic because the lens must maintain a specific rotational position to align with the cornea’s irregular curve. If the toric lens has the wrong axis or power, or if it rotates excessively, vision fluctuates. This instability compels the eye to work harder to stabilize the image, leading directly to muscle tension and discomfort.
Beyond prescription strength, the physical fit of the lens is another common mechanical cause of headaches. The contact lens has a specific base curve and diameter; if the lens is too tight or too loose for the corneal shape, it causes fluctuating vision. A tight lens can restrict oxygen flow and create friction. A loose lens may shift with every blink, forcing constant refocusing and leading to chronic strain.
Headaches Caused by Ocular Stress and Environment
Headaches can also arise from ocular stress created by the interaction between the contact lens, the eye’s natural biology, and the environment. Dry eye syndrome is a frequent factor, often exacerbated by contact lens wear. The lens can disrupt the stability of the tear film, causing the eye’s surface to dry out quickly.
Chronic dryness causes irritation and a gritty sensation, making the eye feel strained as it compensates for the lack of lubrication. This discomfort, combined with the physical effort of blinking or squinting, frequently radiates into a tension headache. Using lubricating eye drops formulated for contact lens wearers can mitigate this issue.
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, plays a role, especially when wearing contacts. When focusing on screens, the natural blink rate can drop significantly. This reduced blinking leads to faster lens drying and eye fatigue, which is a common precursor to headaches.
Overwearing contact lenses past the recommended duration can lead to oxygen deprivation for the cornea. An oxygen-starved cornea can swell or become irritated, causing discomfort that contributes to a headache. Deposits, such as proteins or lipids from the tear film, can also build up on the lens surface. These deposits lead to irritation and a less clear image, increasing the visual effort required.
When Headaches Signal a Serious Problem
While most contact lens-related headaches are temporary and linked to strain, certain accompanying symptoms require immediate professional evaluation. A typical strain headache is mild, resolves shortly after removing the lenses, and is felt as a dull ache around the eyes or forehead.
A headache that is sudden, severe, or persistent even after removing the lenses may signal an issue beyond simple eye strain. Signs like sudden vision loss, intense light sensitivity, noticeable discharge, or significant redness that does not improve indicate a potentially serious eye condition, such as an infection or corneal abrasion.
A contact lens issue can sometimes trigger a pre-existing condition, such as a migraine. If headaches are accompanied by nausea, visual disturbances, or increased sensitivity to light and sound, consult an eye care professional to rule out underlying non-contact-related issues. Never attempt to self-diagnose by changing your lens type or prescription without a comprehensive eye examination.