Vision correction, while intended to improve sight, can sometimes contribute to headaches or migraines. Various factors related to glasses’ prescription, fit, or the wearer’s adaptation can inadvertently lead to discomfort.
The Link Between Glasses and Migraines
An incorrect prescription is a frequent cause of eye strain and subsequent headaches. If glasses provide an over-correction, under-correction, or are based on an outdated prescription, the eyes must work harder to achieve clear vision, leading to muscle fatigue. This constant effort to focus can trigger headaches, sometimes manifesting as dull aches or pressure behind the eyes, and in some individuals, even migraines.
Adjusting to new glasses, especially those with a significantly different prescription or progressive lenses, can also cause initial discomfort. The eyes and brain need time to adapt to new visual demands, as they learn to process images differently. This adaptation period typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks, during which headaches, eyestrain, blurry vision, and even dizziness or nausea may occur.
The physical fit of glasses plays a role in comfort and can contribute to headaches. Frames that are too tight can create pressure points on the temples or nose bridge, while loose frames may slip down, altering visual alignment. Both scenarios force the eyes to compensate, leading to strain. An incorrect pupillary distance, the measurement between the centers of your pupils, can also cause visual misalignment and headaches.
Certain lens types or coatings may also affect some individuals, though this is less common than issues with prescription or fit. Anti-reflective coatings or blue light filters are generally beneficial, but in rare cases, they might cause initial visual disturbances. The core issue linking glasses to migraines often stems from prolonged eye strain, where eye muscles become fatigued.
Signs Your Glasses Might Be the Cause
Headaches potentially linked to glasses often present with specific characteristics. Pain is frequently localized in the frontal area of the head, around the temples, or directly behind the eyes. This type of headache is typically described as an aching or dull throb.
The timing of these headaches can also be indicative. They commonly appear after extended periods of visually demanding tasks, such as reading, using digital screens, or wearing glasses for a prolonged duration. Discomfort may worsen towards the end of the day, reflecting accumulated eye fatigue.
Associated symptoms include eye fatigue, blurred vision, difficulty maintaining focus, or visual discomfort. Some individuals might also experience increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
Headaches improving or resolving after removing glasses or resting the eyes is a key sign. If migraines or headaches begin or increase in frequency shortly after obtaining new glasses or a new prescription, this pattern further suggests a potential link.
Addressing Potential Issues
If you suspect your glasses are contributing to migraines, review your prescription. Check the date of your last eye examination to ensure your prescription is current, as vision can change over time. Regular eye exams help ensure the correct prescription and fit.
Consulting your optometrist is important if symptoms persist. They can verify if the prescription is accurate, if lenses were manufactured correctly, and if frames fit properly.
Implementing eye breaks can help reduce strain. The “20-20-20 rule” is a common recommendation: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This brief pause allows eye muscles to relax and can alleviate digital eye fatigue.
Optimizing your environment can also minimize eye strain. Ensure adequate lighting when reading or working and adjust digital screen settings, such as brightness and contrast, to reduce glare. Considering anti-reflective coatings on lenses may also help, especially for prolonged computer use.
Seeking Expert Advice
If adjusting glasses or getting a new prescription does not resolve persistent migraines, consult a medical doctor, such as a neurologist. This is important if migraines become more severe, frequent, or are accompanied by other concerning neurological symptoms. These symptoms might include sudden weakness, numbness, speech difficulties, or significant dizziness.
A medical doctor can help rule out other potential underlying causes of migraines unrelated to vision or glasses. Migraines can sometimes mimic symptoms of more serious conditions, and a comprehensive medical evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and management.
While an eye exam is an important initial step to address vision-related triggers, persistent or complex migraine symptoms warrant broader medical attention.