It is possible for wearing contact lenses for extended periods to contribute to headaches. While contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to glasses, improper usage can lead to various ocular issues that manifest as head discomfort. Understanding the specific ways contacts can trigger headaches helps in preventing and managing this problem.
How Contact Lens Overwear Leads to Headaches
Prolonged contact lens wear can cause headaches through several physiological mechanisms, including eye strain. When lenses are worn longer than recommended, the eyes work harder to maintain clear focus, especially during extended activities like screen time. This visual fatigue can lead to tension headaches characterized by a dull ache around the forehead and scalp.
Another contributing factor is dry eyes, a common issue with contact lens wear. Lenses can draw moisture from the eyes and disrupt the tear film, which is essential for lubrication and clear vision. Reduced oxygen flow to the cornea, often due to older lens materials, can also lead to dryness and irritation. When eyes become dry, they may feel strained, potentially triggering headaches.
Headaches can also arise from an improper fit or an outdated prescription. Lenses that do not fit correctly can irritate the eye or fail to distribute pressure evenly, forcing the eye muscles to overcompensate. Similarly, an incorrect prescription, even a slight difference, makes the eyes work harder to focus, resulting in strain and headaches.
Insufficient oxygen reaching the cornea, known as hypoxia, can cause discomfort and contribute to head pain. Some contact lens materials can act as a barrier, reducing oxygen transmission to the cornea, which can lead to corneal swelling and irritation. Additionally, allergic reactions to lens materials or cleaning solutions, or minor infections from poor hygiene, can irritate the eyes and trigger headaches.
Recognizing Symptoms of Contact-Related Headaches
Headaches linked to contact lens use often present with distinct characteristics. These headaches may manifest as a dull ache in the forehead, behind the eyes, or in the temples. They can also be accompanied by throbbing sensations.
Concurrent eye symptoms frequently occur alongside these headaches. Individuals might experience eye redness, a feeling of dryness, or general irritation. Other signs include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or a gritty sensation in the eyes. These symptoms often develop or worsen after extended periods of contact lens wear, indicating a connection to lens overuse.
Strategies for Prevention and Relief
Adhering strictly to the prescribed contact lens wear schedule is a primary preventative measure. Each type of lens, whether daily disposable, bi-weekly, or monthly, has a specific recommended wear time that should not be exceeded. This helps prevent the buildup of deposits and reduces the risk of irritation and infection.
Maintaining proper hygiene is equally important for preventing contact lens-related headaches. Always wash hands thoroughly before handling lenses and use fresh, appropriate cleaning solutions as instructed. Cleaning lens cases daily and replacing them every few months also minimizes contamination.
Giving eyes regular breaks from contact lenses can significantly reduce strain. Alternating between contacts and glasses, especially during prolonged screen use or at the end of the day, allows the cornea to receive more oxygen and helps prevent dryness. Eye care professionals often recommend wearing glasses for at least one full day each week. Using preservative-free rewetting drops designed for contact lenses can also help manage dryness and improve comfort throughout the day.
Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential to ensure the prescription remains current and the lenses fit correctly. Eye care professionals can identify changes in eye health and adjust lens types or prescriptions as needed. General wellness practices, such as staying hydrated and taking visual breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule, also support overall eye health.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
If headaches persist despite consistently following prevention strategies, it is advisable to consult an eye care professional. Ongoing discomfort could indicate underlying issues that require professional assessment.
Immediate professional attention is needed for severe symptoms. These include intense eye pain, sudden changes in vision such as blurriness or double vision, or clear signs of infection like excessive redness or discharge. Any new or worsening eye symptoms that are unusual should also prompt a visit to an eye doctor.