Comfort is key to maintaining productivity and focus for those who wear contact lenses. However, there are situations where contact lenses may seem less like a solution and more like a source of discomfort—particularly if headaches start to occur. Contact lenses can cause headaches when they contribute to issues like eye strain, dry eyes, or improper lens fit.
While contact lenses may not themselves be the only cause of your headaches, they may exacerbate other factors, and correcting them is a big part of finding relief. When your lenses go from helpful to painful, your optometrist is ready to find the solution.
Why Do We Get Headaches?
Headaches can arise from a variety of causes, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying health issues. There are also many different types of headaches, each with different causes and treatments.
Headaches can be chronic—meaning that they occur at least 15 days per month for three months—or episodic, meaning that they occur only occasionally. Broadly speaking, there are several types of headaches potentially connected to contact lens wear, including:
- Tension headaches: Often caused by stress or physical strain, these headaches are characterized by a dull, aching sensation around the forehead and scalp.
- Migraines: Severe headaches that may be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances.
- Cluster headaches: Intense headaches typically focused around one eye, often occurring in bursts over several weeks.
The link between your eyes and headaches isn’t always straightforward. Continuous visual demands, like staring at a screen or reading, can exacerbate symptoms, triggering further headaches.
How Contact Lenses Can Cause Headaches
Contact lenses offer an excellent alternative for people who don’t want to wear glasses. Many people find contacts more comfortable and convenient or simply prefer the look for fashion reasons. However, when not properly fitted or cared for, contact lenses can directly or indirectly contribute to headaches.
Here are some of the primary ways contact lenses might affect eye comfort and lead to pain:
- Improper prescription: Lenses with incorrect prescription strength can force your eyes to work harder to focus. Much like how overworking your muscles leaves you stiff the next day, overworking your eyes leads to strain and can cause or exacerbate headaches.
- Poor fit: Lenses that don’t fit properly may irritate the eyes or fail to distribute pressure evenly, adding to discomfort.
- Dry eyes: Contact lenses can sometimes draw moisture from the eyes and increase dryness, which can cause irritation and trigger tension headaches.
- Overuse: Wearing your lenses longer than recommended can strain your eyes, increasing the risk of both discomfort and headaches.
Addressing these issues is important, as they affect more than just your comfort. Taking the time to care for your contact lenses properly—and getting professional guidance—can mitigate many problems before they escalate.
Tips for Contact Lens Wearers to Reduce Headaches
Whether you’re new to contact lenses or have been wearing them for years, adopting good habits can help promote eye comfort and potentially reduce the likelihood of headaches caused by contacts. Try the follow these guidelines:
- Prioritize regular eye exams: An annual visit to the optometrist can help ensure your prescription is up-to-date and tailored to your needs. Your optometrist can assess whether your lenses fit correctly and identify any underlying conditions contributing to discomfort.
- Follow proper lens hygiene: Always clean your lenses as instructed with the appropriate solutions, and avoid wearing them beyond the recommended duration. This helps reduce irritation and the risk of complications.
- Manage dryness: Combat dry eyes by using lubricating eye drops specifically designed for contact lenses. Drinking plenty of water and maintaining a humid environment can also help alleviate dryness. If symptoms persist, talk to your optometrist about effective in-office treatments.
- Avoid digital eye strain: Be safe during screen time by reminding yourself to blink and follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Switch to daily disposable lenses: If dryness or lens care feels overwhelming, consider switching to daily disposable lenses. These lenses eliminate the need for maintenance and may be gentler on your eyes.
- Seek professional advice for persistent issues: If headaches persist even after making these adjustments, schedule an appointment with your optometrist. Other conditions, such as uncorrected astigmatism or eye alignment issues, could cause headaches and may require attention.
Here’s to Clear Vision & No Headaches
Your contact lenses should enhance your lifestyle, not hinder it. By addressing potential causes of lens-related headaches and following simple yet effective care routines, you can enjoy clear vision and a clear head.
If you’re experiencing headaches or discomfort from your contact lenses, Old Town Optix Optometry is here to help. We provide personalized contact lens fittings and are passionate about making your lenses fit, function, and feel just right. Schedule an appointment with one of our trusted optometrists today and take the first step toward clearer, pain-free vision.
