Why Do Contact Lenses Cause Headache? Reasons Explained

Contact lenses can effectively correct vision, but some wearers may experience chronic headaches. Research shows that these headaches can be caused by factors such as improper lens fit, incorrect prescription, or eye strain. 

Why contact lenses

Contact lenses have become a preferred solution for vision correction for many individuals, offering several advantages over traditional glasses.

They provide comfort, are virtually invisible when worn, and can be conveniently ordered online with the option of using insurance. This makes it easy to refill prescriptions and have them delivered directly to your door.

Despite these benefits, some users may experience headaches while wearing contact lenses. These headaches can stem from various issues, such as improper fit, incorrect prescription strength, or dry eyes.

Fortunately, these problems are generally easy to fix. By adjusting the fit, ensuring the prescription is accurate, or using lubricating eye drops, most people can enjoy the full benefits of contact lenses without discomfort.

Can contact lenses give you headaches?

Experiencing headaches when you first start wearing contact lenses is common as your eyes adjust to the new way of focusing.

However, if these headaches persist, it's crucial to understand the possible causes and take appropriate action. Here’s a closer look at the reasons why contact lenses might be giving you headaches:

- Extended Screen Time 

In today's digital age, many of us spend hours staring at computer screens, smartphones, and other digital devices. The blue light emitted from these screens can cause significant eye strain, especially when you're wearing contact lenses.

This strain can lead to headaches, particularly if you don’t take regular breaks to rest your eyes. To mitigate this, consider following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

- Incorrect Prescription: 

If your contact lenses aren’t perfectly tuned to your current vision needs, your eyes will naturally strain to bring objects into focus.

This can happen if your prescription is outdated or incorrect, leading to headaches. Vision can change over time, so it’s essential to have regular eye exams to ensure your prescription is accurate.

If you suspect that your current lenses aren’t the right strength, make an appointment with your eye doctor to reassess your prescription.

- Improper Lens Fit

The fit of your contact lenses is just as important as the prescription. If the lenses don’t fit your eyes correctly, they can move around or sit too tightly on your eye’s surface, causing irritation.

Over time, this irritation can lead to discomfort and headaches. Additionally, contact lenses can dry out over the course of the day, making them stiffer and less comfortable, which can also contribute to headaches.

If you notice that your lenses are causing irritation, try using lubricating eye drops or speak to your eye doctor about alternative lens materials or brands. 

Also read What Is a Multifocal Contact Lens?

- Lens Wear Time 

Even if your lenses fit well and your prescription is correct, wearing them for too long can lead to discomfort and headaches. Most daily wear lenses are designed to be worn for a maximum of 14 to 16 hours. Exceeding this wear time can dry out your eyes, causing irritation and strain.

If you find yourself frequently wearing lenses for extended periods, consider discussing extended-wear lenses or daily disposables with your eye doctor, as these options may be more suitable for your lifestyle.

-Dry Eyes

Another potential cause of headaches when wearing contact lenses is overall eye dryness. Contact lens wearers are particularly prone to dry eyes, which can lead to discomfort and headaches.

Various factors can contribute to eye dryness, but if you notice increased dryness and irritation, using eye drops can help alleviate these symptoms and maintain eye health. If the problem persists, consult your eye doctor to determine the best treatment for dry eyes and prevent further headaches.

While contact lenses can be a convenient alternative to glasses, they can sometimes cause headaches due to various factors such as prolonged screen time, incorrect prescriptions, improper fit, or overuse.

If you’re experiencing persistent headaches, it’s important to consult your eye doctor to identify the underlying cause and find a solution that works for you.

Regular check-ups, adjusting your lens wear habits, and ensuring your lenses fit properly are key steps in preventing headaches and maintaining eye health.

How to avoid contact lens headache?

Wearing contact lenses is a convenient and effective way to correct vision, but some people experience headaches as a side effect. These headaches can be caused by several factors, ranging from prescription issues to improper lens care. 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid these discomforts and enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without the pain.

1. Ensure Correct Prescription

One of the most common causes of headaches from contact lenses is an incorrect prescription. If your lenses are too strong or too weak, your eyes may strain to focus, leading to headaches. To avoid this:

- Regular Eye Exams: Visit your eye doctor regularly to ensure your prescription is accurate and up-to-date. Vision can change over time, so even if your lenses were fine before, they might not be the right fit now.

- Trial and Feedback: When getting new lenses, give them a trial period and provide feedback to your eye doctor if you experience any discomfort. Sometimes minor adjustments can make a big difference.

2. Proper Lens Fit

Even with the correct prescription, if your lenses don’t fit properly, they can cause headaches. A poorly fitted lens can shift on your eye, causing irritation and eye strain.

- Professional Fitting: Always have your lenses fitted by a professional. Your eye doctor will measure the curvature and size of your eyes to select lenses that fit snugly and comfortably.

- Monitor for Changes: Over time, your eyes might change in shape or size, especially due to aging or other health conditions. If you notice your lenses feeling different or less comfortable, it may be time for a refitting.

3. Manage Screen Time

Long hours in front of screens can contribute to headaches, especially when wearing contact lenses. The blue light emitted by screens can strain your eyes, exacerbating discomfort.

- 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain.

- Use Screen Filters: Consider using blue light filters on your devices to reduce strain, or wear glasses with blue light protection if you switch between contacts and glasses.

4. Address Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common issue for contact lens wearers and can contribute to headaches. Lenses can exacerbate dryness by reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches the eye.

- Use Lubricating Eye Drops: Over-the-counter lubricating drops can help keep your eyes moist. Make sure they are compatible with contact lenses.

- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain overall hydration, which can help keep your eyes moist.

- Environment Control: Avoid dry, dusty, or windy environments when possible. If you must be in such conditions, use protective eyewear or limit lens wear time.

5. Practice Proper Lens Care

Improper care of your contact lenses can lead to eye irritation and headaches. Keeping your lenses clean and following recommended care practices are essential.

- Clean and Disinfect: Always use the cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor. Clean your lenses as instructed, and replace your lens case every three months.

- Replace Lenses as Directed: Follow the schedule for replacing your lenses, whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly. Overusing lenses can lead to a build-up of deposits that irritate your eyes.

- Avoid Sleeping in Lenses: Unless prescribed by your doctor, avoid sleeping in your contact lenses, as this can cause significant dryness and discomfort.

6. Limit Lens Wear Time

Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can lead to eye fatigue and headaches.

- Take Breaks: Give your eyes a rest by switching to glasses for a few hours each day, especially when you’re not out or doing tasks that require perfect vision.

- Follow Wear Time Guidelines: Stick to the maximum wear time recommended by your eye doctor. Pushing past these limits can cause discomfort and increase the risk of headaches.

7. Consult Your Eye Doctor

If you continue to experience headaches despite following these tips, consult your eye doctor. Persistent headaches could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs addressing.

- Seek Professional Advice: Your eye doctor can check for other potential causes, such as astigmatism, that might require a specific type of lens.

- Discuss Alternatives: If contact lenses continue to cause issues, discuss alternative vision correction options with your eye doctor, such as glasses or corrective surgery.

By taking these proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of headaches associated with contact lens wear. 

Ensuring the right prescription and fit, managing screen time, addressing dry eyes, and practicing good lens care are all crucial in maintaining eye comfort and overall health. 

Regular consultations with your eye doctor are also key to resolving any ongoing issues and making necessary adjustments to your lens wear routine.

Conclusion

Headaches from contact lenses can occur if the prescription or fit is incorrect, but adjusting these factors should resolve the issue. When selecting contact lenses, it's important to weigh the pros and cons of each type based on personal preferences.

Contact lenses can also lead to complications like infections, dry eyes, or allergies. If eye symptoms persist, it's crucial to consult a doctor. Proper lens care is essential to reducing the risk of these complications.

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