Wearing the wrong prescription glasses can lead to discomfort and potential vision-related issues, including headaches. When glasses do not provide the correct corrective lens power or alignment for an individual’s visual needs, it can strain the eyes and the surrounding muscles, contributing to headaches and other symptoms of visual stress.
Eyestrain and Headache Connection
Incorrect glasses can cause eyestrain, a condition characterized by tiredness, discomfort, and soreness in the eyes. When the eyes work harder to compensate for improper lens prescriptions or incorrect adjustments, it can lead to muscle fatigue and tension in the eye area. This constant straining can trigger headaches that manifest as dull aches, pressure behind the eyes, or even migraines in some cases.
Vision Distortions and Discomfort
Wearing glasses with incorrect prescriptions can distort the way light enters the eyes, affecting visual clarity and causing the brain to work harder to interpret visual information accurately. This visual distortion can strain the eye muscles and disrupt the natural coordination between the eyes and the brain, leading to headaches, eye fatigue, and general discomfort associated with vision misalignment.
Improper Fit and Eye Muscle Strain
In addition to incorrect lens prescriptions, poorly fitted glasses can also contribute to headaches and eye strain. Frames that sit too high or too low on the nose, lenses that are off-center, or improper pupillary distance measurements can create additional visual challenges and cause the eye muscles to adjust constantly to compensate for the misalignment. This continuous effort to adapt to poorly fitting glasses can lead to tension headaches and discomfort.
Potential Symptoms of Headaches from Incorrect Glasses
Headaches resulting from wearing incorrect glasses may present with a range of symptoms, including:
- Persistent or recurrent headaches, especially during or after prolonged visual tasks like reading.
- Eye discomfort, strain, or fatigue.
- Blurred vision, double vision, or difficulty focusing.
- Neck pain or shoulder tension due to posture changes related to visual discomfort.
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia) or glare.
Any of these symptoms could potentially come from wearing incorrect glasses. Whether the prescription is off or the alignment of the frames is improper, the glasses can quickly become problematic and induce headaches.
Addressing Headaches Caused by Incorrect Glasses
If you suspect that your headaches are related to wearing incorrect glasses, consider the following steps to address the issue. Schedule a comprehensive eye examination with an optometrist to determine the correct prescription for your visual needs. Ensure that your glasses are fitted properly and adjusted to sit comfortably on your face. Always communicate any discomfort or visual disturbances you experience with your eye care provider to facilitate appropriate adjustments or prescription changes. Be sure to take regular breaks during prolonged periods of visual tasks to alleviate eye strain and prevent headaches that may be due to overworking the eyes and visual system rather than due to the glasses.
What Can Be Done for Headache from Incorrect Glasses?
While the simplest option to alleviate headaches from incorrect glasses is to switch to a pair of glasses which are better suited to your eyes and vision, other options may include adjusting the frames to fit better or using the glasses for specific tasks only.