Can Contact Lenses Cause Headaches?
May 28, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Yes, contact lenses can cause headaches in some individuals. There are several reasons why this might occur:
- Improper Prescription: If your contact lenses are not the correct prescription for your vision needs, it can cause eye strain and headaches. This can happen if the prescription is too strong or too weak.
- Poor Fit: Contact lenses that do not fit properly can cause discomfort and strain on your eyes, leading to headaches. It’s important that lenses are properly fitted by an eye care professional.
- Dry Eyes: Contact lenses can sometimes cause or exacerbate dry eyes. Dry eyes can lead to discomfort, eye strain, and headaches.
- Extended Wear: Wearing contact lenses for too long, especially if they are not designed for extended wear, can cause eye strain and headaches. It’s important to follow the recommended wearing schedule provided by your eye care professional.
- Incorrect Lens Type: Using the wrong type of contact lens for your eyes (e.g., wrong material or type) can cause irritation and headaches. Different lenses are designed for different needs, such as daily wear, extended wear, or for correcting specific vision problems.
- Infection or Inflammation: Improper cleaning and handling of contact lenses can lead to eye infections or inflammation, which can cause pain and headaches.
- Allergies: Some individuals may have allergic reactions to the contact lens material or the solution used to clean them, which can cause eye irritation and headaches.
Tips to Prevent Headaches from Contact Lenses
- Regular Eye Exams: Ensure that your prescription is up to date by having regular eye exams.
- Proper Fit: Make sure your contact lenses are properly fitted by an eye care professional.
- Follow Wearing Schedule: Adhere to the recommended wearing schedule for your lenses, including proper cleaning and replacement routines.
- Hydration and Eye Drops: Use lubricating eye drops designed for contact lenses to keep your eyes moist, and stay hydrated.
- Rest Your Eyes: Give your eyes a break by switching to glasses periodically, especially if you experience discomfort.
- Use Proper Solutions: Use the contact lens solution recommended by your eye care provider to avoid allergic reactions.
If you experience persistent headaches while wearing contact lenses, it is important to consult with an eye care professional to identify and address the underlying cause. They can help adjust your prescription, fit, or type of lenses, and provide recommendations to alleviate the discomfort.