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Here’s how to know whether your eyeglasses could be to blame for any pain — and what you need to know to prevent a headache from glasses.
It can be tricky to pinpoint the cause of a headache. After all, it can be triggered by anything from dehydration to stress.
Another lesser-known issue that can bring on that pounding in your temples? Not wearing the right eyewear.
“Keeping a daily journal or log will help you pinpoint a pattern,” says Valerie Ferrell, O.D., an optometrist who practices at America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Easley, South Carolina. “Note exactly what activities you’re doing, what time of day, and the specific location of the pain when the headache strikes.”
Along with sleuthing out patterns, there are a few specific signs that your eyewear could be the culprit. If any of these situations describe you, updating your frames or lenses could be all you need do to banish those headaches for good.
1. It’s Been More Than a Year Since Your Last Eye Exam
File this under things you’ve heard before, but can’t hurt to hear again: It’s important not to miss your yearly eye exam. “Many people skip their yearly visits because they feel like they are seeing all right,” says Dr. Ferrell. “The change in their vision is gradual and often goes undetected by most people.”
That’s precisely why it is important to see your optometrist and make sure you’re using the right corrective lenses — even if you haven’t noticed a problem.
“A small change in your prescription can make a huge difference in visual acuity and reduce the likelihood of headaches occurring,” says Dr. Ferrell. “Children especially should get their eyes checked yearly, sometimes sooner, because their vision can change more rapidly than in adults.”
Has it been a while since your last eye exam? Now’s the time to book an appointment!
2. Your Headaches Happen in Your Temples or Near Your Ears
If your headaches seem to be focused in certain areas around the face — namely the temple region, behind the ears or around the nose — your frames may be causing the discomfort.
Dr. Ferrell says it’s worth stopping in to your nearest America’s Best to have an optician check to the fit. They’ll be able to quickly determine if your frames are:
- Too tight
- Too loose
- Crooked
- Or otherwise ill-fitting.
You can also ask yourself these questions to figure out whether your frames are to blame. Then visit your nearest America’s Best location to find a pair that fits properly.
3. Your Headaches Come on Later in the Day
If your eyeglasses prescription is outdated, it might go unnoticed for a little while. But after hours of wearing them, you’re bound to feel the effects.
“Vision-related headaches occur toward the late afternoon, are located in or around the eyes, and occur while or after performing visually demanding tasks,” says Dr. Ferrell.
See your optometrist to find out if an outdated prescription or other vision-related issue could be behind your aching head.
Recommended reading: 3 Things Headaches Say About Your Vision
4. You Have Astigmatism
Although all glasses-wearers should seek a comfortable and symmetrical fit for their frames, people with astigmatism may want to be extra vigilant about doing so.
It turns out their condition — an irregularly shaped cornea or lens — makes them more sensitive to the wrong fit.
“If frames are not aligned on the face, it can cause headaches for anyone, but it’s especially true of individuals with astigmatism,” says Dr. Ferrell.
Eyeglasses adjustments are free at America’s Best. That means you can return to the store often and have your glasses adjusted to ensure you retain the right fit.
5. You Spend a lot of Time on a Computer or Looking at Small Details
If your job or day-to-day activities involve visual focus for extended periods, it’s even more crucial that you have the correct prescription and well-fitting eyeglasses. Because your eyes are working hard, problems with lenses can worsen that fatigue and lead to headaches.
“In my experience, headaches come up most often from people who spend a lot of time doing near tasks, such as reading or using the computer,” says Dr. Ferrell. “If that applies to you, be sure to get your eyes checked yearly to prevent headaches.”
Recommended reading: Do You Have the Right Glasses for Your Job?
6. You’ve Been Wearing the Same Glasses Frames for a While
Sometimes your glasses simply no longer fit your face quite right — a shift that can be easy to overlook when it’s subtle or slow-moving.
“Our bodies change over time,” says Dr. Ferrell. “We gain and lose weight. Children grow bigger and taller. So sometimes, a frame that worked fine a year ago may not be ideal a year or two later.”
The optical experts at your local America’s Best can help you find a frame that’s perfect for your face.