Headaches can have many causes. Can eyeglasses cause headaches? Many people notice headaches after wearing new eyeglasses or spending long hours in their eyewear. While eyeglasses are meant to improve vision, certain factors can sometimes trigger discomfort. Understanding the connection between eyeglasses and headaches can help you identify the cause and find relief quickly.
When headaches arise after putting on eyeglasses, here are several likely culprits:
Adapt to a New Prescription
Your eyes and brain may need time to adapt to changes in lens power or optical correction. When a prescription changes significantly, eye muscles have to work differently, which can lead to strain and headaches.
Incorrect or Inaccurate Prescription / PD Errors
If the prescription is wrong, or if the pupillary distance (PD) or optical centers were measured incorrectly, your eyes may try to compensate. This overexertion can cause headaches or visual fatigue.
Poor Frame Fit / Pressure Points
Frames that pinch your nose, temples, or press too tightly around your head can cause tension headaches. Similarly, frames that are loose and shift position force your eyes to keep adjusting, which can also lead to discomfort.
Eye Strain / Muscle Fatigue
Overuse of the eye’s focusing system—especially with screens, reading, or prolonged near work—can overtax the muscles that control focus, leading to headaches (asthenopia).
Distortion from Frame Shape or Lens Design
Frames with extreme curvature (wraparound) or lenses that impose distortions (especially with progressive or multifocal lenses) may misdirect light and cause peripheral blur. This imposes extra strain on the visual system.
Digital / Screen-Related Eye Stress
Many glasses users also spend significant time on digital devices. Glare, small text, insufficient breaks, and blue light can exacerbate eye strain, leading to headache symptoms.
Underlying Vision Misalignment (Binocular Vision Dysfunction, etc.)
In some cases, the two eyes might not align well, and wearing new glasses may expose or worsen subtle misalignment (BVD). This forces extra effort from eye muscles, leading to chronic headaches or dizziness.
If your headaches persist for more than a week or two after receiving new glasses, it’s wise to consult an eye care professional to check prescription accuracy, frame fit, and possible alignment issues.
To reduce the likelihood of headaches when wearing glasses (especially new ones), here are practical strategies:
Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust
Your visual system often adapts over several days or even up to two weeks. Wearing the new glasses reasonably consistently (rather than switching back to the old pair) helps speed adjustment.
Ensure Proper Frame Fit
Get frames adjusted so they sit comfortably—neither pinching nor loose. Nose pads, temple arms, or bridge points should be fine-tuned for your face shape.
Take Visual Breaks
Use the “20-20-20 rule”: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for about 20 seconds. This reduces the constant focusing demand on your eyes.
Limit Screen Time & Manage Glare
Reduce continuous exposure to screens where possible, and make sure ambient lighting is comfortable. Use anti-reflective coatings or filters to minimize glare.
Keep Good Posture & Monitor Height
Maintain proper ergonomics when reading or using screens—angle and distance matter. Poor posture can indirectly contribute to tension and headaches.
Regular Eye Check-ups
Having your prescription, PD measurements, and vision alignment checked regularly ensures your glasses remain accurate. If your symptoms persist, revisit your optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Use Progressive or Multifocal Lenses Carefully
If you’re using progressive lenses, ensure your frames offer sufficient vertical height and are well aligned so that the different distance zones fall into the correct portion of the lens.
Stay Hydrated & Manage Overall Health
General health factors (sleep, hydration, stress) can influence headaches. Good habits can amplify the comfort of your vision correction.
In general, headaches can be caused by many factors, and properly fitted eyewear does not cause headaches. So how do you find the right glasses? At Eydology, we offer a wide variety of eyewear, and you can also use our How to Find Your Fit guide to discover the perfect pair for you.
