Headaches while wearing contact lenses are common for many individuals who rely on them for vision correction. These headaches are rarely a primary neurological problem but rather a secondary symptom arising from discomfort or fatigue in the ocular system. Since the eye and its surrounding muscles are linked to the head and face, prolonged strain or irritation can manifest as a tension headache. Understanding the causes, which generally stem from issues with the lens or the surrounding environment, can help resolve this painful side effect.
Prescription Errors and Poor Fit
A frequent cause of contact lens-related headaches is an error in the lens power or an improper physical fit on the eye’s surface. Even a small difference in the prescribed spherical power forces the ciliary muscles inside the eye to work harder to achieve clear focus. This overwork of the focusing muscles leads to asthenopia, or eye strain, which often presents as a dull, aching tension headache around the forehead and temples.
For those requiring a toric lens for astigmatism, correction depends on the lens remaining perfectly aligned on a specific axis. If the toric lens rotates slightly due to a poor fit, it causes fluctuating vision, forcing the brain to continuously compensate for the visual distortion. This constant adjustment creates significant strain that quickly translates into a headache. The physical fit is also important; a lens that is too tight can constrict the cornea and restrict oxygen flow, while a lens that is too loose will slide excessively, causing mechanical irritation and unstable vision.
Eye Strain and Environmental Stress
Digital device use contributes significantly to eye strain while wearing contacts because it alters the natural blink reflex. When focusing intently on a screen, the average person’s blink rate can decrease by up to 50% or more, which is insufficient for maintaining tear film stability. This reduced rate causes the lens to dry out quickly, as blinking is necessary to resurface the eye and the lens with fresh tears.
Contact lens material naturally divides the tear film into two layers, increasing the rate of tear evaporation from the eye’s surface. This dry eye leads to friction between the dried lens and the eyelid, creating discomfort and a gritty sensation. Environmental factors like low humidity (such as in air-conditioned or heated rooms) or high wind conditions accelerate this dehydration, causing the lens to stiffen and irritate the cornea. This irritation contributes to overall eye fatigue and headache development.
Allergies and Lens Irritation
Headaches can be triggered by a reaction to materials used in lens care or by accumulated debris on the lens surface. Many multipurpose cleaning solutions contain preservatives, such as Benzalkonium Chloride (BAK) or Thimerosal, to prevent microbial growth. Over time, some individuals develop a sensitivity or allergic reaction to these chemicals, resulting in chronic eye irritation and inflammation.
A common source of irritation is the buildup of natural tear film components, specifically proteins and lipids, onto the lens surface. These deposits alter the lens structure and create a rough, uneven layer that reduces clarity and triggers an immune response, leading to discomfort. Wearing lenses beyond their recommended replacement schedule exacerbates this buildup, turning the lens into a constant source of friction and visual fatigue.
Addressing the Symptoms
The immediate step upon feeling a contact lens-related headache is to remove the lenses and switch to glasses to allow the eye’s surface and muscles to rest. To prevent recurrence, practice the 20-20-20 rule during screen time: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice helps encourage blinking and relaxes the focusing muscles. Using preservative-free rewetting drops throughout the day can also maintain lens hydration and prevent environmentally induced dryness.
Preventative care involves strict adherence to the lens replacement schedule and using a proper cleaning method, such as a hydrogen peroxide system, if sensitivity to multipurpose solutions is suspected. Consult an optometrist if a headache persists after removing the lenses or if it is accompanied by specific warning signs, as these may indicate a more serious eye health issue:
- Worsening pain
- Sudden and persistent blurred vision
- Excessive redness
- Light sensitivity
- Any discharge from the eye