Can contacts cause headaches?

For everything they do to help you see clearly, contact lenses are right up there with The Taj Mahal and the Colosseum as one of the greatest wonders of the world. Derived from an idea Leonardo da Vinci (the inventor, not the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle) had way back in the early 1500s, contacts improve your visual acuity, correct astigmatism, and make it easier to do everything from read to check the oil in your vehicle.

But can contacts cause headaches? Yes, but it's usually temporary. If it persists, you may need a different prescription. Otherwise, wearing contact lenses is a safe, effective way to improve your vision.

Understanding the possible connection

Causes of headaches related to contact lenses

Wearing outdated lenses is one of the most common causes of a contact lens headache. Contacts change the way your eyes focus light, which normally helps you see better. If your prescription is outdated, however, your lenses may not correct your vision as much as they did when you first got them. It's also possible to develop new vision problems as you age, making your existing prescription less effective.

Some people also develop migraines due to the use of contact lenses. Researchers believe that these headaches start out as eye discomfort. Eventually, minor discomfort turns into pain, leading to a headache. Even if you don't get migraines, discomfort caused by dry eye may also cause headaches when you wear contacts for a prolonged period.

Identifying symptoms and triggers

Recognizing headache symptoms

Before you develop a contact lens headache, you may experience eyestrain or generalized eye discomfort. Eyestrain typically occurs when you don't blink often enough. You don't need to blink every millisecond (that would be really weird), but you do need to blink regularly to lubricate your eyes. If you don't blink frequently, the moisture in your eyes starts to evaporate, causing your vision to blur.

Eyestrain causes these symptoms:

• Eye irritation
• Redness
• Blurry vision
• Difficulty focusing your vision
• Eye muscle spasms

Eventually, you may develop a full-blown headache, resulting in tension around the eyes and a dull ache in your head.

Triggers for contact lens-induced headaches

You may be more likely to develop a contact lens headache under certain conditions. For example, if you wear monthly contacts instead of contacts for daily wear, you may get headaches if you don't take a break from your lenses every once in a while.

If your lenses don't fit well, they may not help your eyes focus light correctly, increasing the risk of headaches. You're also more likely to develop lens-related headaches if you wear toric lenses, which have a curved design to compensate for astigmatism. Toric lenses are usually made from gas-permeable materials or silicone hydrogel.

It's important to identify your headache triggers so you can take steps to modify them. For example, if you typically get headaches after wearing your lenses for a month at a time, you can try taking breaks.

Preventive measures and solutions

Ensuring proper prescription and fit

Getting regular eye exams should be right up there with getting tickets to the next Taylor Swift concert in terms of importance. Every exam gives your eye care professional an opportunity to determine if your lens prescription has changed. It also gives you a chance to report any problems with lens fit or comfort. Well-fitting lenses with a current prescription may help you avoid lens-related headaches.

Managing dry eyes

Because dry eyes contribute to lens-related headaches, it's also important to keep your eyes moist. If you do a lot of computer work, make sure you take plenty of breaks. It's also helpful to drink enough water and blink frequently to replenish the tear layer over your eyes. If these preventive measures don't work, consider using lubricating eye drops.

Taking breaks and proper lens care

If you use extended-wear lenses, make sure you take regular breaks. It's also important to take care of your lenses. Follow your eye care professional's recommendations for cleaning solution and contact storage.

Check with a professional

So, can contacts cause headaches? They sure can. The good news is that headaches are usually caused by eye discomfort or changes in your contact lens prescription. If you have frequent headaches after you start wearing contact lenses, consult your eye care professional immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Can contact lenses cause migraines?

Researchers believe that contact lenses may cause migraines in some people because they increase visual acuity. With improved vision, you may be more sensitive to external stimuli. In some people, too much visual stimulation triggers migraine headaches.

Is it common to experience headaches during the initial days of wearing contact lenses?

It's fairly common to have headaches when you first get a new pair of contacts. This is because your eyes have to learn how to focus when using corrective lenses. Once they make the adjustment, your headaches should go away.

How often should I take breaks when wearing contact lenses to prevent headaches? 

If you wear contacts, try taking them out for 1 full day each week. You may need to take more frequent breaks if you develop headaches at some point.