Have you ever worn contact lenses and suddenly felt a headache, eye strain, or discomfort while seeing? The symptom of “contact lenses headache” is a problem many people experience. It can occur for several reasons, such as incorrect prescription, lenses that do not fit the eyes properly, dry eyes, or wearing contact lenses for too long. In this article, we will explore the common causes and provide solutions and precautions so you can wear contact lenses more comfortably and safely.
Causes of Headaches When Wearing Contact Lenses
Headaches related to wearing contact lenses (contact lenses headache) can occur due to several factors. These may come from the contact lenses themselves or from the condition of the wearer’s eyes. Understanding these causes can help you solve the problem more effectively.
1. Contact Lenses Do Not Fit the Eyes Properly (Incorrect Base Curve)
Every contact lens has a value called Base Curve (BC), which refers to the curvature of the lens. If the BC does not match the curvature of your cornea, the lens may move abnormally on the eye.
For example:
-
Lenses that are too tight → the lens moves very little and may cause eye discomfort
- Lenses that are too loose → the lens moves too much and may cause blurry vision
- When your eyes constantly try to adjust focus, it may lead to:
-
Eye pain
-
Eye strain
- Headaches
People with high prescriptions, such as -6.00 or higher, may notice these differences more clearly.
2. Incorrect Prescription
Another common cause is wearing contact lenses that do not match your current vision prescription.
Your eyesight can change over time due to several factors, which may cause headaches when wearing contact lenses, such as:
-
Long hours of computer use
-
Aging
- Eye usage habits
If the prescription is incorrect, your eyes must work harder to focus, which may cause:
-
Headaches
-
Eye strain
- Mild dizziness
These symptoms often occur later in the day after prolonged eye use.
3. Dry Eyes (Dry Eye Syndrome)
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common causes of headaches among contact lens wearers.
When the eyes lack moisture, the lens can rub against the cornea, causing discomfort and making the eyes fatigue more easily.
Factors that may cause dry eyes include:
-
Staying in air-conditioned environments for long periods
-
Using computers or mobile phones all day
- Blinking less frequently
Common symptoms include:
-
Burning eyes
-
Eye irritation
-
Intermittent blurry vision
- Mild headaches
4. Wearing Contact Lenses for Too Long
Although contact lenses are designed to be worn for several hours, wearing them for too long may cause eye fatigue.
Generally, it is recommended to wear contact lenses no longer than 8–10 hours per day.
Wearing lenses for extended periods may lead to:
-
Dry eyes
-
Irritation
- Headaches caused by excessive eye strain
5. The Cornea Does Not Receive Enough Oxygen
Our eyes need oxygen from the air at all times. When wearing contact lenses, the lens acts as a thin layer covering the cornea.
If the lens has low oxygen permeability, it may cause:
-
Reduced oxygen reaching the cornea
-
Eye fatigue
- Headaches
- Modern lenses such as Silicone Hydrogel lenses allow significantly more oxygen to pass through to the eyes.
6. Developing Astigmatism
Sometimes headaches are not directly caused by the contact lenses themselves, but by uncorrected astigmatism.
Signs of astigmatism include:
-
Blurry text
-
Lights appearing stretched or distorted
- Difficulty seeing clearly at night
In such cases, Toric contact lenses may be required. However, it is recommended to consult an eye care professional before using them.
How to Fix Headaches Caused by Contact Lenses
If you experience headaches when wearing contact lenses, you can try the following solutions.
1. Remove the Lenses and Rest Your Eyes
If you start experiencing headaches or irritation, remove your lenses immediately.
Then:
- Use artificial tears
- Rest your eyes for 20–30 minutes
- Avoid looking at screens
This allows your eyes to recover more quickly.
2. Switch to Daily Contact Lenses
Daily disposable lenses reduce the buildup of:
- Protein deposits
- Dirt and debris
- Bacteria
Advantages of daily lenses include:
- Better hygiene
- Reduced risk of dry eyes
- Greater comfort
3. Use Artificial Tears
Artificial tears help increase eye moisture and reduce friction between the contact lens and the eye.
You should choose artificial tears designed for contact lens users and use them during the day when your eyes feel dry.
4. Get a New Eye Examination
If you have not had an eye exam for over one year, you should consider getting a new one because:
- Your prescription may have changed
- Astigmatism may have developed
- You may need a different type of contact lens
Contact Lenses Suitable for Dry Eyes
If you have dry eyes, discomfort while wearing contact lenses, or headaches from prolonged eye use, choosing lenses with high moisture retention and oxygen permeability can significantly improve comfort.
Lenses designed for dry eye sufferers typically offer:
- High oxygen permeability materials
- Moisture-retaining technology
- Reduced friction between the lens and cornea
- Comfortable wear for long hours
Below are popular contact lenses suitable for people with dry eyes or contact lens headaches.
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day
Acuvue Oasys 1-Day is a daily disposable contact lens designed for people who use their eyes heavily, such as those who work on computers all day or spend long hours in air-conditioned environments.
Key Features
- HydraLuxe™ Technology helps maintain moisture and reduce dry eye symptoms
- Silicone Hydrogel material allows high oxygen transmission to the cornea
- Helps reduce eye fatigue during long hours of screen use
- Includes UV Protection against UVA and UVB rays
Suitable For
- People with dry eyes
- People who work on computers all day
- People who wear contact lenses for long hours
Acuvue Moist
Acuvue Moist is a popular daily disposable contact lens known for its comfort, especially for people who are new to wearing contact lenses.
Key Features
- LACREON™ Technology helps retain moisture within the lens
- Thin lens edges reduce friction with the eyelids
- Comfortable for all-day wear
- Includes UV Protection
Suitable For
- Beginners wearing contact lenses
- People with mild dry eye symptoms
- Those looking for easy-to-use daily disposable lenses
FAQ
Is it dangerous if contact lenses cause headaches?
Generally, it is not dangerous, but it may indicate that the lenses are not suitable for your eyes.
Can dry eyes cause headaches?
Yes. Dry eyes can cause eye strain, which may lead to headaches.
How many hours is it safe to wear contact lenses?
It is generally recommended to wear contact lenses for no more than 8–10 hours per day.
Should I stop wearing contact lenses if I have a headache?
Yes. You should remove the lenses immediately and allow your eyes to rest.
