From the Guidelines
People experience headaches when wearing progressive glasses primarily due to difficulties in adapting to the lenses, including incorrect prescription, base curve, and cylinder location, as well as lens distortions and aberrations, as noted in the refractive errors preferred practice pattern 1. When first wearing progressive lenses, the brain must learn to use different parts of the lens for different viewing distances, which can cause eye strain, dizziness, and headaches. These symptoms typically resolve within 1-2 weeks as adaptation occurs. The design of progressive lenses creates peripheral distortion at the edges of the lenses, which can also contribute to discomfort. To minimize headaches, new wearers should gradually increase wearing time, starting with 2-3 hours daily and slowly building up. Ensuring proper fit and alignment is crucial, as improperly fitted frames can exacerbate symptoms, including issues with pantoscopic tilt, centration of lenses, and vertex distance 1. If headaches persist beyond 2-3 weeks, returning to the optometrist for adjustment is recommended, as the prescription or lens measurements may need modification. Some people with specific visual needs or sensitivities may ultimately find that progressive lenses aren't suitable for them, and alternative options like separate single-vision glasses might be more comfortable. Key factors to consider when wearing progressive glasses include:
- Correct prescription and lens measurements
- Proper fit and alignment of frames
- Gradual adaptation to lens wear
- Potential for lens distortions and aberrations
- Alternative options for those with persistent discomfort or visual difficulties.
From the Research
Headaches and Progressive Glasses
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that explains why people experience headaches when wearing progressive glasses.
- However, some studies suggest that eye strain and vision problems can contribute to headaches 2.
- Progressive glasses can cause eye strain due to the different lens powers and focal lengths, which may lead to headaches in some individuals.
- It is also possible that underlying eye conditions, such as dry eyes or corneal problems, can contribute to headaches when wearing progressive glasses 2.
Underlying Causes of Headaches
- Primary headache disorders, such as migraine and tension-type headache, can be triggered by various factors, including vision problems 3.
- Secondary headache disorders, such as those caused by glaucoma or other eye conditions, can also produce eye pain and headaches 2.
- Some studies suggest that certain medications, such as antidepressants, can increase the risk of cataracts and glaucoma, which can lead to headaches 4.
Management of Headaches
- Acute treatment of headaches includes analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and combination products that include caffeine 3.
- Preventive treatments, such as antihypertensives, antiepileptics, and antidepressants, can reduce migraine frequency and severity 3.
- Proper management of underlying eye conditions, such as glaucoma, can also help alleviate headaches 5.