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Marla wrote:
I have been wearing glasses for 30 years. I am near sighted and have an astigmatism. I am now wearing glasses that have progressive lenses. For the last few years I have had problems with certain glasses causing eyestrain and severe headaches. I have recently found out that the cause of headaches is the curve of my eyeglasses. I have found only one person in my city that knows how to adjust my glasses properly. However, one slight bump and the glasses are out of whack and cause headaches again. I am forever going to get them adjusted and sometimes it takes weeks of adjusting just to get them right. I have 2 pairs of glasses and if they both aren't adjusted exactly the same, they cause headaches. I have recently gone from metal glasses with nose pads to plastic ones as it was suggested that they would be stronger and hold their shape longer. I have gone to see my optometrist several times regarding this problem and they don't have an answer for me. Is this a common problem. And what can I do to prevent the headaches. I am at my wit's end and extremely desperate for a solution. The longer I wear the glasses without getting them adjusted the worse the headaches get and sometimes turn into severe migraines. Please help.
Dr Langis Michaud's response:
I would be quite surprised that just a small bump can cause such a disturbance. There is something else that is causing your headaches. I would first re-start from scratch. Get a thorough exam, with pupil dilation and ask for a cycloplegic refraction. I would not be surprised that you are over-corrected in myopia and/or that your astigmatism is not fully compensated. Both can happen at the same time. Cycloplegic refraction will give the answer to this.
If the prescription is accurate, check for the curvatures of the lenses, called base curve. Sometimes, for aesthetic reasons, manufacturers are making extremely flat base curves and some people cannot adapt to them. This also depends on the size of the frame, its shape, etc. If your professional does not find the answer, he has to refer you to another optometrist specialized in such care.
You have also to look at systemic causes. Did you mention this to your family doctor? Are you suffering from arterial hypertension or diabetes that is not fully under control? These diseases can impact the quality of your vision.
In summary, there is something other than the glasses under this story. Good luck.
Dr Langis Michaud, O.D. M.Sc. FAAO (Dipl)
Professeur Agrégé
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