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Headaches from Curve of Glasses
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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Frontal Headaches with Progressives After 30 Minutes
Sue wrote:
I have been wearing progressive lenses daily and most of the day for just over two years . Recently experiencing frontal headaches eg after reading for 30 minutes. Can the glasses be a cause? I have recently been asked to go back for a check. Am 62 and find I am unable to decipher anything without them.
Dr Henry Smit's response:
Dear Sue:
Based on your brief description – first pair of progressives at age 60, worn successfully for two years and now developing headaches with near viewing – my first clinical impression is that your prescription has changed, and that you probably need updated lenses. Headaches can have many origins, but those that are specific to the use of the eyes, are very often caused by change in refraction (prescription) or a change in eye muscle coordination. A thorough examination by your optometrist can determine if this is case, and appropriate treatment can be prescribed.
Thanks for your inquiry.
Dr. Smit
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Eye Strain and Non-Prescription Computer Glasses
Violette wrote:
I use the computer a lot, whether it is for gaming, surfing the web or doing homework. Occasionally, my eyes will feel tired and get bloodshot, and I'll even get a headache. Recently, I heard of non-prescriptive computer glasses (the brand is Gunnar Optiks), and I was wondering whether or not I should buy a pair. I would rather not get prescriptive computer glasses because as I don't want to get dizzy each time I focus on something else. Furthermore, I was wondering what would be optimal settings on a computer to prevent eye strain. Thank you!
Dr Henry Smit's response:
Dear Violette
If you are experiencing eye fatigue and headaches when you use the computer, you may have an uncorrected refractive error – that is, you might be somewhat farsighted or nearsighted, or you may have some astigmatism. All of these conditions can contribute to the symptoms you describe, and can all be corrected with a pair of prescription eye glasses. The GUNNAR glasses you are considering would not correct any of these conditions. Your bloodshot eyes may be an indication that your eyes are becoming dry. This occurs frequently because, as a number of studies have shown, our blink rate decreases with periods of intense computer use.
There appears to be a lot of self generated hype and marketing around the GUNNAR eyewear products, but it seems to me that the hype outweighs the science. The lenses have a slight amber tint which will give an appearance of enhanced contrast and that might be somewhat more comfortable for some viewers. They are also touted as creating a moist microclimate between the back surface of the lens and the front of the eye – this is claimed to help keep the eyes more moist. As to this claim, they are not likely to be any more effective than regular prescription glasses.
I think your first step should be to have a thorough eye examination from your optometrist to determine if there are underlying issues such as uncorrected refractive error or dry eye syndrome. Treating these conditions, if they exist, can make you more comfortable at the computer.
As for how to best set up your computer, I recommend that you visit the CAO web-site for additional information. There is an excellent article at http://opto.ca/en/eye-health-info/eye-health-library/vision-computers.html that I am sure you will find informative.
Hope this is helpful,
Dr. Smit
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