1. Home
  3. The Rawbare Journal
  5. Can Sunglasses Cause Headaches? Causes and Fixes
Can Sunglasses Cause Headaches? Causes and Fixes

Can Sunglasses Cause Headaches? Causes and Fixes

Eye Care · Fit

Can Sunglasses Cause Headaches? Causes and Fixes

Yes, sunglasses can cause headaches, but almost always for a fixable reason: frames that press or pinch, lenses that are the wrong darkness, or an uncorrected prescription. The right fit and lens usually solve it. Here are the common causes and how to fix each one.

🕐 5 min read🕶️ Fit👁️ Eye care

In this article

  1. Can sunglasses cause headaches?
  2. Fit problems that cause pressure headaches
  3. Lens issues that strain your eyes
  4. Prescription and quality
  5. How to fix and prevent them
  6. Frequently asked questions

Can sunglasses cause headaches?

They can, and when they do it is usually a sign that something is off with the fit or the lens rather than the sunglasses being bad for you. Frames that grip too tightly create pressure headaches, lenses that are too dark or too light make your eyes work harder, and wearing the wrong prescription strains them further. The reassuring part is that each cause has a clear fix, so a headache from sunglasses is almost always solvable.

In one sentence
Sunglasses headaches usually come from a tight fit, the wrong lens darkness or an uncorrected prescription, all of which are fixable.

Fit problems that cause pressure headaches

The most common cause is pressure. Frames that are too narrow squeeze the temples, arms that clamp behind the ears create a dull ache, and nose pads that dig in cause pain across the bridge. Heavy frames add to it over a long day. If your sunglasses leave marks or feel tight within an hour, fit is the likely culprit. Our guides on fixing sunglasses that do not fit and low nose bridges can help.

Lens issues that strain your eyes

Lenses matter as much as fit. A tint that is too dark for the conditions makes your pupils work overtime and can leave you squinting in shade, while a tint that is too light lets in glare that makes you squint in bright sun. Either way, constant squinting is a classic route to a headache. Choosing the right lens darkness for your usual light is key, and our lens categories guide explains the 0 to 4 scale.

Prescription and quality

If your sunglasses carry a prescription, an out-of-date or incorrect one forces your eyes to strain, which brings on headaches. Poor-quality lenses with optical distortion can do the same, as your eyes fight to focus through them. Choosing well-made lenses with an accurate prescription removes both problems. Getting used to a new pair, or to polarized lenses, can also take a day or two before it feels natural.

How to fix and prevent them

1
Get the fit adjusted
Have an optician tweak the arms and nose pads so the frame sits snug but not tight, with weight spread evenly.
2
Match the tint to your light
Choose a lens darkness suited to where you wear them, so you are neither squinting in sun nor straining in shade.
3
Check your prescription
If your sunglasses have power, make sure it is current and correct. An accurate prescription removes a major source of strain.
4
Give new pairs time
Allow a day or two to adjust to a new frame or to polarized lenses before deciding they do not suit you.
Start with the right fit
A frame sized to your face is the first step. Use the frame size guide, then browse the sunglasses collection, all with 100% UV400 protection.

Key takeaways

✓ Sunglasses can cause headaches, almost always for a fixable reason
✓ Tight frames and nose pads create pressure headaches
✓ The wrong lens darkness leads to squinting and strain
✓ An incorrect prescription strains the eyes
✓ A proper fit and the right tint usually solve it
✓ New frames may need a day or two to adjust to

Frequently asked questions

Q1 Can sunglasses cause headaches?
Yes, usually because of a tight fit, the wrong lens darkness or an uncorrected prescription. These strain the eyes or press on the head, and each has a straightforward fix.
Q2 Why do my sunglasses give me a headache?
The most likely reasons are frames that pinch the temples or nose, a tint that makes you squint in sun or shade, or an out-of-date prescription. A well-fitted frame with the right lens usually resolves it.
Q3 Can polarized sunglasses cause headaches?
Polarized lenses do not cause headaches by design, but some people take a day or two to adjust to them. If discomfort persists, look at the fit, the tint darkness and your prescription instead.
Q4 Can sunglasses that are too dark cause headaches?
Yes. Lenses that are too dark for the conditions make your pupils work harder and can leave you straining in shade, which can bring on a headache. Match the tint darkness to where you wear them.
Q5 How do I stop my sunglasses giving me a headache?
Have the fit adjusted so nothing pinches, choose a lens darkness suited to your usual light, keep any prescription current, and give a new pair a day or two. If headaches persist, see an optometrist.

 

 

Tags:
Cat-Eye Sunglasses Explained: The Shape, Its History and Who It Suits
Best Sunglasses for a Heart-Shaped Face: Balancing a Wider Forehead