Why Do Your Eyeglasses Hurt? 5 Reasons for Discomfort

Eyeglasses are designed to enhance your vision, but they can quickly become a nuisance when they start causing discomfort or pain. Whether you’re dealing with a persistent ache behind your ears, pressure on your nose, or general discomfort, these issues are all too common. Fortunately, most of these problems have identifiable causes and practical solutions.

 

Understanding why your eyeglasses hurt is the first step toward finding relief. Below, we’ll explore five common reasons your glasses might be causing you pain and what you can do to address each issue.

Poor Fit: The Frame Size or Shape Is Wrong

One of the most common reasons for discomfort is that your glasses don’t fit properly. Eyeglasses come in different sizes and shapes, and finding the right fit is crucial. If the frame squeezes your temples or presses against your nose, you can get headaches and discomfort. In contrast, if the frame is too loose, it can slide down your nose, causing you to push it back up constantly.

 

Frames that are too small might dig into the sides of your head or behind your ears, creating pressure points that become painful over time. On the other hand, too large frames might feel unstable and require frequent adjustments, leading to different kinds of discomfort.

 

Solution: Visit a qualified Guelph optician to adjust your glasses properly. Sometimes, a simple tweak, like bending the temples or adjusting the nose pads, can make a difference. If the frame size or shape is fundamentally wrong for your face, consider getting a new pair that suits your facial features and fits comfortably.

Incorrect Prescription: Straining Your Eyes

If your prescription is off, even by a tiny amount, it can lead to eye strain, headaches, and general discomfort. Incorrect prescriptions force your eyes to work harder than they should to focus, leading to fatigue and pain. This is especially true if you wear glasses for extended periods, such as during work or study.

 

Your vision may have changed even if your prescription was correct when you first got your glasses. It’s not uncommon for people in Guelph to notice discomfort creeping in as their eyes age or if they develop new visual issues.

 

Solution: Schedule an eye exam with an optometrist in Guelph to ensure your prescription is current. If you’ve recently had an eye exam and are still experiencing discomfort, ask your optometrist to double-check the prescription. They may need to make slight adjustments to correct any issues.

Improper Lens Alignment: Causing Vision Distortions

The way lenses are aligned within the frame is crucial for comfortable vision. If your lenses aren’t correctly centred, they can create distortions that strain your eyes. This misalignment can happen if the glasses are made incorrectly or the frame is bent out of shape, causing the lenses to sit at the wrong angle.

 

Lenses that are not properly aligned can also cause issues like double vision or blurriness, which can be disorienting and uncomfortable. These problems are more common in glasses with complex prescriptions, such as those for astigmatism or progressive lenses.

 

Solution: If you suspect your lenses are misaligned, return your glasses to your Guelph optician for an adjustment. An optician can check the alignment and make any necessary corrections. If the problem persists, you might need new lenses to ensure they’re correctly fitted to the frame.

Pressure Points: Nose Pads or Temples Causing Pain

The design of your glasses, particularly the nose pads and temple arms, can contribute to pain if they create pressure points. Nose pads that are too tight or incorrectly positioned can pinch your nose’s sides, causing redness, indentations, or even sores. Similarly, temple arms that are too tight or short can dig into the sides of your head or behind your ears, leading to discomfort.

 

Even if your glasses fit well overall, poorly adjusted nose pads or temple arms can cause significant discomfort. These parts of your glasses must be customized to fit your unique facial structure.

 

Solution: Adjusting the nose pads and temple arms can often alleviate these pressure points. Nose pads can be widened, narrowed, raised, or lowered to sit more comfortably on your nose. Temple arms can be bent or adjusted to ensure they don’t press too tightly against your head. These adjustments are best done by a professional optician in Guelph to avoid damaging your glasses.

Material Sensitivity: Allergies or Skin Reactions

Another potential cause of discomfort is an allergic reaction to the materials in your glasses. Some people are sensitive to certain metals, like nickel, or to certain plastics used in frames. This sensitivity can lead to skin irritation, rashes, or even pain where the glasses make contact with your skin.

 

This issue might not be immediately apparent, as it can take time for a sensitivity to develop. If you’ve recently started wearing a new pair of glasses and notice itching, redness, or soreness on your face, material sensitivity could be the culprit.

 

Solution: If you suspect a material sensitivity, switch to glasses made from hypoallergenic materials, such as titanium, stainless steel, or acetate. These materials are less likely to cause reactions and are available in various styles. Consult with your optician in Guelph about the best materials for sensitive skin.

 

Conclusion: Finding the Right Solution for Your Eyeglass Discomfort

 

Discomfort from eyeglasses is a common issue, but it’s not something you should live with. Whether it’s a problem with fit, prescription, alignment, pressure points, or material sensitivity, solutions can bring you the relief you need.

 

At Lens & Frames Optical, we care more about your comfort and satisfaction. Our team of qualified opticians is dedicated to helping you find the perfect pair of glasses to improve your vision and be comfortable all day. If you’re in Guelph and experiencing pain or discomfort with your current glasses, visit us and see the difference our genuine, customer-focused service can make.