How to Know If Your Headaches Are Actually Vision Related

Headaches are one of the most common reasons people seek medical care, yet their true cause is often missed. When headaches worsen with reading, screen use, or visual concentration, the issue may not be stress or tension - it may be your eyes working overtime.

The Connection Between Vision and Headaches

When a refractive error goes untreated or when glasses or contact lens prescriptions are outdated, the eyes must work harder to maintain clear focus. This constant effort can strain the eye muscles and visual system, especially during reading, computer use, or other near tasks. Over time, that strain can lead to eye fatigue, tension, and frequent headaches. Even small prescription changes can make a difference, which is why regular eye exams are essential for keeping both your vision and comfort on track.

Another common yet overlooked causes of vision-related headaches is Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD). BVD occurs when the eyes are slightly misaligned and struggle to work as a coordinated team. Even small alignment issues can force the eye muscles to overcompensate, placing stress on the visual system and triggering headaches. Because the misalignment can be subtle, many people with BVD pass standard eye exams and never realize their headaches are vision-driven.

Signs Your Headaches May Be Vision Related

Not all headaches stem from the eyes, but certain patterns strongly suggest a visual cause. You may want to consider a vision evaluation if you experience:

• Headaches that worsen after reading, computer work, or phone use
• Pain around the eyes, forehead, or temples
• Headaches that start later in the day
• Neck or shoulder tension along with headaches
• Eye fatigue, blurred vision, or trouble focusing
• Light sensitivity or motion sensitivity
• Headaches that persist despite new glasses or contact lenses

Many patients are surprised to learn that even 20/20 vision doesn’t rule out a vision problem. Visual clarity and eye alignment are two very different things.

How Newton™ Lenses Can Help

For patients diagnosed with Binocular Vision Dysfunction, specialized lenses can make a life-changing difference. Newton™ lenses (formerly Neurolens®) are designed to address eye misalignment by incorporating a contoured prism. Unlike standard prism lenses, this technology adjusts across the lens to reduce strain at both distance and near.

By helping the eyes align more naturally, Newton™ lenses can:

• Reduce visual strain and muscle tension
• Decrease headache frequency and intensity
• Improve comfort during reading and screen use
• Support better focus and visual stamina

Many patients report noticeable relief within days or weeks of wearing their lenses consistently.

Get Answers for Your Chronic Headaches

Headaches are often treated as an isolated problem, but for many people, the true cause lies in the visual system. Undiagnosed vision issues, outdated prescriptions, or eye alignment problems like Binocular Vision Dysfunction can place constant strain on the eyes and brain, leading to persistent discomfort. The good news is that when the root cause is properly identified, meaningful and lasting relief is possible.

If headaches are interfering with your daily life, schedule a comprehensive eye evaluation at Cortez Vision Eye Clinic to determine whether your headaches are vision related and explore treatment options tailored to your needs. Visit our office in Cortez, Colorado, or call (970) 565-2020 today.