Can Poor Vision Cause Headaches?

When your vision isn’t clear, your eyes have to try extra hard to focus on things. This extra work is called eye strain, and it can make your head hurt. Imagine trying to read a book with glasses that aren’t the right size—it can make your eyes tired and give you a headache. Studies have found that when your eyes are overworked because of poor vision, it can lead to headaches. The extra effort your eyes use to see things clearly sends signals to your brain that it has to work too, and sometimes that extra work makes a headache worse. For example, if you are nearsighted or farsighted and need glasses but aren’t wearing them, your eyes may be strained all through the day. If headaches happen often, it is a good idea to visit an eye doctor. They can check your eyes, see if you need glasses, and help reduce the strain that might be causing your headaches.