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Reading Glasses: Why They Cause Headaches and How to Fix the Problem

Reading Glasses: Why They Cause Headaches and How to Fix the Problem

2026-Jan-21

Reading glasses are meant to make life easier, helping you read books, use your phone, work on a computer, or handle close-up tasks without straining your eyes. But for many people, reading glasses come with an unexpected problem: headaches.

If you’ve ever worn reading glasses and felt pressure around your eyes, temples, or forehead, you’re not alone. Headaches caused by reading glasses are common, but the good news is they’re usually preventable and fixable.

In this guide, we’ll explain why reading glasses cause headaches, what signs to watch for, and how to fix the problem so you can read comfortably without pain.

How Reading Glasses Work (And Why Problems Happen)

Reading glasses magnify close-up objects to compensate for age-related vision changes, especially presbyopia, a natural condition that typically begins after age 40. As the eye’s lens loses flexibility, focusing on near objects becomes difficult.

Reading glasses help by:

  • Reducing eye strain

  • Improving focus for near vision

  • Allowing relaxed eye muscles

However, when the glasses are incorrect, poorly fitted, or mismatched to your needs, your eyes and brain are forced to work harder, often resulting in headaches.

1. Wrong Lens Power Is the One Cause of Headaches

The most common reason reading glasses cause headaches is incorrect strength.

What Happens

  • If the power is too strong, your eyes over-focus

  • If the power is too weak, your eyes strain to compensate

  • Your eye muscles fatigue quickly, leading to headaches

Common Signs

  • Headache after 10–30 minutes of reading

  • Blurred or swimming text

  • Eye fatigue or pressure

  • Needing to hold reading material unusually close or far

Why It’s Common

Many people buy over-the-counter (OTC) reading glasses without testing different strengths or without an eye exam. OTC readers assume both eyes need the same power—which isn’t always true.

2. Incorrect Pupillary Distance (PD)

Pupillary distance (PD) is the distance between the centers of your pupils. It’s a critical measurement for proper lens alignment.

Why PD Matters

If the optical center of the lenses doesn’t align with your pupils:

  • Your eyes must constantly adjust

  • Muscles strain to maintain focus

  • Headaches develop quickly

Why OTC Reading Glasses Cause This

Most ready-made reading glasses use an average PD, which may not match your unique facial structure.

Symptoms of PD Issues

  • Headaches near the temples

  • Eye strain even with the correct lens power

  • Feeling “off” or dizzy while reading

3. Poor Frame Fit and Alignment

Even if your lenses are correct, poorly fitted frames can cause headaches.

Common Frame Problems

  • Frames are too tight behind the ears

  • Nose pads are pressing too hard

  • Frames sliding down the nose

  • Crooked or uneven alignment

How This Causes Headaches

  • Constant pressure on nerves around the head

  • Uneven lens positioning

  • Subtle muscle strain over time

This is especially common with cheap or poorly adjusted reading glasses.

4. Wearing Reading Glasses for the Wrong Task

Reading glasses are designed for close-up work only, usually 12–16 inches away.

Common Mistake

Wearing reading glasses:

  • While walking

  • While driving

  • While watching TV

  • While working on a computer 

Result

Your eyes are forced to focus incorrectly at longer distances, which can quickly trigger:

  • Eye strain

  • Dizziness

  • Headaches

Computer use often requires a different lens power than reading books or phones.

5. Uncorrected Astigmatism or Unequal Vision

Reading glasses only correct near focus, not other vision issues.

If You Have:

  • Astigmatism

  • Different prescriptions in each eye

  • Eye alignment issues

OTC reading glasses may worsen symptoms instead of helping.

Warning Signs

  • Headaches despite trying multiple strengths

  • Uneven clarity between eyes

  • Persistent discomfort

This is a strong sign you need prescription reading glasses, not generic ones.

6. Blue Light and Screen-Related Eye Strain

Many people use reading glasses for digital devices without proper lens coatings.

Screen-Related Causes

  • Blue light exposure

  • Glare from screens

  • Reduced blinking

Symptoms

  • Headaches behind the eyes

  • Dry or burning sensation

  • Neck and shoulder tension

Standard reading glasses don’t include blue light filtering or anti-reflective coatings, which are crucial for screen-heavy tasks.

7. Low-Quality Lenses and Optical Distortion

Not all reading glasses are created equal.

Cheap Lenses Can Cause:

  • Uneven magnification

  • Distortion at lens edges

  • Inconsistent optical clarity

Your brain works overtime to compensate, leading to headaches and fatigue.

How to Fix Headaches Caused by Reading Glasses

The good news: once the cause is identified, solutions are usually simple and effective.

1. Get a Proper Eye Exam

An eye exam ensures:

  • Correct lens strength

  • Detection of astigmatism or eye imbalance

  • Personalized recommendations

Even if you only need reading glasses, an exam can prevent ongoing discomfort.

2. Choose the Correct Reading Glasses Strength

If using OTC readers:

  • Try multiple strengths

  • Read for at least 10 minutes before deciding

  • Choose the lowest strength that provides clear vision

If headaches persist, switch to prescription reading glasses.

3. Get Professional Measurements and Fitting

Buying reading glasses from a local optical store allows for:

  • Accurate PD measurement

  • Proper frame adjustment

  • Comfortable nose and temple fit

A well-fitted pair can eliminate headaches immediately.

4. Use Task-Specific Glasses

Different tasks require different solutions:

  • Reading books → standard reading glasses

  • Computer use → computer or occupational lenses

  • Multi-tasking → progressive or multifocal lenses

Avoid using one pair for everything.

5. Add Anti-Glare and Blue Light Protection

If you use screens:

  • Anti-reflective coating reduces eye strain

  • Blue light filtering improves comfort

  • Better contrast means less effort for your eyes

6. Take Visual Breaks

Follow the 20-20-20 rule:
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

This relaxes eye muscles and reduces headache risk.

7. Replace Old or Damaged Reading Glasses

Scratched lenses, bent frames, or loose alignment can all cause strain. Replace glasses when:

  • Vision feels less clear

  • Frames no longer sit straight

  • Headaches start appearing again

When to See an Eye Care Professional

Seek professional help if:

  • Headaches persist despite changing glasses

  • You feel dizzy or nauseous

  • Vision changes suddenly

  • One eye feels noticeably different

Persistent headaches are not normal and shouldn’t be ignored.

Conclusion: Reading Glasses Should Help—Not Hurt

Reading glasses are meant to make close-up tasks comfortable, not painful. Headaches usually mean something isn’t right, whether it’s the lens strength, fit, or how the glasses are being used.

By choosing the correct power, ensuring proper fit, and using task-appropriate lenses, you can enjoy clear vision without headaches or eye strain.

If discomfort continues, visiting a trusted optical professional is the fastest way to find relief—and protect your long-term eye health.