Migraine or ill-fitting vision correction?

Migraine is a neurological condition characterised by sudden, severe and often long-lasting headaches. But does every headache mean migraine? Not necessarily – in some cases, the pain may be caused by poorly adjusted glasses or contact lenses in people with vision problems. So how can you tell the difference? Here are a few pointers.

Migraine

Migraine is a chronic neurological condition. It most often presents as sudden, pulsating headaches, usually affecting one side of the head. An attack may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light, sound and smells. In some people, migraine occurs with what is known as an “aura” – visual disturbances such as flashes of light, blind spots, or distorted images that appear before the headache begins.

The most common migraine triggers include the following:

• sleep disturbances (insufficient, excessive or poor-quality rest),
• hormonal changes (often in women),
• dehydration,
• stress and emotional tension,
• certain foods or artificial additives.

Migraine is not directly linked to vision defects, and many people with this condition have no everyday problems with their eyesight. However, an uncorrected or poorly corrected visual impairment can cause headaches, which are sometimes mistaken for migraine.

Ill-fitting vision correction

Both overly strong and too weak corrective lenses can lead to discomfort and pain. The reason behind this is eye muscle () strain and the constant effort to maintain clear vision. In addition to headaches, you may also experience:

• blurred or unclear vision,
• a feeling of eye fatigue, especially when working in front of a computer screen or reading,
• dizziness and balance problems,
• tension in the neck and shoulders.

Visual comfort is influenced not only by the strength of the lenses but also by the frame fit – for example, excessive pressure on the bridge of the nose or the temples can contribute to pain.

Migraine and laser vision correction

During the preliminary examination qualifying for laser vision correction, it sometimes becomes apparent that a patient’s prescription was previously under- or over-corrected. In such cases, the patient should first adapt to the properly adjusted correction. Undergoing the procedure while wearing an incorrect prescription could lead to headaches or dizziness – however, these would not be symptoms of migraine.

Migraine is a condition independent of refractive errors. Its onset is linked to neurological, genetic, and environmental factors, as well as disturbances in the functioning of the cerebral cortex and blood vessels. In other words, while a visual defect does not cause migraine, it can produce headaches of a similar type and intensity.

If you experience blurred vision, headaches, or neck tension, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a migraine. It’s worth having an ophthalmological examination to check the condition of your eyes and find out if your current prescription is still appropriate. Regular visits to an optometrist not only help protect your eyesight but can also prevent discomfort that might be mistaken for migraine.

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