If you have headaches on a regular basis, there could be something wrong with your eyes. Especially if the headaches seem to get worse after reading, watching screens or working for long periods.
At one of the leading Palo Alto optometry clinics, Refine Optometry, Dr. Joy Lam often sees patients who are troubled by headaches and eye strain.
So let’s discuss how bad vision gives you headaches, and what you can do to keep your eyes and your head in fighting form.
So, Can Bad Vision Really Lead to Headaches?
Yes. If your eyes have to work harder to focus because of uncorrected vision, that can cause the muscles around your eyes to tire out. That pressure mounts and can result in a headache.
Why Vision Problems Cause Headaches
Your eyes work like muscles. When they’re forced to work harder than they should—because of blurry vision or misalignment—they get overworked. That overuse leads to tension headaches.
Here’s how it happens:
- You have refractive errors (like astigmatism or farsightedness).
- Your eyes aren’t perfectly aligned.
- You wear the wrong glasses or contact lenses.
- You’re staring at screens all day without breaks.
These issues are common, especially among tech professionals and students. That’s why eye care in Palo Alto has become more essential than ever.
What Do These Headaches Feel Like?
Symptoms often include:
- Pressure behind your eyes
- Pain around your forehead or temples
- Tired eyes after a long workday
- Light sensitivity
- Blurred vision just before the headache sets in
Common Vision Issues That Trigger Headaches
Causes uneven focus, forcing your eyes to constantly adjust.
Close-up work becomes a strain and may trigger headaches.
Common after age 40—when it becomes harder to read up close.
Makes your eyes work harder to stay focused together.
An old prescription can strain your eyes just as much as no glasses at all.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to see an eye doctor in Palo Alto for a proper vision check.
The Screen Time Effect
Spending hours on your phone or laptop? That’s a major cause of eye strain—and a common reason why people in Palo Alto optometry clinics seek help.
Digital screens make us:
- Blink less (leading to dry eyes)
- Focus on one distance for too long
- Ignore subtle signs of eye fatigue
This is known as Computer Vision Syndrome, and it’s behind many modern headaches.
How Do You Know If It’s Your Vision?
Ask yourself:
- Do your headaches start after reading or screen time?
- Do you rub your eyes or squint often?
- Is your vision blurring towards the end of the day?
- Has it been over a year since your last eye exam?
If you said yes to any of these, an appointment with an optometrist in Palo Alto might help you find real relief.
What to Do Next
A complete vision evaluation will uncover whether poor vision is the root of your headaches.
A small adjustment can reduce eye strain and make a big difference in how you feel.
These ease strain and protect your eyes from screen glare.
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Don’t Ignore Eye-Related Headaches
Uncorrected vision doesn’t just make life blurry—it can lead to daily discomfort, fatigue, and long-term issues if left untreated.
Need Help in Palo Alto?
If you’re looking for an eye doctor in Palo Alto who can help you get to the root of your headaches, visit Refine Optometry. We provide personalized care, full eye exams, and expert guidance.
As a top-rated optometrist in Palo Alto, Dr. Joy Lam has helped hundreds of patients ditch the discomfort and finally see clearly and comfortably again.
Book Your Exam TodayFinal Thoughts
Can bad vision cause headaches? Definitely. And if you’re experiencing regular headaches, your eyes are worth a closer look.
It might be time to update your lenses, get your vision checked, and find relief with professional eye care in Palo Alto.
👁️ Book your exam today at Refine Optometry — your comfort, clarity, and eye health are always our top priority.