Do bright lights trigger headaches for you? Does even gentle indoor lighting make your eyes feel tired or strained? You may have tried pain relievers, rest, or adjustments at work and home, but the discomfort persists.
At Overland Optical Family Eye Care, we offer solutions, such as Neurolens in St. Charles and St. Louis, that target the underlying cause rather than just masking the symptoms. In this blog, we talk about why your eyes may be causing light sensitivity and chronic headaches and how to find lasting relief.
What can cause both light sensitivity and headaches?
Frequent headaches or sensitivity to light often happen when your eyes aren’t working together as smoothly as they should. Misalignment in the eyes forces your visual system to work harder, which can trigger both eye strain and discomfort from bright or harsh lighting. Over time, this extra effort can also lead to recurring headaches, tired eyes, and difficulty focusing on tasks like reading, using screens, or driving.
Other causes of light sensitivity and headaches include:
- Digital eye strain from prolonged screen use (can be caused or worsened by eye misalignment)
- Uncorrected vision problems
- Glare from bright lighting
- Underlying conditions like migraines or dry eye syndrome
Signs your vision might be the cause
Your eyes may be working overtime if you notice:
- Headaches that flare up under indoor or outdoor lighting
- Eye strain or a burning sensation after reading or screen use
- Blurry or double vision, especially later in the day
- Trouble focusing or squinting more than usual
- Neck or shoulder tension that seems linked to visual tasks
Catching these signs early allows our optometrists in St. Louis and St. Charles to provide solutions before your symptoms take a more significant toll on your day-to-day life.
Ways to reduce eye strain and headaches
Depending on the cause, there are several options to help you feel better:
- Prescription glasses: We can recommend prescription glasses designed to reduce eye strain during extended screen time.
- Neurolens: Neurolens is a specialized lens that uses a contoured prism to gently realign your eyes, helping reduce headaches and light sensitivity.
- Lifestyle adjustments: Small changes like optimizing your workspace, taking regular breaks, and adjusting lighting can make a substantial difference when paired with professional care.
With the right treatment plan, many people notice fewer headaches, less eye fatigue, and improved focus during work and daily activities.
Improve comfort and quality of life
Taking action now can make daily life more comfortable and enjoyable. Our eye doctors can help you find a personalized solution—whether it’s Neurolens, lifestyle changes, or a combination—to reduce headaches, ease light sensitivity, and improve your visual comfort.
Schedule an appointment today at Overland Optical Family Eye Care for a comprehensive eye exam and discover how you can see and feel your best every day.