Quick answer
Sunglasses cause headaches mainly due to poor fit, heavy frames, or lens tint that strains your eyes. Adjusting the fit, choosing lighter materials, or swapping lens color often resolves the pain.
Common causes of sunglass headaches
The most frequent culprit is frame pressure. Tight temples or a nose bridge that pinches can trigger tension headaches within minutes. Look for red marks or sore spots after wearing your sunglasses.
Lens tint also matters. Very dark lenses make your pupils dilate, which can strain the eye muscles if the lenses lack adequate UV protection. Even with UV protection, excessively dark tints may cause discomfort in bright conditions.
Heavy frames add weight and can compress the temples or ears. Materials like metal or thick plastic may feel sturdy but can lead to fatigue over long wear.
When to consider different sunglasses
If adjusting the fit and changing tint don't help, the frame design itself may be the issue. Wraparound styles, for example, put more contact on the side of the head. Some people need a lighter, more adjustable frame.
The Atomic Sunglasses from Eagle Eyes Optics feature a lightweight aluminum-magnesium alloy frame that reduces pressure on the temples while still providing full coverage. The gold mirror lenses use TriLenium® 7 polarized technology for clear vision without excessive darkness.
Diagnose your sunglass headache
- Symptom: Does the headache start around your temples, behind your ears, or across your forehead? Is it a dull ache or sharp pain?
- Likely cause: Temple or nose bridge pressure from tight or heavy frames. Check for red marks or indentations after 10 minutes of wear. If marks are deep, the frame is too tight. If absent, the cause may be lens tint or weight.
- Corrective action: Loosen the temple arms slightly by bending them outward at the hinge. If the nose bridge pinches, adjust the nose pads. For lens tint, try a lighter tint or gradient lens. Test the adjusted fit for 20 minutes. If headache persists, move to the next step.
- Stop or choose another option: If adjustments don't help, consider switching to a lighter frame like the Atomic Sunglasses or a style with adjustable nose pads. Persistent headaches may also indicate an incorrect prescription if you wear Rx glasses. Consult an optometrist if headaches continue after trying different sunglasses.
Product spotlight
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Atomic Sunglasses: The Atomic sunglasses have sleek aluminum-magnesium alloy frames that are lightweight and smooth matte black. A lighter frame reduces temple pressure and fatigue, making it a good option if heavy sunglasses trigger your headaches.
Atomic Sunglasses
