The Hidden Link Between Vision Problems and Chronic Migraines 

Nov 1, 2025

request appointment

If you’ve ever struggled with frequent headaches or chronic migraines that seem to come out of nowhere, your eyes might be trying to tell you something. Many people spend months, or even years, visiting different specialists and trying various remedies before realizing that undiagnosed eye problems could be the cause.  

If you experience headaches or migraines often, our specialists at the SIGHT Farmington Multispecialty Center can help determine whether specialty eyeglass lenses or vision therapy in Farmington could provide relief. In this blog, we’ll explore how visual issues can lead to frequent headaches and the solutions available.  

How vision issues can cause headaches 

Your eyes and brain work closely together to process visual information. When they’re not perfectly aligned or one eye works harder than the other, it can strain your visual system. This strain—called binocular vision dysfunction—often leads to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or eye fatigue

Even small misalignments that don’t affect visual clarity can cause your brain to work harder to merge two slightly different images into one. Over time, that constant effort can lead to tension headaches or migraines, especially after long hours of reading, driving, or computer use. 

The connections between migraines and digital eye strain 

If you spend a lot of time on screens, you may experience end-of-day headaches. Staring at digital devices for extended periods can cause your eyes to work harder to focus, blink less, and dry out more easily. The result? Digital eye strain—one of the most common, yet overlooked, migraine triggers. 

A comprehensive eye exam can uncover whether your migraines are linked to digital strain, focusing issues, or light sensitivity. Once your optometrist identifies the source, personalized treatment options can make screen time more comfortable. 

How specialized lenses can bring relief 

Modern eyewear technology offers incredible solutions for people whose migraines stem from vision problems. 

  • Neurolens: These lenses use a contoured prism to gently correct misalignment between the eyes. By reducing the strain on your visual system, Neurolens can help ease headaches, neck tension, and eye fatigue. 
  • Shaw lenses: Designed to balance the way your eyes work together, Shaw lenses are ideal for people with unequal prescriptions in each eye. They help prevent distortion and eye strain that can lead to headaches. 
  • Glasses and contact lenses: Even a small change in your glasses or contact lenses prescription or lens type can significantly improve visual comfort. 

How vision therapy helps retrain your eyes 

In some cases, specialized vision therapy can help train your eyes and brain to work together more efficiently. Using guided exercises and techniques, vision therapy strengthens eye coordination and focusing ability, often reducing the frequency or intensity of migraines caused by visual stress. 

It’s a safe, non-invasive way to address the root of the problem rather than just masking symptoms. 

Enjoy life without constant headaches 

Chronic migraines can take a toll on your energy, focus, and quality of life. But with the right care and solutions, clear, comfortable vision and fewer headaches are possible.  

Call our office or fill out our online appointment request form to start finding relief from migraine-related vision problems. 

Can Vision Issues Cause Brain Fog and Fatigue?

Can Vision Issues Cause Brain Fog and Fatigue?

If you’ve ever felt mentally drained after reading, scrolling on your phone, or finishing a workday on the computer, your eyes may be playing a bigger role than you think. For many people, untreated vision problems can contribute to ongoing brain fog and fatigue. At...