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I am wearing 170° lenses instead of 180°. Is this why I have headaches while studying for long?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

When I study for a long time, my eyes and head start to have pain and I showed it to the doctor but they found nothing. But when I showed my glasses of -0.50 to a specs shop he told me that I am wearing 170 to 175 degree lenses instead of 180 degrees. Does this difference in degrees affects my eyes?

Answered by Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza is an experienced Ophthalmologist dedicated to preserving and improving vision. She offers expert care for a wide range of eye conditions, from routine eye exams to complex surgeries. Dr. Barboza combines advanced techniques with compassionate guidance to ensure optimal eye health and clear vision for all her patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Headache can occur due to numerous causes including stress, migraine, refractive errors, sinusitis, glaucoma, and high blood pressure. You have a condition called astigmatism. In this condition, the cornea is not completely spherical but they are oval-shaped like an egg. If your axis is 180 degrees, and if you are wearing 170-degree lenses, then it can cause headaches in some people irrespective of whether it is minus or plus. Sometimes even if the frame is bent or if the lens falls out of the frame and if you replace it yourself, it can cause a change in the axis. I suggest you check your power and wear a new pair of spectacles. After studying, take frequent breaks using the 20/20/20 rule. During every 20 minutes focus on the object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives rest to the eye muscles responsible for the accommodation. You can use lubricating eye drops like Lubrex (Carboxymethylcellulose) four times a day and it keeps your eyes moist and comfortable.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At September 21, 2020
Reviewed At April 21, 2025

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza is an experienced Ophthalmologist dedicated to preserving and improving vision. She offers expert care for a wide range of eye conditions, from routine eye exams to complex surgeries. Dr. Barboza combines advanced techniques with compassionate guidance to ensure optimal eye health and clear vision for all her patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Asha Juliet Barboza is an experienced Ophthalmologist dedicated to preserving and improving vision. She offers expert care for a wide range of eye conditions, from routine eye exams to complex surgeries. Dr. Barboza combines advanced techniques with compassionate guidance to ensure optimal eye health and clear vision for all her patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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