An estimated 28.9 million people are diagnosed with chronic sinus infections each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022). If you wear glasses and suffer from sinus issues, you might have noticed a frustrating pattern where your glasses seem to worsen that pressure. Let’s take a look at why this happens and what you can do to prevent it.
Why Glasses Can Make Sinus Pressure Worse
Your sinuses are delicate air-filled spaces around your eyes, nose and forehead. When they’re irritated due to allergies, colds or infections, the added weight of glasses can put more pressure on these irritated areas. You may notice worsening pressure with thick-framed glasses that hug the nose bridge. Lighter, metal frames with small nose pads are less likely to add uncomfortable pressure.
Tips for Wearing Glasses With a Sinus Infection
If you’re experiencing sinus pain and your glasses aren’t helping, try a few of these tips for relieving pressure:
- Switch to lighter frames. A pair of lightweight glasses can help reduce unnecessary pressure.
- Adjust the frames. Adjusting how your glasses sit can make a big difference in comfort. Ask your eye doctor if they can adjust the frames to decrease pressure on your sinuses.
- Consider contact lenses. If possible, get a pair of contact lenses to wear when you’re dealing with a sinus infection.
- Use warm compresses. A warm compress can reduce inflammation and ease the discomfort caused by both your sinuses and your frames.
- Nasal irrigation. Nasal irrigation can clear out mucus and lessen sinus pressure. Grab a nasal rinse bottle or Neti Pot and some saline solution from a Beaumont drugstore to perform irrigation at home.
In addition to home remedies, your sinus specialist may recommend one or more of the following sinus surgeries:
- Over-the-counter medications. Decongestants and antihistamines can help reduce swelling, especially when allergies are behind your symptoms.
- Balloon Sinuplasty. Balloon Sinuplasty is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small balloon to widen the sinus passages and minimize inflammation and pressure. Your sinus specialist may recommend it if you have frequent or long-lasting sinus infections.
- Functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). FESS uses an endoscope and surgical tools to remove bone, tissue or polyps blocking your sinuses to minimize the risk of recurring sinus infections.
If you’re dealing with persistent sinus issues, contact Southeast Texas Ear, Nose & Throat, LLP today to schedule a consultation with one of our sinus specialists.
