anything magnified causes headache and light sensitivity

[cbutcher]

Have always used a 3X make-up mirror (no light) without incident.  Used my new 5X lighted make-up mirror 12/25 for less than 10 minutes and had a headache and light sensitivity for 3 days.  Didn't use the new mirror again but went back to my old 3X mirror on the 5th day and had another headache for 1 day.  2 days later tried using a magnifying glass briefly and had another headache.  Also, I got prescription readers about 2 years ago that I can't use because they make my eyes hurt and give me a mild headache (this has been the case since the day I got them).  I went to a different eye doc 6 months ago and they said that if they were to make me glasses they would make the same exact pair / same prescription.  I can get by without the readers as long as my eyes aren't tired so I'm good for now.  It seems to me that the 3X make-up mirror was the only magnification that my eyes could ever handle, and now that I used the new 5X lighted make-up mirror on Chirstmas morning  my eyes can't handle ANY magnification.  Any ideas on what is going on?  

[Doreen Fazio, M.D.]

Using the 5X magnifier did not damage your eyes, but the bigger question is why you are having the headaches.  I would see an ophthalmologist for a complete exam, including a gonioscopy to detect the presence of a narrow angle.

[cbutcher]

Thanks so much for the information Dr. Fazio.  I'll make an appointment :)