Can Glasses Contribute to Sinus Pressure?

Posted on by Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists

Glasses are an excellent tool to help you see the world more clearly, but if you suffer from sinus pressure, those frames might add to your discomfort. While glasses themselves don’t cause sinus infections, they can exacerbate existing sinus issues by pressing on inflamed areas, leading to pain, tenderness and worsening congestion.

Signs Your Glasses May Be Making Sinus Issues Worse

Young woman holding the bridge of her nose under her glasses.

A few signs that your glasses are worsening your sinus pressure include:

  • Increased tenderness on the bridge of the nose when wearing glasses
  • Headaches that feel worse when wearing glasses
  • A feeling of congestion or tightness around the eyes that improves when you remove glasses

Tips for Relieving Sinus Pressure While Wearing Glasses

If you suspect your glasses are worsening your sinus symptoms, making a few simple adjustments can help. Opt for lightweight frames to minimize pressure on sensitive areas. If your glasses have nose pads, adjusting them to create a looser fit can prevent unnecessary strain. Check with your local Phoenix eye doctor to see if they can make professional adjustments to your glasses.

If you have an active sinus infection, try switching to contact lenses temporarily or taking frequent breaks from wearing glasses. Applying a warm compress to the affected areas can also help open up sinus passages and relieve tension caused by prolonged glasses wear.

When to Seek Professional Help

If sinus pressure persists despite these adjustments, it may be time to address the root cause of your discomfort. A few at-home remedies include:

  • Saline rinses. Use a saline solution to flush out mucus and clear your nasal passages.
  • Steam inhalation. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl of hot water can loosen congestion and soothe irritated sinuses.
  • Decongestants. Medications like nasal sprays or oral decongestants can temporarily reduce swelling and improve airflow.


If sinus discomfort or infections turn chronic (lasting longer than 12 weeks) or do not improve with home treatments, it may indicate underlying conditions like nasal polyps, structural issues or allergies. In these chronic sinus infection cases, consulting a sinus specialist is the best path forward.  

Our specialists can identify underlying causes and recommend targeted treatment options like Balloon Sinuplasty or functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). Contact Arizona Desert Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists to schedule your appointment today.