Why do I get headaches at the movie theatre?!

[remsterz]

I am an avid movie-goer, and I can't stand the headaches!Like I go to the movies all the time and this is just ridiculous! I would go to the movies, watch an amazing movie like Skyfall, and then as soon as the credits & lights come on, my head is KILLING me! I used to think it was because I wasn't wearing my glasses. So I tested that theory a couple of weeks ago.. THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. Wearing my glasses to the theatre actually made it way worse! Then, I thought it was because it movie is so loud! But I tested that too.. that definitely wasn't the problem because I blast music all the time. I never sit too far or too close to the screen, I always seem to sit in the middle of the theatre. I have no idea what's going on... I hate coming out of a great movie with a huge headache.. it sucks :/ please help!

[nathank]

some people are sensitive to flicking lights (I forgot what its called). but many people used to get headaches form the old florescent lights (the long ones), because those lights actually do not project light continuously, they send out light pulses. movie theaters still use projectors (probably out dated) that does the same thing kind of, when the picture changes the screen actually goes dark then the next picture emerges. most people can't tell but some people get headaches because (I dont, learned this in chemistry or physics and I stop listening). how can you stop getting headaches. go to another theater that might have a more updated projector.(I don't know if there is medicine like aspen or Tylenol that you can take that helps; but it has become less common over the years so I believe is being cured with updated technology light the light florescent lights.)

[GoodManDave]

sometimes Imax movies, 3D movies, and movies with a lot of very quick cuts can cause them. It could be the lighting...

What about watching films at home? It's a bit of a different experience, I know, but if it's causing you trouble it might have to come to that. I like movies, but can't always afford to go; so for a while, I was renting a lot. There's something to be said for getting to watch at home.

Barring that, you might ask a doctor.

[remsterz]

Yeah I also watch movies at home. They give me headaches too . I don't know what's up :/ maybe I need to see my doctor

[katiebug92]

I had the EXACT same problem 2 weeks ago so I went to the eye doctor to see what was going on. I was having extremely bad headaches from TV and my computer screen. I found out my prescription was too low in one eye and in my other I had an astigmatism. He told me when your prescription is wrong you it makes your eyes work too hard and that's why I got headaches. I don't know if you have the same thing but its worth going to the eye doctor. No matter what the eye doctor should be able to give you a hint. Good luck.

[sourpatchchik2]

The screen is pretty bright. It's a lot for your eyes to take in. Plus a lot of movie theaters are loud as heck, a lot excessively so. So the combination of the two might be your problem, or that's my only guess. Drink lots of water and take a pill or something before you go I guess.

[Anonymous]

Are you eating or drinking anything different at the theater than you usually have?

Are you claustrophobic in any way? You could be clenching your jaw without realizing it.

It probably wouldn't hurt to actually ask your eye doctor, either.

[remsterz]

I don't think I drink/eat anything differently than I normally do. I'm not very claustrophobic in big public spaces. Maybe I need to pay attention to what I may be doing to myself in the theatres

[madmisskelly]

It could be the volume of the movie which has different sounds than music. The bombardment of sight and sound may also play a role

[raptor]

Based on your example, it sounds like it's caused my sudden change in light. You should consult your optometrist.

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's sudden change in brightness, something to do with focusing your eyes in the dark for a while.

[Enideqa]

The screen mixed with sound.

[Claretica]

Eye strain.