The Link Between Eye Problems and Headaches

Headaches are one of the most common complaints for adults and children. The severity and frequency of headaches varies from occasionally to almost daily. For some people, headaches can be debilitating and lead to a decreased quality of life.

Headaches have a variety of causes, including eye problems. June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. It is the perfect time to encourage people with chronic headaches to seek help. 
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Types of headaches 

Various types of headaches can occur, including:

• Migraines: Migraines are a chronic type of headache that has various triggers, such as hormones, certain foods, and sleep problems.
• Tension: Tension headaches can develop from tight muscles in the neck, face, and shoulders.
• Cluster: Cluster headaches can involve intense pain often in one side of the head that comes in a cyclical pattern. They may occur every day for a few weeks. The intense pain may last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.
• Sinus: Sinus headaches can develop due to a sinus infection or sinus congestion.

Headaches can also develop from overtaking certain types of medications, dehydration, and eye problems. Continue reading below to learn more about how eye issues are associated with headaches.  

Eye strain 

One of the most frequent causes of headaches associated with eye issues is eye strain. Overusing the muscles involved in vision focus can lead to eye strain and, subsequently, headaches. Any type of activity that causes you to focus your eyes for extended periods of time can lead to eye strain.

A common cause of eye strain is staring at a computer or phone screen for too long. If you spend a lot of time looking at a screen, it is helpful to take regular breaks every hour or two.  
Typical symptoms of eye strain include:

• Blurred vision
• Watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Headaches 

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Ocular migraines

Ocular migraines cause visual disturbances, which may occur with or without head pain. It is not clear why some people develop ocular migraines, but there appears to be a genetic link, which means if you have a family member, such as a parent with the condition, you are at an increased risk.

Symptoms of ocular migraines include:

• See flashing lights
• Blind spots in your field of vision
• Severe eye pain
  
• Headaches 

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​Astigmatism

Astigmatism occurs when the cornea is not shaped properly. It can interfere with proper vision and may cause squinting to help focus vision. If left untreated, it can also lead to headaches.

Symptoms of astigmatism may include:

• Eye irritation
• Problems seeing at night
• Distorted vision 

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Glaucoma

According to the National Headache Foundation, headaches due to glaucoma are most commonly felt around the eyes or forehead. One type of glaucoma occurs when the pressure builds up in the eye due to an accumulation of fluid. The increased pressure causes damage to the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss over time.

In the early stages of glaucoma, most people may not have symptoms. But when symptoms do develop, they may include:

• Blurred vision
• Seeing halos
• Eye pain
• Headaches

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Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the lens in the eye becomes clouded. It occurs most often due to aging. As cataracts develop, it may make the eye work harder to see. As your eye works harder, it leads to eye strain and possibly headaches.

Symptoms of cataracts include: 

• Sensitivity to glare
• Fading of colors
• Blurred vision
• Headaches

If you have frequent headaches, it is useful to have an eye exam, especially if it has been a year or two since your last exam. Even if you assume headaches have a specific cause, eye problems, such as eye strain, can also contribute to existing headaches. It is also vital to treat underlying eye conditions as early as possible to reduce the risk of further headaches.
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We are happy to answer any questions or to discuss whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time. Please call our office at 508-746-8600.