Vision Problems Associated with Headaches | National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month

Headaches are one of the most common complaints that develop in adults. In some cases, headaches can also cause vision issues. The opposite is also true. Eye issues can lead to headaches. So how do you know which caused which? 

June is National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month. It is an opportunity to take a closer look at both headaches and eye issues and determine how to prevent both.  
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Types of headaches and eye issues

According to the World Health Organization, about 50 percent of adults have had at least one headache within the past year. Many people have several headaches a year.

Headaches and vision issues are sometimes linked.  For example, certain types of headaches may also lead to light sensitivity, tearing, or eye pain. Although eye issues associated with headaches do not usually threaten vision, it is helpful to understand why they occur. 

There are a few different types of headaches and eye issues that may also develop, including the following: 
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Types of headaches

​There are several types of headaches that may also lead to vision issues. The most common types are listed below. 
Tension: A tension headache is often described as a tight bend or pressure feeling around the head. It can develop due to tensing of the muscles of the face and neck. Tension headaches may also cause pain behind the eyes. 
Migraines: Migraines are a chronic form of headaches that may have many different triggers, such as stress, weather changes, and certain foods. Migraines can cause pain around the eyes and light sensitivity. Some people also develop an aura before they get a migraine. An aura can cause visual disturbances, such as a zig-zag pattern of lights or flashing lights. Most auras last a half-hour or less.  
Sinus: Sinus headaches are less common than tension and migraines headaches. They develop due to inflammation or congestion of the sinus cavity. This form of headache can also lead to pain behind the eye. 
Cluster: Cluster headaches cause intense pain that comes in a cyclical pattern, which may be every few weeks or more or less often. A cluster headache may also cause pain around the eye and tearing. 

Eye problems leading to headaches

Eye problems may also cause headaches as a symptom. Some possible causes include: 

Eye strain: Eye strain is a possible cause of a headache. Eye strain can develop when we over focus the eye muscles. Just like you can overuse your leg muscles and cause a strain, you can also strain your eye muscles. This is especially common when using digital devices for long hours without a break. Symptoms of eye strain may include:

• Tried, heavy eyes
• Red eyes
• Tearing
• Headache

Acute angle-closure glaucoma: This is an uncommon form of glaucoma that leads to a sudden increase in eye pressure. It develops due to an obstruction of the outflow of aqueous humor, which is the clear fluid in the front of the eye. It causes symptoms such as:

• Eye redness
• Blurred vision
• Headache 

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Treatment

The best way to treat a headache and associated eye issues depends on the underlying cause. Keeping a sleep diary may help you determine the cause of your headaches.

The National Headache Foundation is a great resource for information on different types of headaches. Once you identify the type of headache you have, you can take steps to treat and prevent headaches. Typically, pain behind the eye and other associated vision issues also resolve once the headache eases.

Various types of treatments are available and may include:

• Medications
• Stress reduction techniques
• Biofeedback
• Acupuncture
• Exercise
• Improved sleep habits

Keep in mind, in some cases, a headache can be a sign of a vision problem or that your eyes are changing. It is important to get regular eye exams to rule out an eye issue.

We hope the above information about headaches and eye issues was helpful. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.