Headaches and eye problems are closely related to each other. Frequent headaches are more often caused as a sign of underlying eye disorders ranging from eye strain to migraine. Depending on the severity and duration of the headache, it can signify serious conditions such as vision impairment or loss of vision. So it is always better not to overlook the signs of eye problems and the earlier you get your eye examination, the sooner you can receive treatment of your eye problem.
What Causes Headaches Associated with Eye Problems?
Various factors contribute to triggering the occurrence of headaches associated with eye problems. Some of the most frequent causes of headaches related to eye issues include,
1] Eye strain: Eye strain, also called Asthenopia, is characterized by eye fatigue and is commonly caused due to overuse of eye muscle or extended concentration activities. This overstimulation of eye muscle and brain for a prolonged time can often develop into headaches around or behind the eyes.
2] Ocular Migraines: Ocular migraines refers to headache accompanied by a visual disturbance in one eye. Ocular migraine can cause episodes of headache accompanied by flair and watery eyes.
3] Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are one of the most severe headaches that cause sharp pain in one or both eyes. The exact cause of cluster headaches remains unclear, but it is believed to be caused by the narrowing of arteries in the eye.
4] Vision problems: The following vision problems may cause difficulty in focusing, which leads to eye strain and possibly headaches.
- Cataract- Clouding of the lens in the eyes, which often leads to decreased or blurred vision.
- Glaucoma- Glaucoma refers to a group of eye conditions caused by increased pressure in the eye, which eventually damages the optic nerves and causes vision loss over time.
- Astigmatism- Astigmatism is an eye condition caused by an imperfection in the cornea of the eye. If left unnoticed, it can lead to severe complications affecting eye health.
What Are the Signs of Eye Disorder?
If you are experiencing any signs of the following symptoms, it is advisable to consult an ophthalmologist to evaluate your condition of overall eye health.
- Difficulty in concentration
- Blurred or double vision
- Frequent headaches around or behind the eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Eye strain or soreness of the eye
- Increased sensitivity to light
What is the Treatment of Frequent Headaches Caused by Eye Disorder?
Treatment of headaches associated with an eye issue usually involves the use of over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen. For effective methods of treatment of headaches associated with eye problems involves,
- Wearing prescription glass to reduce the eye strain
- Proper resting of eye
- Use of artificial tear drops to prevent dryness of eyes
If there is a sign of any serious vision problems paired with headache pain, seek immediate medical attention.
How to Prevent Eye Strain Headaches?
Almost 50 percent of eyesight problems are preventable. Some of the simple steps to improve your eye health are as follows,
- Wear proper eyewear
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Quit smoking
- Practice healthy eating habits
- Protect your eye from direct sunlight
- Reduce  your digital screen time
- Have regular examination
What Are the Importance of Regular Eye Check-ups?
1] Eye examinations are often overlooked and given low priority. Many eye disorders do not show early signs; however, they become difficult to treat once developed. A comprehensive eye test may serve as an early indicator for proactive management of various underlying eye problems.
2] Annual eye tests may also help your ophthalmologist evaluate other underlying medical issues such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and high blood pressure.
