Whether you experience frequent or occasional headaches, you may not realize that your eyes could actually be the cause. You may have even suffered a headache that affected your vision, which is a common phenomenon during migraines. But why? Let’s explore the relationship between headaches and eye pain, what eye conditions could be causing your headaches, and what you can do about it.
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Do Headaches Give You Eye Pain, or Does Eye Pain Lead to Headaches?
If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s your eyes that are causing a headache or your headache that is causing eye pain, the truth is, it could be a little of both. However, although a headache can cause pain around your eyes, more often than not a headache is a sign that something is happening with your eyes. Especially if you’re having tension headaches, your eyes are probably in need of a comprehensive exam by your eye doctor.
Here are some of the eye conditions that could be responsible for your headaches.
- Eye Strain
- Farsightedness
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Presbyopia
- Ocular Ischemic Syndrome
- Acute Angle-Closure Glaucoma
- Pseudotumor Cerebri
How Do You Prevent or Relieve a Headache that is Caused by the Eyes?
In many cases, your headaches can be completely eliminated with the use of corrective lenses. For temporary relief of headaches, you can use a cold compress or simply rest your eyes until the headache subsides.
When Should You See a Doctor Regarding Your Headaches and Eye Pain?
If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, it’s best to seek the advice of a medical professional. While severe migraines should not be ignored and should always be taken seriously, there are many other types of headaches that may be diagnosed and treated by your eye care professional.
If you have frequent headaches or think you may be experiencing changes in your vision, contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can eye strain cause headaches?
Eye strain—often caused by long hours of reading, computer use, or focusing on detailed tasks—can lead to headaches. According to the Mayo Clinic, extended screen use can lead to eye strain, dryness, and headaches, though these symptoms are typically reversible with proper practices like regular breaks and blinking.
Can tension headaches cause eye pain?
Tension headaches are among the most common types of headaches and can cause discomfort behind the eyes or around the eye sockets. This pain is often due to muscle tightness in the forehead, scalp, or neck that radiates toward the eye area.
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