You may not connect a recurring headache with your vision, but the two are often linked. When your eyes constantly work too hard to focus, the resulting strain on surrounding muscles can easily lead to head pain. So let’s explore how uncorrected vision problems might be the source of your discomfort.
An underlying vision issue is a common reason for chronic headaches. Needing glasses can cause headaches by forcing the muscles in and around your eyes to overwork in order to see clearly. This creates tension that frequently results in pain that feels dull, achy, and persistent, and it’s a sign that you need to see an eye doctor.
The Link Between Your Eyes & Headaches
Your eyes and brain work as a team to process everything you see. If you have a refractive error (like nearsightedness or farsightedness) your eyes must strain to bring the world into focus. This constant effort can lead to a specific kind of discomfort known as an eye strain headache, which is a frequent symptom of prolonged screen use.
How to Know If Your Headache Is Caused by Eyesight
Certain clues can point to your vision as the culprit behind your headache. Pay attention to when your headaches appear and what other symptoms come along with them. These details can help identify if your eyes are the source of your discomfort.
What an Eye Strain Headache Feels Like
An eye strain headache often presents with its own set of symptoms. You might notice:
- A dull, aching pain behind or around your eyes
- Pain that worsens after long periods of focus, like reading or computer use
- Sore, tired, or heavy-feeling eyes
- Watery or dry eyes
- Temporarily blurred or double vision
Other Signs You May Need an Eye Exam
Headaches aren’t the only signal that your body sends when your vision needs support. Other signs that point to a potential vision problem include:
- Frequent squinting to see clearly at any distance
- Difficulty with night vision while driving
- Increased sensitivity to light
- See halos or starbursts around lights
Common Vision Problems That Trigger Headaches
Several common and correctable vision problems can cause frustrating headaches.
Nearsightedness & Farsightedness
Nearsightedness (myopia) makes distant objects look blurry, while farsightedness (hyperopia) makes it hard to see things up close. Both conditions force the focusing muscles in your eyes to overwork. This added stress is a frequent cause of recurring headaches.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism occurs when the front surface of the eye isn’t perfectly round, causing light to bend unevenly as it enters. This leads to blurry or distorted vision at all distances. The constant squinting and effort to focus often result in headaches.
Presbyopia
As we age, the lens inside the eye naturally becomes less flexible. This condition, called presbyopia, makes it difficult to focus on close-up tasks like reading. The strain from trying to see clearly up close is a well-known trigger for headaches.
Digital Eye Strain & Modern Life
In today’s world, we spend many hours a day looking at digital screens. This prolonged focus on computers, phones, and tablets can lead to a condition called digital eye strain, the symptoms of which often include headaches, dry eyes, and even neck or shoulder pain.
This condition can affect anyone, even people who don’t have a refractive error. The sustained effort of focusing on a bright screen at a fixed distance is demanding on your eyes. Taking regular breaks, like following the 20-20-20 rule, and using proper lighting can help reduce the discomfort.
When a Headache Signals a Different Eye Issue
While most vision-related headaches are due to eye strain, they can sometimes signal a more significant eye health concern. For instance, a sudden and severe headache accompanied by eye pain could relate to a rapid increase in pressure inside the eye. It’s important to recognize when symptoms feel different from a typical headache.
What a High Eye Pressure Headache Feels Like
A headache from high eye pressure is often more intense than an eye strain headache. It might also come with other distinct symptoms, such as:
- Severe pain centered in or around one eye
- Nausea or vomiting
- See rainbow-colored circles or halos around lights
- Sudden blurred vision
If you experience these symptoms together, it’s a good idea to seek an evaluation promptly. A comprehensive exam can assess the pressure and overall health of your eyes.
At Total Vision Rancho Bernardo, we provide proactive eye care for your whole family. If frequent headaches are impacting your daily life, our eye doctor in San Diego can help determine if your vision is the cause. Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.
