Are my headaches related to my eyes?

Headaches are a common issue, with a wide range of causes and symptoms. While some headaches are mild and occasional, others can be more severe and potentially linked to underlying health issues. One question many people ask is whether their headaches could be related to their eyes. Read on to learn more about different types of headaches, when to see an eye doctor, and how eye health may play a role.

Types of Headaches

  • Sinus headache: pain associated with the sinuses which are located above the eyebrow and below the eye near the nose.
    • Potential causes: allergies, sinus congestion, infection in sinuses
  • Tension headache: pain may be in a band around the head extending from above the ears forwards towards the forehead and/or backwards above the neck
    • Often due to stress
  • Migraine: pain on one side of the head sometimes causing blurry vision, sensitivity to light, or lights in the vision
    • More often in women, often recurrent
  • Cluster: pain focused in one area on one side of the head, often behind the eye or near the temple region

4 Important points to describe your headache to your doctor:

  • Location of the headache may help your doctor determine the cause of the headache or where to perform additional testing
    • For example, pain located near the nose may indicate a sinus headache
  • Severity of the headache may be one of the most important factors.
    • While many people get mild headaches occasionally, any severe headache should prompt immediate attention.
  • Identifying triggers that bring on a headache may allow you to better manage your headaches.
    • For example, oftentimes patients with migraines report triggers including loud noises, bright lights, or caffeine use.
  • Associated symptoms that happen before, during or after your headache are also very important to discuss during your eye exam.
    • Concerning symptoms that should prompt immediate attention: tingling, numbness, weakness, loss of vision, vertigo, dizziness, nausea, double vision
    • Other important symptoms to note: lights in your vision, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, throbbing

When Are Headaches Related to Your Eyes?

Your headaches may be related to your eyes if:

  • They are associated with visual activity.
    • For example, notice if you get headaches when you are driving a lot or when you are staring at a computer all day.
  • You have other visual complaints including blurry vision or double vision
    • These complaints could mean issues with your prescription, eye alignment, or ocular health
  • You are not wearing the most up to date prescription.
    • A prescription that is too strong or too weak can cause the eyes to strain which can lead to a headache.

Concerning Symptoms That Require Immediate Attention

Certain headache symptoms may indicate a more serious problem and should prompt immediate medical attention:

  • Tingling, numbness, or weakness.
  • Loss of vision or double vision.
  • Vertigo, dizziness, or severe nausea.
  • Any headache with severe pain (10/10 on the pain scale).

If you experience any of these symptoms, visit your primary care doctor, eye doctor, or the emergency room right away.

190188

Tips for Managing Eye-Related Headaches

  • Update Your Prescription: Ensure your glasses or contact lenses are accurate and up to date.

  • Reduce Screen Time: Take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

  • Improve Ergonomics: Adjust screen height and lighting to reduce glare and strain.

  • Manage Triggers: Identify and avoid factors that exacerbate your headaches, such as bright lights or caffeine.

When to See an Eye Doctor

Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor if:

  • You have recurring headaches that are associated with visual activities.

  • You notice other visual symptoms like blurry or double vision.

  • Your headaches persist despite over-the-counter treatments.

At West Broward Eye Care, we specialize in identifying and addressing vision problems that may be contributing to your headaches. Our comprehensive eye exams and advanced diagnostic tools can help pinpoint the root cause and provide tailored solutions.

Conclusion

Headaches can significantly impact your quality of life, but many are manageable when their underlying causes are identified. If you suspect your headaches are related to your eyes, don’t wait—schedule an appointment with West Broward Eye Care today. Our expert team is here to help you find relief and improve your overall well-being.

AUTHOR

Dr. Gustavo Garmizo, FAAO
Dr. Gustavo Garmizo
FAAO Board Certified Optometric Physician
West Broward Eyecare Associates