At Precision Eye Care, we often see patients who experience discomfort from dry, scratchy eyes and also notice a nagging headache. While dry eye doesn’t directly cause headaches, the persistent strain and irritation from it can contribute to headaches and even migraines.
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers and lubricating eye drops are often enough to relieve dry eye and headache symptoms. But persistent symptoms may need a visit to your eye doctor, who can help you uncover and deal with the root cause.
The Connection Between Dry Eye and Headaches
You may wonder how discomfort in your eyes can lead to pain in your head. The relationship involves muscle strain and nerve irritation. This constant effort can easily turn into a headache.
How Eye Strain Can Trigger Pain
When your eyes lack moisture, the tiny muscles around your eyes and forehead must work much harder. This continuous effort can create muscle fatigue. That fatigue can result in tension headaches.
Irritation and Nerve Signals
Dryness can irritate the sensitive nerves on the surface of your eye, a key symptom of dry eye disease. These nerves can send pain signals to your brain that you feel as a headache. This nerve pain can be especially true for those who already experience migraines.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
Dry eye presents differently for different people. You might recognize several of these common signs:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like sand is in your eye
- Redness or a burning sensation
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Eyes that water too much
- Sensitivity to light
- Tired or heavy-feeling eyes
What Causes Your Eyes to Feel Dry?
Several factors in your daily routine and environment can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Pinpointing these can help you find relief.
Your Environment and Daily Habits
Dry air from your home’s heating or AC can cause tears to evaporate quickly. Spending a lot of time on a computer is also a common trigger, often leading to digital eye strain. People tend to blink less when focusing on a screen.
Health and Lifestyle Factors
Your general health plays an integral part in your eye comfort. Certain medications and long-term contact lens wear can reduce your eye’s ability to produce quality tears. Age is also a common factor.
Are Your Headaches Connected to Dry Eye?
You can look for a few key patterns to see if there is a link between your dry eye and headache symptoms. Paying attention to these symptoms can provide helpful clues. Your eye doctor in Bridgeport can also help you connect the dots.
Note the Location of the Pain
Headaches from eye strain often feel like a dull ache or pressure. You might feel this pain behind your eyes. It can also spread across your forehead or to your temples.
Consider the Timing
Think about when your headaches appear. If they typically start after long periods of visual focus, dry eye could be the reason. Activities like driving, reading, or using a computer are common causes of strained eyes.
Practical Steps for Relief and Comfort
You can take simple steps to manage both dry eye symptoms and related headaches. Small changes in your routine can make a big difference. These adjustments can help you feel more comfortable throughout the day:
- Try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air around you.
- Remember to follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes a break. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Wear eye protection when outside to protect your eyes from wind and dust.
When to Get Professional Advice
If these habits and OTC drops do not help, a comprehensive eye exam can get to the bottom of it. Your eye doctor can assess the quality and quantity of your tears. From there, they can recommend a more specific approach for lasting comfort.
A thorough eye exam is the first step toward addressing the root cause of your discomfort. Now is a great time to use your vision benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
Visit us for eye exams, trend-setting eyewear, and a welcoming touch that will make you and your family feel at home. Contact our team to book an appointment at Precision Eye Care in Bridgeport to prioritize your eye health.
