The Connection Between Your Eye Strain and Headaches

Your eyes could have a lot to do with the headaches you’re experiencing. Whether they result from eye strain, vision problems or even eye disease, these headaches are unpleasant and can seriously affect your lifestyle and comfort.

Headaches Caused By Tension

The most common type of headache is a tension headache. There are many different factors that may influence the tension you feel, but one of the biggest is eye strain. A common reason for strained eyes is Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also called Digital Eye Strain (DES). Focusing your eyes on a computer or another digital device for long, uninterrupted periods of time can lead them to feel fatigued and cause headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes. To prevent eye strain headaches, use the 20-20-20 rule — take a 20-second break every 20 minutes in which you view something 20 feet away.

Eye Strain Headaches as a Symptom of Vision Problem or Eye Disease

Sometimes, the connection between your eyes and headaches are more serious and can point to an underlying vision problem or eye disease. Common vision disorders like astigmatism, nearsightedness and farsightedness can create eye strain when a person is squinting to focus. When left untreated for too long, chronic headaches can become a regular occurrence. A comprehensive eye exam and an updated eyewear prescription can alleviate headaches caused by these vision problems.

Other times, headaches can be a symptom of serious eye diseases like glaucoma or cataracts. As both diseases progress, the severity of headaches can increase. Early detection with an annual, comprehensive eye exam can slow or prevent vision loss.

If you’re worried there is a connection between your eyes and the headaches you’re experiencing, book an eye exam today either online or through your nearest Hakim Optical location.

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