Anyone who suffers from frequent and persistent headaches and migraines knows that this problem can interfere with every part of life. While a general physician might be able to help with these symptoms, don’t overlook the possibility of finding relief by identifying and treating eye problems.
Sometimes, headaches are caused by environmental or overuse factors related to the eyes. In other situations, an underlying eye condition could be triggering the painful symptoms. If you are experiencing headaches, then you should consider an appointment with an optometrist to explore treatment options.
The most common reason for eyecare related headaches is simple to solve. If you are staring at a cell phone, tablet, or computer screen too long, then it could strain the eyes and lead to headaches. Not only does the amount of screen time impact the eyes, but you should also consider the length and frequency of sessions that you are looking at the screen. It is also important to make sure that the lighting is right to support optimal eye function.
When you are looking at a screen, make sure to be proactive about blinking frequently. The 20-20-20 eye rule can be helpful during your workday. Take a break for at least 20 seconds, and these breaks should occur every 20 minutes. During this break, look at an object that is at least 20 feet away.
Another possibility is that your headaches are caused by an underlying eye condition, especially if the condition is present and left untreated. These eye conditions commonly cause headaches as a symptom:
Some of these eye conditions can lead to permanent vision loss, which is why it is a good idea to talk to an optometrist as soon as possible if you suspect a problem. The headaches might be the only symptom that leads to the diagnosis of an eye condition. As a result, you can access early intervention and treatments to slow the progress of the disease and reduce the symptoms.
For more information about how your eyes could be playing a role in chronic headaches, you need to visit with an eye doctor. Call our experienced team to schedule an exam: reach our Murrieta office at (951) 600-9226, or our Temecula office at (951) 302-1331.