How Eye Problems Can Cause Chronic Headaches

  • By:Dr. Katie Dugan

Do you find yourself reaching for medication frequently because of a throbbing headache that doesn’t seem to go away? You can push through the pain, but it can be frustrating to know that the headaches will keep coming back. If you want to feel good in the future, now is the time to identify the underlying cause of your headaches.

Vision is a critical aspect of your perception, and your eyes/perception are linked to your nervous system. It is possible that your eyes could be contributing to the recurring pain you are experiencing.

Common Eye Problems that Cause Headaches

Here are some of the most common eye problems that can lead to headaches:

  • Eye Strain: How many hours a day do you spend looking at the computer, working in low light, or driving? These activities can result in eye strain, which often manifests as headaches. During your eye exam, we will discuss your lifestyle and any activities that demand intense use of your eyes for prolonged periods.
  • Ocular Migraines: Not only do these migraines result in a splitting headache, but they can also cause temporary loss of vision in one eye. Talk to an eye doctor if you have other corresponding symptoms such as flashing lights, severe eye pain, or blind spots when a migraine occurs.
  • Impaired Vision: Squinting or straining throughout the day can cause tension and pain in the head. You might not realize that you are having a hard time seeing until you solve the problem with vision correction lenses. Headaches can be caused by both nearsightedness and farsightedness when these conditions are left untreated.
  • Eye Disease: Certain types of eye diseases can cause headache symptoms.

If you are experiencing headaches, one option for treatment is to visit with your eye doctor. Our experienced team can evaluate your vision and eye health to determine if any issues are contributing to your headaches. This diagnosis process is critical to ensure an optimal treatment plan for your needs.

Call us today to schedule an eye exam. We offer two locations: our Murrieta office at (951) 600-9226, or our Temecula office at (951) 302-1331.

Posted in: Eye Health