It’s not just a coincidence if you have dry eyes and migraines. Dry eyes themselves don’t directly cause headaches or migraines, but there could be a link between these two conditions.
Studies show that when people with dry eyes get migraines, their migraine attacks might be worse and last longer compared to those without dry eyes. Also, there are some similar reasons why dry eyes and migraines or headaches happen in the first place.
Let’s explore the connection between these two and the actions you can take to address it.
What Are Dry Eyes?
When the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly dry eye syndrome results. It may cause a variety of symptoms, such as:
- Eye Discomfort: Dryness, burning sensation, and itchiness in the eyes.
- Blurry Vision: Difficulty in focusing or intermittent blurring of vision.
- Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia.
- Eye Fatigue: Fatigued or strained eyes, particularly after reading or spending a lot of time in front of a screen.
- Redness: Irritation can cause the eyes to seem red or bloodshot.
Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?
Research suggests a significant association between dry eyes and headaches. Here’s how dry eyes may contribute to headaches:
- Eye Strain: Eye strain results from the eyes working harder to stay focused when dry. Tension headaches may result from this straining of the nearby muscles, such as those in the neck and forehead.
- Nerve Sensitivity: Dryness in the eyes can stimulate nerve endings, causing referred pain that manifests as headaches. The primary player in this process might be the trigeminal nerve, which supplies feeling to the face and head.
- Disrupted Tear Film: The tear film plays a crucial role in protecting and lubricating the eyes. When this film is compromised due to insufficient tears or poor-quality tears, it can lead to inflammation and irritation, which may trigger headaches.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes-Related Headaches
Spotting the signs of headaches linked to dry eyes can help you quickly diagnose the problem and get the proper treatment.
These symptoms may include:
- Headaches: Dull or throbbing pain, often located around the temples or forehead.
- Eye Discomfort: Dryness, itching, or a gritty eye sensation.
- Neck Pain: Tension or stiffness in the neck and shoulders.
- Blurred Vision: Difficulty in focusing, especially during prolonged visual tasks.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired, even after proper rest.
What to Do About Dry-Eyes Related Headaches?
Getting the correct diagnosis is critical to deal with dry eyes and the headaches they cause. An eye check-up can help determine what’s going on.
Treatment options can include:
- Artificial Tears: Special eye drops or ointments can help make your eyes less dry and keep your tears stable.
- Warm Compresses: Putting warm clothes over your eyes can help your eyes make more tears and ease any discomfort.
- Lifestyle Changes: Adjusting things like how humid your surroundings are and how much time you spend looking at screens can help with dry eyes.
- Eye Exercises: Doing special exercises for your eyes and taking breaks when doing things that need a lot of looking can help ease the strain and the headaches that come with it.
Tips to Help Prevent Dry Eyes and Headaches
Increased screen time from remote work and online learning has raised the risk of dry eyes and headaches during the COVID-19 epidemic. To reduce these dangers:
1- Stay Hydrated
To stay well-hydrated during the day, sip lots of water. When you are well hydrated, your body can generate tears more efficiently and ward against dry eyes.
2- Blink Regularly
Always remember to blink actively, mainly when doing longer focused tasks like reading or using a computer.
Blinking keeps the eyes wet and helps to avoid dryness by distributing tears evenly across the eyes’ surface.
3- Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Take a break from your screen every 20 minutes and spend at least 20 seconds staring at anything 20 feet away. This easy exercise helps ease eye strain and relax the muscles around the eyes, which can assist with headaches and dry eyes.
You can also try the best ice hacks for better eyesight.
4- Adjust Screen Settings
To reduce eye strain, reduce the brightness and glare on your computer or other device’s screen. You can also change the contrast and font size to make the content easier to read.
5- Use a Humidifier
Use a humidifier to bring some moisture into your house or place of business if you live in a dry region. It can lessen the likelihood that the air will dry out your eyes and aggravate headaches brought on by dryness.
6- Wear Protective Eyewear
Wearing sunglasses with UV protection will protect your eyes from damaging UV rays and lessen the chance that your tears may evaporate while you’re outside.
Moreover, dust and wind can aggravate dry eyes, so wearing wrap-around goggles or glasses might help shield them.
7- Take Regular Breaks
Make frequent breaks a part of your daily schedule, mainly if you are working on visually taxing chores for long periods.
During these pauses, take some time to refresh yourself, stretch your shoulders and neck, and rest your eyes.
8- Position Screens Properly
Place your reading material or computer screen at eye level to avoid putting too much pressure on your neck and to avoid excessive eye elevation or depression, which can aggravate headaches and dry eyes.
9- Practice Good Posture
To avoid straining your neck, shoulders, and back, which can worsen eye strain and cause headaches, adopt good posture, whether sitting or standing.
Get Help from a Professional
It’s a good idea to consult an eye doctor for an in-depth exam if your headaches and dry eyes don’t go away despite trying these remedies. They may look further to determine the root of the issue.
Your ophthalmologist may recommend you vision supplements to help boost your vision. Get the best vision supplements from WellnessSpoter to help your eyes.
People Also Ask!
How do you get rid of a dry eye headache?
To relieve a dry eye headache, use artificial tears or warm compresses to hydrate your eyes and reduce discomfort.
Can dry eyes give you tension headaches?
Dry eyes can contribute to tension headaches due to eye strain, so managing dry eye symptoms may help alleviate tension headaches.
How do I know if my eyes are causing my headaches?
If your headaches often coincide with dry eye symptoms like discomfort, blurry vision, or eye fatigue, your eyes could cause headaches.
