It’s an uncomfortable and frustrating experience when a gritty, tired sensation in your eyes is followed by a dull ache spreading across your forehead. It’s a frustrating combination, and you might wonder if the 2 problems are connected.
You’re not imagining the link between them. The discomfort and eye strain from dry eye syndrome can lead to headaches. When your eyes work harder to see, the discomfort from the strain extends beyond the eyes themselves. Your eye doctor may be able to help you find relief by dealing with the root of the problem.
The Link Between Dry Eye and Headaches
When your eyes don’t have enough moisture, your body works overtime to help you see. This extra effort creates a chain reaction. That reaction can end in a headache.
How Eye Strain Creates Pain
Your eyes constantly adjust to help you see clearly. Dryness makes this job harder, forcing the small muscles around your eyes to strain, a key component of computer vision syndrome. This constant effort can lead to tension headaches.
The Role of Squint and Muscle Tension
The blurry vision from dry eye often makes you squint without even realizing it. This constant squinting tenses the muscles in your face, temples, and scalp. That tension can be a direct trigger for headaches.
Nerve Irritation and Discomfort
A main nerve in your face sends signals from your eyes to your brain. Irritation from dryness can overstimulate this nerve. Your brain may read those signals as a headache.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
Dry eye isn’t just about a lack of tears. It comes with a range of symptoms that can disrupt your day. Look out for these common signs:
- A scratchy or gritty feeling, like sand is in your eye
- Redness, stinging, or eyelid pain
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Eyes that feel tired or heavy
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes
How to Know if Your Headache Is from Your Eyes
Not all headaches are related to your eyes. But if they’re related to your dry eyes, you’ll likely notice a few specific patterns. These clues can help you connect the dots.
Where You Feel the Pain
An eye-related headache often feels like a dull, throbbing pain behind or around your eyes. It can also feel like a tension band wrapped around your forehead.
When the Headaches Appear
The pain often gets worse after you’ve focused on something for a while. This increased focus includes activities like reading, driving, or working on a computer for extended periods.
What Makes It Better or Worse
You might find that resting your eyes provides some relief. On the other hand, a dry, windy environment or increased screen time can make the headache worse, sometimes indicating issues such as binocular vision dysfunction.
Proactive Steps for At-Home Relief
You can take simple, practical steps to manage your symptoms. These habits can help reduce the frequency of headaches caused by dry eye. Try these tips for more comfortable vision.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit gives your eye muscles a much-needed break from digital screens.
Blink More Often
When you focus on a screen, your blink rate can drop. Make a conscious effort to blink thoroughly and frequently. This attention to blinking helps spread moisture across your eyes.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide immediate, temporary relief from dryness. Just be sure you know when eye drops expire to ensure they’re still safe, and avoid drops with preservatives if you use them often. For gentle, preservative-free options, we typically recommend Thealoz Duo or Thea Hyabak.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If home remedies don’t give you enough relief, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment. A professional can help identify the root cause of your dry eye. From there, they can create a targeted plan for you.
Symptoms of dry eye can overlap with other conditions. A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to get a clear picture of what’s happening with your eyes, and understanding what to expect during the appointment can help you feel prepared.
Explore Personalized Treatment Options
Your eye doctor can recommend other treatments that go beyond basic eye drops. These options are designed to provide more lasting relief.
The team at Prairie Vision can provide proactive strategies to help you manage your symptoms for the long term. This long-term approach allows you to focus on your life without the distraction of eye discomfort and headaches. Schedule a visit to one of our locations, Wainwright or Vermilion, and take the next step toward clear, comfortable vision.
