A headache is a sharp or mild pain in the head, while eye strain is intensive eye fatigue that arises due to excessive use of your eyes. Eye strain and headaches are both disruptive and can interfere with school, work, and other activities. Here is more information about the causes of these two conditions and how an eye doctor addresses them:
Eye Strain
Eye strain is characterized by watery or dry eyes, difficulty concentrating, itching eyes, and double or blurred vision. Many instances of eye strain are mild and don’t require any medical intervention. Some lifestyle changes, such as using special glasses, help reduce the problem. If the problem doesn’t go away, you may need to visit an eye doctor. The eye doctor will do various tests to look for refractive errors or muscle imbalances. These tests allow them to suggest the most appropriate treatment. The doctor is also qualified to provide advice regarding appropriate lifestyle changes to help with the condition. Here are some factors that can cause eye strain:
Computer or Digital Device Use
If you spend several hours each day staring at the computer screen, your risk of getting eye strain is high. The problem may happen if you are too close to the screen or look at the computer from an uncomfortable angle. Eye strain can become worse if you are unable to take sufficient breaks while working at your computer.
Long Drives
Taking long drives may cause discomfort and fatigue in your eyes. You can prevent this by frequently getting out of the vehicle and stretching your legs. Even a quick power nap or switching drivers can help prevent excessive strain.
Bright Light
If you are exposed to bright lights, such as sunlight or fluorescent lighting, the eye can become overstimulated. Repeated exposure may lead to eye strain. To help with screen-related eye strain, reduce your computer’s screen brightness or place an anti-glare film over it. Using dark-tinted glasses while outside helps protect your eyes from the effects of bright UV light.
Dim Light
When you are in a place with insufficient lighting, your pupils enlarge. More light enters your eyes, which allows you to see properly but also has the potential to cause short-term fatigue. While this may not permanently damage your eyes, short-term eye fatigue can lead to eye strain.
Headaches
Headaches cause pain or discomfort in the head or neck region. They can be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as a sinus infection or uncorrected vision problems. Here are some of the potential causes of headaches:
Eye strain
Eye strain headaches may arise when you look at something for an extended period, such as when reading a book or watching a screen. Symptoms of eye strain headaches include pain around or just behind your eyes and tired eyes. These headaches usually go away when you allow your eyes to rest for some time. If the condition persists, visiting an eye doctor allows you to check for underlying vision concerns.
Tension
Tension headaches feel like a tight band on your head and cause mild to moderate pain. Although they’re one of the most common types of headaches, the causes aren’t well understood. Doctors may recommend a combination of healthy habits, prescription drugs, and non-medicine treatments to treat tension headaches.
Migraines
If you have a pulsing sensation or severe pain on one side of your head, you might be suffering from migraines. Vomiting and nausea often accompany migraines. The duration of migraines varies from a few minutes to several days, with the pain increasing over time. Before the migraines occur, some people experience blind spots, flashes of light, and even difficulty speaking.
Potential causes of migraines include medications, weather changes, physical strain, and sleep changes. Certain types of drinks, such as wine and alcohol, may also cause migraines. An eye doctor will complete a comprehensive exam to check for retinal or optic nerve issues. If an eye doctor suspects that the migraines are not primarily caused by ocular issues, they may refer you to neurologists or other specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
Get Help From an Eye Doctor
Headaches and eye strain can interfere with your everyday activities and cause discomfort. An eye doctor is trained to perform tests on your eyes to help discover the cause of the eye strain, whether due to an astigmatism or an incorrect prescription. The doctor can then implement the necessary treatment regimen. Protect your eyes today by contacting a doctor.
