Is Eye Strain Causing Your Headaches?

If you suffer from frequent headaches, eye strain may be to blame. Many people don’t realize that their eyes are working harder than they should be, and this can lead to a build-up of tension in the head and neck. Read on to learn more about eye strain, its connection to headaches and what you can do.

What is Eye Strain?

Eye strain is a common problem that can occur for a variety of reasons. If you stare at a computer screen all day, for example, you may experience eye strain as a result. Other causes of eye strain include working in low-light conditions, reading in dim light, and driving long distances.

Eye strain can also occur if your eyes are not properly aligned, which can be the case if you suffer from strabismus or amblyopia.

What Are the Common Symptoms of Eye Strain?

One of the most common complaints that we see in our practice is eye strain. Patients will often report symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, fatigue, and even neck and shoulder pain. While these symptoms can be caused by several different factors, they are often the result of eye strain.

Signs You May Have Eye Strain Headaches

If you suffer from headaches, you may be wondering if eye strain is the cause. After all, your eyes are used constantly throughout the day, and they can get tired just like any other muscle in your body. Fortunately, there are a few tell-tale signs that can help you determine whether or not eye strain is causing your headaches:

• You experience headaches more frequently when you’re working on a computer or looking at a screen for long periods of time.
• Your headaches tend to be worse at the end of the day or after extended periods of visual activity.
• You have difficulty focusing your eyes, and your vision may be blurry or fuzzy.
• You experience increased eye fatigue or tiredness.
• You rub your eyes frequently or blink excessively.
• You experience neck and shoulder pain in addition to your headaches.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor to rule out any underlying eye conditions that could be causing your headaches. Once any underlying issues have been ruled out, your doctor can help you find the best way to relieve your symptoms and prevent future headaches.

Why Does Eye Strain Cause Headaches?

Eye strain can cause headaches for several reasons. For one, when you focus your eyes on something for an extended period, you are actually causing them to work harder than they normally would. This can lead to fatigue and tension in the eye muscles, which can then radiate to the surrounding muscles and cause a headache.

Additionally, if your eyes are dry or irritated, this can also lead to headaches. If you find that you are suffering from headaches due to eye strain, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate the problem.

What Can You Do to Relieve Eye Strain Headaches?

In many cases, simply making some adjustments to your workstation or wearing computer glasses can make a big difference in preventing eye strain. Here are some tips:

First, make sure you’re taking regular breaks from screen time. Every 20 minutes or so, look away from your computer or phone screen for at least 20 seconds to give your eyes a rest. Secondly, practice good lighting habits. Make sure your work area is well-lit so you’re not straining your eyes to see. Finally, visit an eye doctor regularly to ensure your vision is healthy and to get any necessary corrective lenses.

How Can the Team at Spindel Eye Associates Help?

If you’re suffering from headaches due to eye strain, the team at Spindel Eye Associates can help. Our experienced eye doctors will work with you to determine the cause of your headaches and develop a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. Schedule an appointment today to get started on relief for your headache pain.