What Eye Conditions Cause Headaches?

For many individuals, headaches can bring on painful, uncomfortable, and even debilitating symptoms. These sensations can have a negative effect on one’s day to day life, especially when headaches are chronic and unrelenting. In some cases, headaches can be associated with various untreated eye conditions, primarily due to strain or abnormalities affecting the eyes or surrounding structures.

Addressing these possible eye conditions involves a comprehensive eye exam by an eye care professional who can diagnose them and suggest appropriate treatment options, which may include recommendations for corrective lenses, medication, or surgery. Eye exams can help determine if certain types of headaches have an ocular cause or symptoms (such as migraines), so having a comprehensive eye examination can be a part of the workup.

Some key eye conditions that may lead to headaches are:

• Glaucoma – A leading cause of blindness, glaucoma is a condition that involves increased pressure inside the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. The buildup of pressure can lead to headaches, often felt around the eyes. There are numerous treatment options available for addressing glaucoma, including medicated eye drops, laser therapy, and others.
• Dry Eye Syndrome – Chronic dry eyes, also known as Dry Eye Syndrome, can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, stinging, or a gritty sensation, which can lead to excessive eye strain and subsequent headaches. Medicated eye drops or a punctal plug procedure are potential options for treating Dry Eye.
• Cataracts – Although a cataract isn’t usually a direct cause for headaches, the blurriness or refractive errors that can result from a cataract may cause some eye strain. A cataract is often associated with the clouding of the eye’s natural lens and can result in numerous vision problems and refractive errors. When your eyes struggle to focus due to conditions such as near/farsightedness and astigmatism, it can lead to squinting and eye strain, which can then indirectly create headaches. Cataract surgery and corrective IOLs can be effective solutions for managing these symptoms when cataracts are diagnosed.

At Prestera Eye Medical Group, Dr. Tory Prestera and Dr. Howard Guan are exceptionally skilled with procedures designed to successfully address a wide variety of eye conditions. They are happy to serve a large and diverse community, including many Hispanic patients seeking quality eye care. Dr. Prestera and Dr. Guan emphasize that early diagnosis, effective treatment, and regular eye care can help many individuals prevent or alleviate headache symptoms associated with eye conditions.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact Prestera Eye Medical Group today.