Headaches & Your Eyes

Headaches

For anyone with a new onset of headaches, the eyes or vision may be a cause that needs to be ruled out. Uncorrected vision may cause eye strain. Having the appropriate prescription for distance and/or reading, may be all that is necessary to improve the vision and end the headaches.

Your doctor will likely ask questions about:

• Onset: when the headaches started
• Duration: how long they last
• Frequency: how often you experience them
• Localization: where the pain is located on your head
• Modifying factors: if there is any activity that intensifies or causes the headache.

Generally, frontal headaches that begin mid-day or during visual activities (such as computer use) may be related to the vision. If you wake with a headache, it may not be eye-related since the visual system had been at rest.

Occasionally, headaches may be a result of more serious issues such as elevation in intraocular pressure. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is the most common painful glaucoma. Yearly eye exams are recommended for everyone to ensure that the eyes and visual system are at their healthiest.

For anyone experiencing chronic headaches, consider an eye exam if you are overdue.

Ocular or Retinal Migraine

Ocular or retinal migraines can sound confusing. During an ocular migraine, an “aura” occurs. An aura is a visual phenomenon during which, you may see flashing patterns of light that appear to shimmer and may have a zig-zag pattern. These auras may cause temporary blind spots in your vision. Generally, the aura may last 15-45 minutes. No headache occurs after the aura.