If you get headaches and also have dry, irritated eyes, you might wonder if the two are connected. It’s a common question, and understanding the link can help you find the right path toward relief.
While dry eye may not directly cause headaches, the two conditions are thought to have common causes, so people who experience one are often more likely to also experience the other. Addressing your eye symptoms can often help you feel better all around.
At Maple Ridge Eye Care, we understand that your eye health is a part of your overall well-being, and a comprehensive eye exam can help figure out the source of your discomfort.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your tears don’t lubricate your eyes properly. This can happen if your eyes don’t produce enough tears or if your tears are not high enough quality. Your tears create a protective layer—called the tear film—that keeps your eyes feeling moist and your vision clear.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
You may be experiencing dry eye if you notice symptoms like:
- A gritty or scratchy feeling, like something is in your eye
- Stinging or burning sensations
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision
- Watery eyes—which is your body’s response to the irritation
The Link Between Dry Eyes & Headaches
There’s a close relationship between dry eyes and headaches. In fact, people who experience migraines are more likely to also report dry eye symptoms. The two conditions can even share common triggers that set them off.
How Eye Discomfort Might Relate to Head Pain
While one condition doesn’t cause the other, headaches and dry eyes often have similar triggers, like neck pain and exposure to light. Long periods spent in front of screens are also a potential cause, potentially resulting from digital eye strain.
Common Causes of Dry Eyes
Many factors can affect your tear film and lead to dryness. Sometimes, a combination of a few different factors can contribute. Common causes of dry eye in particular include:
- Screen Time: You tend to blink less when you stare at screens, contributing to digital eye strain and preventing your tears from spreading evenly across your eyes.
- Your Environment: Dry, windy, or smoky conditions can cause your tears to evaporate more quickly.
- Age: Tear production can naturally decrease as you get older.
- Hormonal Changes: Life events like pregnancy and menopause can affect tear production.
- Certain Health Conditions & Medications: Some autoimmune conditions, allergies, and medications can contribute to dry eye.
How an Eye Doctor Can Help
If you’re dealing with persistent dry eyes and headaches, a comprehensive eye exam is a good place to start. As your eye doctor in Maple Ridge, we can take a look at your eyes to help determine the cause of your symptoms. Our team can assess your tear production and quality to determine whether you have dry eye. If you do, we can recommend a path forward.
Relief for Dry Eye
At-Home Care & Lifestyle Changes
You can make a few adjustments at home to get started. These simple habits can offer relief for mild dryness.
- Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary comfort.
- Take Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Use a Humidifier: Putting more moisture into the air in your home or office can help slow tear evaporation.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water supports your overall health, including your eyes.
Professional Dry Eye Therapies
If simple changes aren’t enough, your eye care team may suggest other options. Many professional dry eye therapies are available, from prescription eye drops to in-office treatments that help restore the function of glands in your eyelids.You don’t have to put up with the discomfort of dry eyes and related headaches. By identifying the triggers and finding the right care plan, you can get back to feeling more comfortable. Our team at Maple Ridge Eye Care is here to help you explore your options. Book an appointment to get started.
