Sarah had been dealing with persistent headaches for months. They seemed to start in the afternoon, right around the time she was deep into work on her computer. She tried drinking more water, taking breaks, and even adjusting her posture—but nothing helped. It wasn’t until she visited her eye doctor that she realized the real cause of her headaches was her vision.
Many people don’t realize that their headaches may actually be a sign of an underlying vision problem. At Outreach Vision, we help patients in Platte City identify vision-related headaches and provide solutions to improve eye comfort and overall well-being.
How Vision Problems Can Cause Headaches
Your eyes and brain work closely together to process visual information. If your eyes struggle to focus, work together, or adjust to light, it can create tension that leads to headaches. Here are some common vision-related causes of headaches:
1. Eye Strain from Digital Screens
Spending long hours on computers, tablets, or phones can overwork your eye muscles, leading to digital eye strain. Symptoms include:
- Headaches, especially after prolonged screen time
- Dry or irritated eyes
- Blurry vision or difficulty focusing
2. Uncorrected Vision Problems
If you have an undiagnosed vision issue like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, your eyes have to work harder to focus, leading to headaches. Even a small prescription change can make a big difference in reducing discomfort.
3. Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD)
If your eyes don’t work together properly, your brain struggles to merge two images into one clear picture. This can cause:
- Frequent headaches
- Double vision or difficulty reading
- Dizziness or trouble with depth perception
4. Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)
Bright lights, glare, or prolonged exposure to fluorescent or LED lighting can trigger headaches in those with light sensitivity. This is common in people with:
- Migraines
- Dry eye syndrome
- Post-concussion vision problems
5. Poorly Fitted Glasses or Contact Lenses
Wearing the wrong prescription or ill-fitting eyewear can lead to constant strain and discomfort, causing headaches. Regular eye exams ensure that your prescription is up to date and your glasses or contacts are properly adjusted.
How to Reduce Vision-Related Headaches
If you suspect your headaches are connected to your vision, here are a few steps to help:
1. Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Regular eye exams at Outreach Vision can detect vision issues early and ensure you have the right prescription.
2. Take Breaks from Screens
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce strain and refreshes your eyes.
3. Adjust Your Workspace Lighting
Use soft, indirect lighting and reduce screen glare to minimize eye strain. Consider blue light filters if you spend long hours on screens.
4. Wear the Right Eyewear
If you need glasses or contacts, make sure your prescription is accurate and comfortable. Special lenses, like blue light-blocking or prism lenses, can help reduce strain and headaches.
5. Address Underlying Eye Conditions
If binocular vision issues or dry eye syndrome are contributing to your headaches, your optometrist can provide treatments like vision therapy, lubricating eye drops, or customized lenses.
Find Relief – Schedule an Eye Exam in Platte City, MO
If you’re dealing with frequent headaches, your eyes could be the cause. A simple eye exam at Outreach Vision can identify vision-related issues and help you find relief.
Book an appointment and take the first step toward clearer vision and fewer headaches.