If you’ve experienced persistent eye irritation or dry eyes with headaches, you might have wondered if the two are connected. But can dry eyes cause headaches?
Dry eyes and headaches are separate issues and dry eyes don’t cause headaches. However, you can experience them together because they may share common triggers. We explore the causes, the science behind the link, and how your eye doctor can help manage and treat dry eyes.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your tears can’t provide enough moisture in the eyes. A lack of tears or increased tear evaporation can leave your eyes dry and irritated and make everyday tasks like reading or staring at a screen quite uncomfortable. Apart from dry eyes, other symptoms can include:
- Eye discomfort
- Blurry vision
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
- Eye pain
- Eye fatigue
- A burning, gritty, or scratchy sensation
- Watery eyes
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Tears help lubricate the eyes, protect them from foreign materials, and provide a smooth eye surface. However, several factors can affect how many tears or the quality of tears your eyes produce. These factors include:
- Environmental: Air conditioning, heating, or windy weather.
- Screen time: Prolonged use of digital screens can reduce blinking rates.
- Changes in tear production: Tear production decreases with age.
- Medical conditions: Autoimmune disorders or diabetes can cause dry eye.
- Medications: Antihistamines, antidepressants, or medicines for high blood pressure.
How Are Dry Eyes Linked to Headaches?
Although dry eyes and headaches are separate issues, dry eyes don’t cause headaches. However, you can experience dry eyes and headaches together, and may be linked in the following ways:
- Eye strain and fatigue: With eye strain, your eyes can feel dry, tired, or irritated, making them work harder to stay focused. Prolonged eye strain can contribute to headaches, especially tension headaches and neck pain.
- Light sensitivity: People with dry eyes are more sensitive to light, and prolonged light exposure can cause headaches or worsen migraines.
- Cluster headaches: These headaches affect one side of the head, where some people may experience stabbing pain behind one eye and believe it’s pain from dry eyes.
- Sjörgen’s disease: Sjörgen’s disease can lead to dry eyes because of decreased tear production and can cause headaches.
The link between dry eyes and headaches may not always be direct, but addressing one issue can often relieve the other. An eye exam can determine the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms for targeted treatment and symptom relief.
Preventing Dry Eyes & Headaches
A combination of healthy lifestyle changes and natural remedies can go a long way in preventing both dry eyes and headaches.
Dry eye prevention tips to try at home include:
- The 20-20-20 rule: For every 20 minutes of screen time, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce strain and dry eyes.
- Use a humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to your home or office to combat dryness.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind, dust, and sunlight.
- Blink more often: Frequent, conscious blinking can maintain moisture in your eyes, especially when spending long hours in front of a screen.
Headache prevention tips to try at home include
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout your day, as dehydration can trigger headaches.
- Exercise and stretch regularly: This can reduce headaches and pain from headaches.
- Relaxation techniques: Try strategies to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Speak to a healthcare provider: Medication can help with severe headaches or migraines.
Professional Treatment Options for Dry Eye & Headaches
If you’ve tried at-home remedies but dry eye symptoms and headaches persist, it’s time to seek professional help. Your eye doctor can recommend the right in-office treatment based on the cause of severity.
Treatment for dry eyes includes:
- Artificial tears or eye drops: Over-the-counter options can provide immediate relief. Using preservative-free formulations may be better for long-term health.
- Prescription medications: Anti-inflammatory drops can help improve tear production and reduce inflammation.
- Punctal plugs: These tiny plugs inserted in the tear duct conserve natural tears by preventing tear drainage from the eyes.
- Warm compress and lid massages: This helps unclog oil glands to stimulate oil release and improve tear quality.
Treatment for headaches includes:
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription medication can target headaches effectively.
- Preventative medication: If migraines are frequent, your doctor may suggest preventative or alternative treatments.
Personalized Treatment for Healthy Eyes & Vision
Although dry eyes and headaches are unrelated, they can occur at the same time and share similar triggers. Small lifestyle adjustments, preventative measures, and professional help can help take control of your vision and health.
If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms, book an eye exam with Envision Eye Care to address the cause and receive personalized treatment for clear and comfortable vision.
