You might think of headaches and dry eye as 2 separate problems. One causes throbbing head pain, while the other leaves your eyes feeling scratchy and tired. But what if the discomfort you feel in your eyes is connected to the tension you feel in your head?
Yes, dry eye can contribute to or worsen headaches in some people, particularly tension-type or eye strain-related headaches. The team at Advanced EyeCare & Aesthetics understands this link, which can sometimes go unnoticed. Our team is focused on treating the condition, not just the symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye
You may experience dry eye when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears are not of the right quality. This lack of proper moisture can lead to a range of symptoms that affect more than just how your eyes feel.
Common Symptoms You Might Notice
Though everyone experiences dry eye differently, look out for these common symptoms:
- A gritty or scratchy feeling, like sand is in your eye
- Redness and irritation
- Blurry vision that comes and goes
- Tired or heavy-feeling eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Watery eyes, which can be your body’s response to the irritation
More Severe Symptoms of Dry Eye
For some, dry eye symptoms can become more persistent and disruptive. If you experience constant eye pain or significant changes in your vision, it may point toward a potential underlying eye condition that could benefit from a closer look by an optometrist.
The Link Between Dry Eye and Headaches
The connection often comes down to strain and nerve irritation. When your eyes are dry, they have to work harder to focus. This extra work can create a ripple effect that may contribute to headaches and discomfort.
Eye Strain and Muscle Fatigue
You may find yourself squinting or blinking more often just to see clearly. This constant effort tenses the small muscles around your eyes and across your forehead, which can trigger a tension headache.
Nerve Irritation
Your face has a large network of nerves that send sensations (including discomfort) to your brain. The constant irritation from dry eye can overstimulate these nerves, leading to headaches that feel like they start in or behind your eyes.
Pain Location and Head Pressure
Headaches related to dry eye can often feel like a dull ache or pressure behind your eyes that can spread to your temples or forehead, though there is individual variation in sensation. This specific location can be a clue that your eye comfort is connected to your head pain.
Common Factors for Dry Eye
Many factors in your daily life can contribute to dry eye. Learning to spot these situations is a key step toward finding relief for both your eyes and your head.
Your Environment
Dry, windy, or smoky conditions can cause your tears to evaporate too quickly, often due to issues with the oil glands lining your eyelids. Spending time in places with low humidity (like an air-conditioned office or a heated home in the winter) can also dry out your eyes.
Your Daily Habits
Some daily habits can impact the tears in your eyes without you noticing. Keep an eye out for some common triggers:
- Screen time: Staring at computers, phones, or tablets can cause you to blink less often, which can contribute to dry eye.
- Long focus tasks: Activities like reading or driving for long stretches require sustained focus and can reduce your blink rate.
- Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses for many hours can sometimes contribute to dryness.
How to Manage Dry Eye and Headaches at Home
You can take several practical steps to manage symptoms and reduce the frequency of dry eye-related headaches. Small changes can often make a difference in your daily comfort.
Simple Lifestyle Adjustments
- Take screen breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home or office can help slow tear evaporation.
- Stay hydrated: Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day to support your body’s functions, including tear production.
Eye Drops for Temporary Relief
Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide temporary relief by adding moisture back to your eyes. Using them regularly may ease the strain that contributes to headaches. It’s helpful to look for preservative-free options if you use them often.
Gentle Eyelid Care
A simple routine of applying a warm compress to your eyes for a few minutes each day can help soothe irritation and reduce symptoms over time.
An Eye Doctor Can Help
If you have tried at-home care and your dry eye and headaches continue to bother you, it may be time for a professional evaluation. A comprehensive eye exam can uncover the contributing reasons for your discomfort, check your overall eye health, and then recommend a personalized plan to guide you toward effective, long-term solutions.
In-Office Dry Eye Therapies
For persistent dry eye, there are in-office therapies that go beyond standard eye drops. These therapies are designed to address the causes of dryness (such as improving the function of the oil glands lining your eyelids) to provide more meaningful relief.
We Can Help You Find Relief
You don’t have to just deal with headaches impacted by dry eye. At Advanced Eye Care & Aesthetics, our team works closely with you to enhance your comfort and clarity. To explore personalized dry eye therapies, schedule a consultation and take the first step toward lasting relief.
