You may connect headaches with stress or a long day, but sometimes the source of the discomfort is related to your eye health. It’s a common question whether a serious eye condition like glaucoma can cause a headache. The answer depends on the specific type of glaucoma you may have.
While most forms of glaucoma do not cause pain, a less common type known as acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) can trigger sudden and severe headaches. This type of headache is a sign of a rapid increase in your eye pressure that requires prompt attention, which is why early diagnosis and management of glaucoma is critical.
The Connection Between Glaucoma and Headaches
The most common form of glaucoma, called open-angle glaucoma, usually develops slowly over time without any symptoms. However, acute angle-closure glaucoma happens differently. It occurs when the fluid drainage system in your eye suddenly becomes blocked, leading to a sudden spike in internal eye pressure.
What a Glaucoma Headache Feels Like
A headache from an acute glaucoma attack is different from a typical tension headache. The pain is often intense and arrives with other distinct signs that signal an issue with your eyes. If you have a glaucoma headache, you may experience:
- Severe pain in 1 eye or on your forehead
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Seeing halos or rainbows around lights
Where You Feel Glaucoma Pain
The pain is usually centered around the affected eye and can feel like a deep, throbbing ache. It doesn’t typically spread across your entire head the way a migraine might. This focused pain is a key indicator that the issue may be eye-related.
First Signs of Glaucoma
Most types of glaucoma have no early warning signs, which is why vision loss can happen gradually without you noticing. This makes regular eye disease management so important for your long-term health. However, for acute angle-closure glaucoma, the symptoms listed above often appear suddenly and together.
Other Eye Issues That Cause Headaches
If your headache isn’t caused by glaucoma, it could be due to other vision-related problems. Many of our daily habits put extra work on our eyes, which can lead to headaches.
The Role of Digital Eye Strain
Spending long hours in front of screens forces your eyes to focus intensely for extended periods. This continuous effort can cause muscle fatigue in and around your eyes, leading to headaches from eye strain. You may also blink less, which can cause dryness and irritation that adds to the discomfort.
How Poor Posture Affects Your Eyes and Head
When you slouch or lean your neck forward to see a screen, you create tension in your neck and shoulder muscles. This strain can irritate the muscles and nerves that connect to your head, potentially triggering persistent headaches over time.
Stress and Your Vision
Feeling stressed can make you tense up your muscles without even realizing it. This includes the small muscles in your face, jaw, and around your eyes. This constant tension can cause headaches that feel like a tight band around your head.
Symptoms of a Vision-Related Headache
How can you tell if your headache is coming from your eyes? The key is to look for discomfort that happens along with other visual symptoms or during specific activities. These headaches often have unique characteristics, including but not limited to:
- A feeling of pressure behind the eyes
- Pain that gets worse after reading or screen use
- Blurred or double vision
- Neck and shoulder discomfort
- Sensitivity to light
How to Reduce Eye Strain and Prevent Headaches
You can take simple steps to protect your eyes and reduce the frequency of headaches. Small changes to your daily routine can improve your comfort by reducing the demand on your visual system.
Adjust Your Workspace
Make sure your room has balanced lighting to reduce glare on your screen. Position your computer monitor about an arm’s length away and slightly below eye level. This angle can help keep your eyes and neck relaxed.
Practice the 20-20-20 Rule
This is an easy and effective way to give your eyes a break. The 20-20-20 rule suggests that every 20 minutes, you look at something at least 20 feet away for a full 20 seconds. This simple exercise helps your eye muscles reset and reduces focusing fatigue.
Check Your Posture
Try to sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor, and your shoulders relaxed. Good posture can help your entire body, including your visual system, work more efficiently. It can also reduce the muscle tension that can lead to headaches.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you experience frequent headaches, especially when accompanied by any of the other symptoms mentioned, it’s a good idea to schedule an eye exam. A thorough check-up can help to provide clarity and peace of mind.
A Comprehensive Eye Exam Is Key
During an eye exam, an eye doctor can check your eye pressure, assess your vision, and look for signs of strain or other conditions. This evaluation helps determine if your headache is linked to your eyes.
Discuss Your Symptoms and Lifestyle
When coming to an eye exam, be ready to talk about your headaches and your daily routine. Information about when they happen, what you’re doing when they start, and your average screen time is very helpful. This conversation helps your optometrist to understand your unique visual needs.
Find the Right Solution for You
Based on your exam, the treatment could be things like a new prescription for glasses or special lenses designed to reduce eye strain. Sometimes, simple tips to adjust your work routine are all that’s needed. Our goal is to find a personalized approach that works for you.
You Don’t Have to Live with Headaches
If persistent headaches are a part of your life, we want to help. The team at Heartland Eye Consultants is here to listen with compassion and provide a thorough evaluation in a comfortable setting. Contact us to schedule an appointment and move toward a life uninterrupted by headaches.
