Can Dry Eye Cause Headaches?

Dry eye is a condition that many of us have experienced at one point or another. It's that uncomfortable, gritty feeling when your eyes just can't seem to produce enough tears to keep themselves moist and comfortable. It can impact your daily life, making it difficult to read, work on a computer, or even drive.

Can dry eyes cause headaches?

The connection might not seem obvious at first, but when you consider the symptoms of dry eye—light sensitivity, blurry vision, and eye strain—it starts to make sense.

When the eyes are dry and uncomfortable, we tend to squint or strain our eyes in an attempt to see clearly. This can lead to tension and strain in the muscles around the eyes and forehead, which can in turn lead to headaches. Additionally, the light sensitivity that often accompanies dry eye can also contribute to headaches, particularly in bright light conditions.

 

Dry Eye Management: What Can You Do?

Living with dry eyes can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to manage the condition and alleviate your symptoms. This is known as dry eye management, and it involves a combination of lifestyle changes, over-the-counter treatments, and, in some cases, prescription medication.

Firstly, you can make changes to your environment to reduce your exposure to dry air and wind, both of which can exacerbate dry eye. This might involve using a humidifier in your home, wearing sunglasses when outside, or taking breaks from screen time to rest your eyes.

Over-the-counter treatments, such as artificial tears and eye drops, can also be effective in managing dry eye. These products work by supplementing your natural tears, helping to keep the surface of your eye moist and smooth.

 

When to Seek Professional Help

While dry eye can often be managed with simple lifestyle changes and over-the-counter treatments, there are times when it's important to seek medical help. If your symptoms are severe and persistent, it's time to see a doctor.

Severe symptoms might include intense pain, redness, or a feeling that something is stuck in your eye. Additionally, if you're experiencing chronic headaches along with your dry eye symptoms, this is also a sign that you should seek medical help.

It's also important to seek help if your symptoms are affecting your daily life. If you're struggling to work, drive, or even just enjoy your daily activities because of your dry eye, schedule an eye exam with your eye doctor.

Treatment Options for Dry Eye

Treatment for dry eye can vary depending on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your dry eye.These might include prescription eye drops, which can help to increase tear production or reduce inflammation.

There are also a number of new treatments, including the use of autologous serum eye drops—eye drops made from your own blood—and intense pulsed light therapy.

 

Alleviate Your Dry Eye Symptoms and Headaches Today

Living with dry eyes can be challenging, but it's important to remember that help is available. From simple lifestyle changes to advanced medical treatments, there are many ways to manage the condition and alleviate your symptoms.

If you're experiencing symptoms of dry eye and headaches, the two may well be connected. Consult with our professionals at See Breeze Optometry in our Huntington Beach or Westminster, California, offices. Please call (714) 964-3811 or (714) 848-0028 to schedule an appointment today.