You spend your day switching between screens—your computer, your phone, your tablet. By the afternoon, your eyes feel tired, and a dull headache starts to creep in. It’s a common story for many of us, but could that annoying headache actually be linked to symptoms of dry eye?
While dry eye doesn’t cause headaches itself, headaches and dry eye often have similar causes. Dry eye may also contribute to digital eye strain, a condition that makes tension headaches more likely. When your eyes work overtime to compensate for dryness, the surrounding muscles can become fatigued, and that discomfort can radiate as a headache.
The Link Between Dry Eyes & Headaches
The symptoms of dry eye can cause blurry vision and other symptoms that might cause you to squint or strain your eye muscles to see clearly. Over time, if you spend a lot of time in front of screens, this constant effort can lead to the symptoms of computer vision syndrome, including eye fatigue and tension headaches that are often felt behind the eyes or across the forehead.
How Eye Strain Triggers a Headache
Think of your eye muscles like any other muscle in your body. If you hold a challenging yoga pose for too long, your muscles get tired and sore. The tiny muscles in and around your eyes work hard all day, and when they overcompensate for dryness, they can become fatigued, which may result in a headache.
Can Dry Eyes Give You a Migraine?
While dry eye itself doesn’t directly cause migraines, the light sensitivity that often comes with dry eyes can be a trigger for migraines for some people. If you’re already prone to migraines, managing dry eye symptoms might be beneficial.
Common Signs of Dry Eye
Dry eye is more than just a feeling of dryness. Other common indicators of dry eye include:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation
- Feeling like something is in your eye
- Redness and irritation
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurry vision or eye fatigue
- Watery eyes
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
What Causes That Dry, Gritty Feeling?
Your tears are more than just water—they’re a complex mix that keeps your eyes smooth and clear. Dry eye happens when there’s an issue with your tear production. This could be because you don’t make enough tears or because the tears you do make are poor quality.
Not Enough Tears
Sometimes, your body doesn’t make enough tears. This can be related to age, certain medications, or even long-term contact lens use. Without enough tears, the surface of your eye doesn’t get the moisture it needs to feel comfortable.
Poor Quality tears
In some cases, the tears your body makes are of poor quality. This is often due to a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction, where the glands that produce oil for your tears become blocked. As a result, your tears no longer do their job.
Simple Ways to Find Relief at Home & Work
The good news is that you can take small steps to help your eyes feel more comfortable and potentially reduce those related headaches. These adjustments are easy to fit into any busy schedule.
Adjust Your Screen Setup
Try to position your computer screen just below eye level. Remember to also give your eyes frequent breaks by following the 20-20-20 rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Change Your Environment
If you work or live in a dry space, a humidifier can add some much-needed moisture to the air. Try to avoid sitting directly in front of fans or air vents that blow air right into your face. On windy days, a pair of wraparound sunglasses can offer great protection when you’re outside.
Can Eye Drops Help With Headaches?
Artificial tears, a type of lubricating eye drop, can help restore moisture to your eyes. When your eyes feel better, there’s less strain and less need for your eye muscles to work so hard. This may help relieve the tension that leads to a headache.
When to See Your Local Eye Doctor in Sacramento
Home remedies are a great start, but they don’t always solve the whole problem. If your symptoms are persistent or get in the way of your daily life, it might be time for a check-up. A chat with your eye doctor can help you get to the bottom of your discomfort.
Your Discomfort Gets Worse
If your eyes feel constantly irritated or if your vision stays blurry even after you give your eyes rest, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with your optometrist. We can take a closer look and help you figure out what’s going on.
Headaches Become More Frequent
If you notice that you’re getting headaches more often, especially after reading or screen use, it’s worth exploring whether your eyes are the cause. Your eye doctor can check for dry eye and other issues that might be a source of strain. Addressing your eye health could be a key piece of the puzzle.
What Else Could It Be?
Sometimes, what feels like dry eye could be related to eye allergies, eye muscle imbalances, or other conditions. A comprehensive eye exam is a great way to get clear answers and find a solution that works for you. Your eyes are unique, so your vision care should be personalized. If you’re tired of dealing with gritty eyes and the headaches that come with them, we’re here to help. At Capitol Optometry, our friendly team is passionate about giving you a comfortable and customized eye care experience. Book an appointment at one of our locations today.
