You finish a long day at your computer, and just as you’re going to start enjoying your evening, a familiar, dull ache starts to build behind your eyes. At The Eye Care Team, it can be easy to blame it on being tired, but it may be connected to the strain of dry eye disease.
If you deal with dry eye and also have headaches, you may be wondering if the 2 problems are connected. While dry eye doesn’t directly cause headaches, the irritation and strain from dry eye can contribute to or make headaches worse. The added strain from trying to focus comfortably can contribute to tension and discomfort around the eyes and head.
The Connection Between Your Eyes and Head
What Does a Dry Eye Headache Feel Like?
A headache linked to dry eye can feel a little different from a typical tension headache. You might experience specific sensations that point to your eyes as the source of the discomfort, including:
- A dull ache behind the eyes
- Discomfort that worsens with screen use
- Sensitivity to light
How to Tell if a Headache Is from Your Eyes
You can look for certain clues to determine if your headaches and eye discomfort are connected. We recommend paying attention to when the discomfort starts and what you are doing at the time, as a pattern may emerge that brings you some clarity.
It’s possible that your headaches are caused by something else, and not dry eye at all. For example, an uncorrected vision problem like astigmatism or nearsightedness can also cause headaches.
It’s worth scheduling an appointment with your eye doctor in Spokane if you notice:
- Your headache appears after focus-heavy tasks like reading or computer work
- The pain eases when you close your eyes and rest them for a few minutes
- The headache is accompanied by blurry vision or a feeling of eye strain
Common Causes for Dry, Irritated Eyes
You may be wondering what even caused the dry eye to begin with. Several factors in your daily life can contribute to the problem.
Daily Factors That Can Contribute to Dry Eye
Extended time spent looking at digital devices is a common contributor, as people tend to blink less often when they’re focused, which can lead to screen-related eye strain.
Your surroundings also play a part: Windy days, dry climates, or rooms with low humidity can affect your eyes. For some, age or certain health conditions can also reduce tear production, leading to dryness.
Simple At-Home Tips for Relief
Adjust Your Daily Habits
Small changes to your routine can make a difference in how your eyes feel. The goal is to reduce strain and add moisture back into your environment. While these tips are helpful, it is also important to know when professional care is needed for persistent symptoms.
Try these simple tips for relief:
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Remember to blink more often, especially during screen use.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air in dry rooms.
Soothe Your Eyes Directly
In addition to changing your habits, you can take direct steps to comfort your eyes. These actions can provide quick relief when your eyes feel particularly dry or fatigued:
- Apply a warm, damp cloth over your closed eyes for a few minutes.
- Try over-the-counter artificial tears for extra lubrication.
When to Schedule an Eye Exam
At-home care can provide some relief, but in persistent or severe cases, an eye doctor can offer personalized treatments. A comprehensive eye exam can help assess your specific case of dry eye so that solutions can be tailored for you.
If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to schedule an appointment:
- Your symptoms do not improve with at-home care
- Headaches become more frequent or severe
- You experience any changes in your vision
How Your Eye Doctor Can Help
A Comprehensive Eye Health Evaluation
Our eye doctor in Spokane and Chewelah can perform a thorough evaluation of your eye health. This helps them identify the specific factors contributing to your dry eye symptoms. The exam also helps the eye doctor detect other potential issues and gain a complete picture of your vision and eye health.
Professional Dry Eye Treatments
Based on your evaluation, our team can recommend a personalized approach to help manage your dry eye. This may include options that go beyond what you can do at home. You may benefit from prescription eye drops, specialized lenses, or other in-office dry eye treatments designed to provide more lasting relief.
Schedule Your Dry Eye Consultation
You don’t have to live with the discomfort of dry eye or headaches. If you need help finding a solution, schedule a visit with The Eye Care Team to explore your options and get on the path to relief.
