New Delhi: 2nd September 2024
Headaches are a widely presenting condition that a multitude of people may encounter, frequently attributing it to stress, lack of sleep or dehydration. It is important to note that the eyes can contribute to headaches, although headache and eye health may not be highly associated in many people’s conscious.
Understanding the relationship between eye health and headache
Numerous areas can connect headaches to eye health. One of the most frequently presented headache reasons is eye strain, or asthenopia, which can occur when the eyes have become overworked or used in an environment with limited lighting for a duration of time. For many people in the contemporary society, prolonged usage of the digital screen is the new norm. When the eyes are strained, the eye muscles surrounding the globe of the eye can become fatigued, presenting as a tension-type headache.
Also Read: Sleep: The Essential Pillar of Health and Well-being for Adults
Common screening and symptoms
Pain behind the eyes: A penetrating or throbbing pain can classically indicate a headache that is due to an eye-related issue. Pain that is behind the eyes can frequently be sandwiched in between an extra ocular eye muscle strain, or an unadjusted visual problem.
Blurred vision: Blurred vision and headaches could indicate that the eyes are simply struggling to accommodate and to possibly converge the visual system and an unaddressed refractive error such as; nearsightedness and/or farsightedness.
Photophobia: Light sensitivity can also connect headaches to eye health. Light sensitivity can occur as a consequence to many ocular issues, such as glaucoma, cataracts or prolonged habit to a bright computer screen without an eye protection.
Double Vision: If you are getting double vision with a headache, this could happen because your eyes are not aligned, a condition known as strabismus. Double vision can cause extreme eye strain as your body works to combine two images into one, commonly leading to a headache.
Eye Fatigue: One of the most important signs that eyes are fatigued and experiencing strain occurring is tiredness or discomfort in the eyes themselves, especially after reading, working on a computer, or any activity requiring focus.
Headaches can be more than just a nuisance; they may be an indicator that there is an underlying problem with your eyesight. By paying attention to how your eyes are feeling, you will be able to take preventive measures that will improve your vision and headaches. Always remember, your eyes are not just the windows to your sole. They also may be the means to acquire some underlying head pain.