You know the feeling—your eyes are scratchy and tired, and at the same time, a dull ache starts to form in your head. It’s easy to wonder if your uncomfortable eyes are the reason for your headache.
Dry eyes don’t directly cause headaches, but the two conditions do have triggers in common. Understanding how they’re related can help you find relief for both. Our team at Advanced Family Eye Care can create a plan to manage your symptoms, often starting with a comprehensive dry eye evaluation.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition that happens when your tears can’t provide enough moisture for your eyes. Without a protective layer of tears, your eyes may begin to feel irritated, making simple tasks like reading or driving feel like a chore.
Dry eye often involves symptoms like:
- Eye discomfort
- Blurry vision
- Redness
- Light sensitivity
- Eye fatigue
- A gritty or scratchy feeling
- Watery eyes—your body’s response to the irritation
What Causes Your Dry Eyes?
Your tears do more than show emotion—they lubricate your eyes and wash away debris. Several factors can affect the amount or quality of your tears. These can include:
- Your environment—like dry air from air conditioning, heat, or wind
- Extended screen time that makes you blink less often
- Natural changes in tear production due to age
- Certain health conditions
- Some medications
Limiting exposure to these situations can help reduce discomfort.
The Link Between Dry Eyes & Headaches
While dry eyes and headaches are separate problems, you can certainly feel them at the same time. They can sometimes be linked through a few shared circumstances.
Eye Strain & Fatigue
When your eyes are dry and irritated, you may squint or strain to see clearly. This extra work can create digital eye strain that tires the muscles around your eyes and forehead. Digital eye strain can contribute to tension headaches.
Light Sensitivity
Dry eyes can make you more sensitive to bright light, both indoors and out. If you’re someone who gets headaches, long exposure to light can sometimes act as a trigger or make an existing headache feel worse.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are known for causing intense pain, often located behind one eye. This sharp, localized pain can sometimes be mistaken for pain related to a severe dry eye episode.
Sjögren’s Disease
This autoimmune condition reduces the amount of moisture your body produces, leading to dry eyes and a dry mouth. Some people with this condition also experience headaches as a symptom.
As your eye doctor in Missouri City, we can help give you an eye exam to determine the cause of your dry eye symptoms and help you get targeted relief.
How to Prevent Dry Eyes & Headaches
A mix of healthy habits and simple remedies can help prevent both dry eyes and headaches. Small adjustments to your daily routine can make a big difference in how you feel.
Dry Eye Prevention Tips
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a screen break.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air at home or work.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun when you’re outdoors.
- Remember to blink often, especially when you are focused on a screen.
Headache Prevention Tips
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
- Get regular exercise and stretch your neck and shoulders.
- Try relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
- Talk to a healthcare provider about options for frequent headaches.
Professional Options for Dry Eyes & Headaches
If your efforts at home don’t bring you the relief you need, professional help is available. A focused approach can address the root of your discomfort.
Treatment for Dry Eyes
Your eye doctor can evaluate your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan. Options may include:
- Specific artificial tears or eye drops
- Prescription medications to help your eyes produce more tears
- Punctal plugs—tiny devices placed in your tear ducts to keep moisture on the eye’s surface
- Warm compresses and lid massages to improve oil gland function
Treatment for Headaches
For headaches, a medical professional can suggest different solutions. Common options include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Preventative medication for chronic issues
Get Personalized Care for Your Vision
Dry eyes and headaches can be frustrating, but they don’t have to control your day. While one doesn’t cause the other, their shared triggers mean that lifestyle changes and professional care can help you manage both effectively. If you have persistent symptoms, our team at Advanced Family Eye Care can help identify the cause. Book an appointment today to get started.
