People experience eye pain and headache often due to refractive errors or eye strain. If you are experiencing these symptoms together, it is recommended that you see an eye specialist to get the problem diagnosed and seek treatment without any delay. Over here our eye specialists talk about the causes of eye pain and headache and what should you do:
Causes of eye pain and headache
- Digital eye strain: When you’ve been using the computer for a while, it’s normal for your eyes to get tired – and as a result, you get a headache. Usually, over-the-counter eye drops and a quick nap should relieve the symptoms. In case of digital eye strain, along with eye pain and headache, you may also experience neck tension.
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma is a serious condition that can cause eye pain and headaches. The condition damages the optic nerve. This damage is caused due to abnormally high pressure in your eye. If you develop acute angle-closure glaucoma, you are likely to experience bloodshot eyes, blurry vision, along with eye pain and headache. When such symptoms are experienced, you should immediately see an eye specialist to avoid further worsening of eyesight. Glaucoma when not treated for too long can lead to loss of vision.
- Optic neuritis: This serious condition necessitates an eye exam. The condition indicates that the optic nerve has swelling or inflammation. In addition to eye pain and headaches, a person with optic neuritis may experience vision loss in one eye, loss of colour vision and flashing lights. This eye condition is serious and if not addressed timely, it can cause lasting damage to your eyes.
- Refractive errors: Eye pain and headaches are usually serious, but in some cases, they may be signs of refractive errors such as nearsightedness or farsightedness. These refractive errors may strain your eyes along with causing headaches. Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. An eye specialist will conduct an eye test to detect refractive errors. Prescription glasses are the simplest and safest way to correct refractive errors. Lasik surgery is also performed to correct refractive errors.
What should I do?
If you are experiencing eye pain and headaches, don’t try to be your own doctor. See an eye specialist immediately. A comprehensive eye examination can help the eye doctor figure out the cause of these symptoms.
If you are suffering from Diabetes or high blood pressure and haven’t had an annual comprehensive eye exam for too long, schedule an appointment with our eye specialists.
What you need for your appointment with an eye specialist:
When you meet an eye specialist, be prepared to answer questions about the symptoms you are experiencing. Note all the symptoms on a paper so that you do not miss out any. Be ready to give a quick description of your family medical history. Do tell the eye specialist about the medications you are currently taking.