If you are wondering why you’re getting frequent headaches, it may be time to schedule an eye exam. Did you know that headaches can be a symptom of an uncorrected vision problem? Read this blog to learn more about the connection between headaches and your vision.
Uncorrected Visual Acuity Problems
If you are getting frequent headaches, an uncorrected visual acuity problem may be the culprit. Even if you feel your vision is fine, our brains can adapt and changes in vision may be so gradual, we don’t fully realize it.
Uncorrected visual acuity problems like astigmatism, hyperopia, and presbyopia cause eye strain because you’re squinting and straining to see which can cause headaches. Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, occurs when the eye focuses images behind the retina instead of directly on it, so close objects look blurry. This of course makes reading smaller print hard to do and can cause eye strain and headaches. Presbyopia happens to all of us as we age, even if we’ve never needed eyeglasses before, and so for people over 40 or so, it becomes harder to focus on near objects which can cause eye strain and headaches.
Adults aren’t the only people who can develop frequent headaches because of uncorrected vision problems. If a child has frequent headaches, an undiagnosed vision problem could be the culprit, even if they can see the eye chart at the pediatrician’s office or at their school with no trouble. Comprehensive eye exams with a qualified eye doctor can uncover vision problems in children which are causing headaches and difficulty in school.
An updated prescription can make a big difference. Most of the time, if headaches are connected to vision problems, a simply updated prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses is all that is needed.
Digital Eye Strain
Many of us now spend hours in front of a computer every day for work, and most of us are spending time looking at mobile devices and phones every day. Spending all that time in front of various screens can cause eye strain, which in turn causes fatigue, blurry vision, and even frequent headaches. You may benefit from wearing eyeglasses with special lenses to reduce eyestrain.
Headaches as a Symptom of Sight-Threatening Conditions
Unfortunately, sometimes experiencing headaches can be a symptom of more serious eye diseases which can lead to vision loss. Headaches can be a symptom of glaucoma, as this disease is characterized by a buildup of pressure against the optic nerve. Cataracts can also cause headaches.
Schedule Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams
Detecting a visual problem is hard for us to recognize on our own. If you haven’t found an explanation for getting frequent headaches, consider scheduling an appointment for a comprehensive eye exam at Accent Vision Care in Gonzales, LA today!
