Your Headache Could Be Caused by Your Eyes

Turkish Ophthalmology Association points out that persistent headaches are most commonly caused by eye disorders, noting that globally, 3% of general headache complaints originate from eye-related issues.

Dr. Şansal Gedik stated that 90% of the global population has experienced headaches at least once, and among these individuals, approximately 3% of patients have headaches stemming from deteriorated eye health. Dr. Gedik emphasized that digital screens, which had to be used for longer periods especially during the pandemic, strain the eyes considerably, and recommended that those suffering from persistent headaches should definitely undergo eye examinations.

Quality of life declining

The Turkish Ophthalmology Association noted that increasing headache complaints among individuals in quarantine during the pandemic could stem from eye diseases, and prepared recommendations that those experiencing persistent headaches should undergo eye examinations and regulate their digital screen consumption time.  

If it lasts longer than 6 months

Dr. Şansal Gedik, Head of Neuro-ophthalmology Unit at the Turkish Ophthalmology Association, recommended that individuals experiencing persistent headaches that have been rapidly increasing during the pandemic and significantly reducing quality of life should undergo eye examinations upon neurologist referral, as these headaches may stem from eye disorders. Noting that 90% of the global population experiences headaches in some form, Dr. Gedik disclosed that among these individuals, 3% of patients have been identified as having headaches caused by deteriorated eye health. Dr. Şansal Gedik noted that headaches fall into two categories—primary and secondary causes—and that while primary headaches reduce quality of life, they resolve with treatment. He stated: "Secondary headaches, which develop due to an underlying disease, can create serious risks depending on the cause of the underlying condition. Headaches beginning in childhood or advanced age, emerging during pregnancy, not responding to treatment, lasting longer than 6 months, occurring in those with an underlying disease, being felt more when lying down or standing up, and accompanied by vomiting should be approached more carefully."

Do not read face-down or in dark environments

Dr. Şansal Gedik added that headaches can generally stem from eye and related disorders in 2-3% of cases, noting that some headaches arising from other underlying causes originate from the eye itself, while others result from different causes but involve effects on the eye and nerves. Gedik continued as follows:   "In a newly onset headache, uncorrected refractive errors from an ophthalmologic perspective, myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, differences in refractive errors between the eyes, eye pressure, dry eye together with computer use habits, reading or work environment lighting should be reviewed.   Contractions of muscles surrounding the eyes that occur during the use of uncorrected or inappropriate glasses can cause headaches. Again, in situations where intraocular pressure is elevated and eye structure is smaller than normal, habits such as reading face-down and in the dark can further increase headaches. In cases where dry eye persists without treatment for extended periods, increased eyelid contractions around the eyes and eye surface problems can cause discomfort around the eyes and headaches.

Pay attention to digital screens

"Moreover, habits of reading and viewing from screens continuously, from close distances, with insufficient resolution and inadequate size have in recent years contributed to both eye strain and increased headaches. Similarly, headaches can occur in situations where lighting is directed directly at the eye, colored lighting not resembling daylight is preferred, and blue screen lighting usage times in the background increase. Particularly during the pandemic, it is known that prolonged screen use on computers and similar devices reduces the eye-blink reflex, leading to dry eye, which triggers and increases eye-related pain and discomfort."