Frequent headaches are not only painful and distracting but they could also be a sign of problems with your vision.
If you have frequent headaches without explanation, you should be asking yourself, when was the last time you had an eye test?
Here London based opticians group, Camden Opticians, explain how headaches can often be related to your sight and what this may be.
The importance of an eye test
If you have been experiencing frequent headaches and have not been for an eye test for some time, it is a good idea to make an appointment at your Opticians for a full assessment of your eye health.
Common eye conditions often cause frequent headaches. Your eye care practitioner will be able to assess the health of your eyes, test your vision and determine if you do need a prescription.
For those who already have a prescription and wear glasses or lenses, it may be time for a re-evaluation and a new prescription.
An eye test will allow your Optician to determine if your headaches are sight-related and offer solutions for a headache-free life.
Eye conditions which may cause headaches
There are several eye conditions which your optician will be looking for when assessing your eye health and vision.
These are very likely to cause headaches if left untreated and include common refractive errors such as:
- Astigmatism, this is where the cornea is mis-shaped and causes blurry vision, headaches, and eye strain. Often this will mean you squint in order to focus your vision.
- Hyperopia, or more commonly known as long-sightedness.
- Presbyopia, a condition in which the eye gradually loses the ability to focus on nearby objects. Common in those aged 40+.
Eye strain and headaches
When focusing your eyes on objects or screens for long periods of time, your eye’s muscles and those around the eyes will become tired and sore.
Just like any muscle, after continuous use for long periods of time, the effects are usually aching and tiredness.
Your eyes are no exception and require breaks to avoid the results of eye strain which is very common amongst those who spend working hours sitting at a screen.
Eye strain is linked to headaches and many other symptoms like:
- Sore and tired eyes
- Watery eyes
- Temporary blurred or double vision
- Difficulty concentrating
To avoid eye strain and the potentially distracting headaches this can cause, you should be taking breaks at your computer or mobile phone screen.
Although your headaches will go away after some time, you should follow these simple preventative methods to ensure these eye strain headaches don’t appear during busy workdays when concentration is required.
- Blink often
- Avoid using screens in low light environments.
- Adjust the distance you are sat from your computer screen; your computer screen should be at least 25 inches away from your eyes. Position this so you do not have to strain your neck and shoulders to see.
- Avoid wearing your contact lenses for longer than recommended.
Headaches when wearing glasses
Often Opticians will receive reports of headaches soon after a new prescription has been given or a change in a prescription has been made.
This does not necessarily mean that your prescription is incorrect.
In fact, for your eyes to adjust to the new prescription, the muscles in and around the eye are working differently to get used to the new strength of your lenses.
Which, during the adjustment period, may cause headaches.
Gradually as your eyes conform to the power of the lenses, your headaches will begin to diminish.
However, if your headaches do not improve and continue with your new eyeglasses or contact lenses, it is best to go back to your Optician to let them know you are struggling to adjust.
Your headaches may be a sign of another eye condition, or your prescription may not be correct for your eyes.