One of the most frequent reasons for medical consultation among the population is headache. We have all suffered from it at some point in our lives and, sometimes, it is accompanied by other types of symptoms that can reveal a more or less serious condition.
In fact, one of the most common symptoms that usually accompanies a headache is eye pain. It is usually located around them or in the back and goes up through the temples to the head. But why does this happen? What is the relationship between headache and eye pain?
Contrary to what we may think, taking medication is not always the solution. We must find the reason why this pain is recurring and know how to stop it.
Likewise, it is important to go to the doctor and/or ophthalmologist (in case the cause is a refractive error) to be able to explain our symptoms and so that they can recommend the best way to combat this ailment.
Headache and eyes: most common causes
Headache accompanied by discomfort in the eyes is usually caused by the following reasons:
Vision problems
If the headache is recurrent, it is possible that it is a vision problem. On occasions, and although we are not aware of it or noticing it, we can have a beginning of myopia or astigmatism in one or both eyes. How is this detected? The best way to detect it is to go to the ophthalmologist so that he is the one who performs the corresponding vision tests and follows us if we need to wear glasses or not. However, a fairly simple technique to find out if there is some kind of vision problem is to cover one eye and look only through the other. If when doing so, you notice that you have to strain your eyes a lot, it means that you have a vision problem. Indeed, in most cases, this headache is caused by the effort that the eye makes when trying to see clearly.
Do not use glasses
In relation to the previous reason, there is another reason that leads us to suffer from headaches and eyes at the same time: having glasses (near or far) and not putting them on. Thus we will be forcing our eyes and we will only increase the tension. Another possible cause is that your graduation has changed, so once again a review with the ophthalmologist is necessary.
Eyestrain
You arrive at the office and start working on the computer, you leave work and look at your mobile, you come home and put on a series… Our eyes are in contact with screens 24 hours a day and that can cause eyestrain. Most of the time, a good relaxation with your eyes closed and a good rest is usually the best remedy.
Strain
Although tension pain is very often located in the muscles of the neck and back, it usually has a reflex that travels up to the head, temples, and eyes. The reason for this tension can be a bad rest, excessive fatigue, stress at work, worries…
To solve it, try to go to a physiotherapist to help you relax the area, as well as find a sport that allows you to relieve tension and remember to stretch whenever you can, specifically that area.
Sinusitis
It is an inflammation of the sinuses of the skull located in the forehead on both sides of the nose, produced by an infection in the nasal passages and whose symptoms, among others, include severe headache and pain around the eyes. If it is this condition, you should consult your doctor about the best way to alleviate it.
Can I prevent it?
A headache like the one we have described in this article is difficult to prevent (stress is not controlled, nor is eyestrain…). However, we can have some habits to be less likely to suffer from it. For example, doing a sport on a regular basis, putting on our glasses if we wear them, removing some hours from the computer and phone a day, avoiding taking too much caffeine, sleeping at least 7 hours a day and eating a healthy and balanced diet to feel good.
As we have mentioned before, the headache can also be accompanied by other types of symptoms. You can take a look at our articles ‘ Headache and fever ‘ or ‘ Headache and nausea ‘.