If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for pain relief after a long day at the computer or struggling with frequent headaches, your eyes may be playing a bigger role than you realize. At Clarity Vision in Williamston, North Carolina, we frequently help patients discover the connection between their eyes and persistent head pain. Understanding how your eye health can impact your comfort is the first step toward lasting relief.

Eye Strain (Asthenopia)

Prolonged activities that require intense focus, such as reading, using a computer, or staring at your phone, can lead to eye strain. When your eyes work harder than normal, the muscles around them can become fatigued, resulting in a dull, aching headache - often described as a “pressure” behind the eyes or at the temples.

Uncorrected Vision Problems

If you have an undiagnosed refractive error (such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism), your eyes may strain to bring images into focus. This constant effort can trigger headaches, especially after visual tasks.

Poor-Fitting Glasses or Contact Lenses

Wearing outdated or incorrect prescription lenses can force your eyes to compensate, leading to discomfort and frequent headaches. Even small changes in your vision can make a big difference in how your eyes and your head feel each day.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction

When your eyes don’t work together as a team, your brain struggles to merge the two images into one clear picture. This condition, called binocular vision dysfunction, often causes headaches, dizziness, and even problems with reading or focusing.

Underlying Eye Conditions

Certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma or optic neuritis, can also present with headaches as an early symptom. While less common, these conditions are serious and require prompt medical attention.

Recognizing the Signs

How do you know if your headaches are linked to your eyes? Here are a few signs to watch for:
 

• Headaches that worsen after visual activities

• Pain or discomfort around the eyes

• Blurred or double vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Difficulty focusing or reading for long periods

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a comprehensive eye exam to determine the underlying cause.

What You Can Do

• Take Regular Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Keep Your Prescription Up to Date: Annual eye exams ensure your glasses or contacts are meeting your current needs.

• Adjust Your Environment: Good lighting and proper monitor placement can reduce strain on your eyes.

• Consider Specialized Lenses: For those who experience light sensitivity or migraine-related headaches, Avulux lenses are specially designed to filter out the wavelengths of light that are most likely to trigger discomfort, helping reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches for many patients.

Find Relief from Headaches at Clarity Vision

Headaches can disrupt your daily life and signal underlying vision issues. Addressing eye strain and ensuring your eyes are healthy can make a significant difference in how you feel each day.

If you’re experiencing frequent headaches, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with Clarity Vision to determine the root of the cause and find effective solutions. Visit our office in Williamston, North Carolina, or call (252) 792-2250 to book an appointment today.