A: If you suffer from frequent headaches, it could indeed be caused by your vision. Patients that work on computers for an extended period of time or that work in poor lighting (overly bright or too dim) could suffer from eyestrain, which could develop into a headache. It is important to take a break every hour or so to give your eyes a rest.
Other common eye conditions that could cause headaches include poor uncorrected vision caused from nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. Some patients over 40 might have difficulty seeing up close or reading due to a common condition called presbyopia. This can cause additional eyestrain, which is easily correctable by using reading glasses or bifocals. Headaches can also be caused by more serious eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts.
If you are experiencing frequent headaches, make sure to visit an eye doctor to see if your vision could be the culprit. If you already wear glasses, you may just need your prescription updated. Keep in mind; multiple issues could cause headaches. Some other causes might include dehydration, the flu, panic attacks, the dreaded brain freeze, an alcohol-induced hangover or even serious issues such as a brain tumor, blood clots, carbon monoxide poising, a concussion or stroke. If your vision isn’t to blame, see your primary care physician immediately for an exam.
