Headache, Migraine & the Eye

Headache is a symptom of many health ailments that causes discomfort on the head and around the neck.

Most headaches are not serious and are easily resolved by resting and with mild painkillers.

Persistent headaches however can be a cause of an underlying issue.

Any symptoms of headaches lasting longer than 2 weeks should be investigated. The 2 week time period enables any pattern and triggers to be ascertained.

The main causes of headaches are:

~ Fatigue

~ Stress

~ Sinus inflammation

~ High blood pressure

~ Muco-Skeletal conditions

GPs normally recommend patients to have an eye exam when they present with headaches.

The most common eye related headache is Eyestrain. It is caused by visual tasks involving concentration such as near vision and screen work.

These headaches occur as a dull ache across the front part of the head lasting until any ongoing task is stopped.

Other eye related headache is normally vision related caused by Myopia (short/near-sightedness), Hypermetropia (long/far sightedness), Astigmatism and Presbyopia,

Read ‘The Handover’ article to read more about these vision issues.

There are eye conditions where headaches is a symptom. These are:

Glaucoma – Often no symptoms and is normally detected during eye exam. Brow or eye ache may present.

Uveitis – Inflammation on the ‘middle’ part of the eye. Headache occurs over the affected eye, intensity increases under bright conditions. Wearing sunglasses is recommended for comfort.

Episcleritis – Inflammation of the ‘white’ part of the eye, dull ache symptoms may occur over the affected eye.

Migraine

A neurological headache which is localised with heavy ache sensation. The affected area can feel sore on touch.

Occasionally it may start as a visual disturbance starting off as a ball of light in the central vision leading to either zig-zag flashes or bright patch affecting vision.

Visual disturbance is fairly common and doesn’t always lead to a headache. This is known as either ocular or visual migraine.

It normally occurs at a time of stress, tiredness and lack of sleep. If it is occurring frequently, it must be investigated further by your GP.

Treatment for Headaches and Migraine

~ rest, plenty of sleep

~painkillers, Paracetamol is very effective for common headaches. For intense headaches or migraine,Co-codamol or Ibuprofen is recommended.

~ for eye related headaches – carry out what is recommended by your Optometrist. Simply wearing specs can resolve headaches completely.

~ read ‘Your Eye Health’ article.

Any questions? Please get in touch.