Experising eye pain can be an incredibly distressing symptom that is usually accompanied by headache. Both eye pain and headache can be weakening and significantly affect daily activities. There are several causes and factors to take into account when trying to understand the relationship between these two symptoms.
The most common cause of eye pain and headache is usually related to eye fatigue. This occurs when the eyes fatigue by excessive use, such as prolonged reading periods or staring electronic screens. In these cases, ocular muscles can get tired and cause discomfort, which can radiate to the surrounding area, causing headache.
Visual fatigue may also be due to an incorrect graduation of glasses or contact lenses, inappropriate lighting or a bad posture during work.
In addition, conditions such as ocular dryness or allergies can also contribute to both eye pain and headache. Ocular dryness occurs when the tear glands do not produce enough tears or their quality is inadequate. This can cause a feeling of sand or ardor in the eyes and potentially trigger a headache.
- On the other hand, allergic reactions can cause inflammation, itching, redness and tear.
- Histamines released during an allergic response can also dilate blood vessels, which increases the pressure in the head and causes headache.
Rarely, eye pain and headache can be indicators of a more serious underlying condition, such as glaucoma or optical neuritis. These diseases require immediate medical attention, since they can cause permanent loss of vision if they are not treated.
Cause | Common symptoms |
---|---|
Ocular voltage | Ocular fatigue, headache |
Dry eyes | Arenilla sensation in the eyes, headache |
Allergies | Ocular inflammation, itching, redness, tearing, headache |
Underlying diseases (for example, glaucoma, optical neuritis) | Ocular pain, headache, possible loss of vision |
- Pain in Eyes and Headache: Causes and Remedies
- The Connection between Eye Strain and Headache
- Common Causes of Eye Pain and Headache
- The Impact of Digital Devices on Eye Discomfort and Headache
- Preventing Eye Strain and Headache: Simple Tips
- When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Pain and Headache
- Treatment Options for Eye Pain and Headache
- Preventing Recurrence of Eye Pain and Headache
Pain in Eyes and Headache: Causes and Remedies
Causes:
- Ocular voltage: spend many hours in front of digital screens, read in low light conditions or concentrate on a specific object during prolonged periods can force eye muscles, which causes oular pain and associated headaches.
- Dry eyes: insufficient production of tears or excessive evaporation of them can cause ocular dryness, causing discomfort, redness and headaches.
- Allergies: allergic reactions to dust, pollen, pet dandruff or certain chemical substances can cause itching, redness and headaches.
Other possible causes are sinusitis, migraines, eye infections, refraction errors and underlying diseases such as hypertension or temporomandibular articulation disorders (ATM). It is crucial to consult a medical professional to obtain adequate diagnosis if these symptoms persist or get worse.
Note: Chronic or intense ocular pain accompanied by sudden changes of vision, nausea, vomiting or fever must be immediately evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Remedies:
- Rest your eyes: Frequent breaks during screen time or close work can provide relief to tense eye muscles. It is recommended to follow rule 20-20-20: every 20 minutes, concentrate on an object located 6 meters away for 20 seconds.
- Apply hot compresses: Place a warm compress (not hot) on closed eyes can help relieve eye pain and relax eye muscles.
- Use eye lubricating drops: drops or ointments of artificial tears can relieve ocular dryness. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate option.
- Avoid allergens: minimize exposure to known allergens and use antihistamine medications or eyelet recommended by a doctor to control symptoms related to allergy.
When to look for medical attention: |
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If the pain in the eyes and the headache: |
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It is important to approach the causes of eye and head pain to obtain adequate treatment and relief. The incorporation of healthy ocular care habits, regular exercise and a balanced diet can also contribute to maintaining good ocular health and reducing the appearance of these discomforts.
Understand the relationship between eye voltage and headache
The Connection between Eye Strain and Headache
There is a close relationship between eye voltage and headache, since ocular tension can contribute directly to the appearance of headaches. When the eyes are overloaded or subjected to prolonged periods of tension, the muscles that surround them fatigue. This muscular fatigue can cause tension headache, characterized by deaf pain in the head, temples and neck. People who frequently suffer from ocular voltage are also more prone to frequent headaches.
Important information:
- Visual fatigue is a frequent cause of headaches.
- Ocular tension is produced by prolonged use or intense concentration in visual tasks.
- The muscles surrounding the eyes can be tired and cause tension headaches.
1 | Prolonged screen use |
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2 | Poor lighting conditions |
3 | Incorrect graduated lenses or no n-corrected vision problems |
4 | Inadequate ergonomic configuration |
Several factors contribute to the appearance of visual fatigue, which in turn increases the probability of headaches. Prolonged screen time, such as the hours working on the computer or moving through smartphones, is one of the main culprits. In addition, poor lighting conditions, incorrect graduated lenses or no n-corrected vision problems, and inappropriate ergonomic configurations can tighten the eyes and cause discomfort.
Common Causes of Eye Pain and Headache
1. 1. Ocular tension: Ocular tension is a frequent cause of both eye pain and headache. This condition occurs when the eyes work in excess and are tired, normally as a result of prolonged exposure to digital screens, read with little light or drive for long periods without making breaks. People who work many hours with computers are especially prone to visual fatigue. The muscles surrounding the eyes can tense and cause discomfort and headaches.
- The most frequent symptoms are
- Eye pain or discomfort
- Headache
- Dry or irritated eyes
Tip: To relieve eye fatigue, it is important to rest regularly from the screen and put into practice the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look something that is 6 meters away for 20 seconds. Every 20 minutes, look something 6 meters away for 20 seconds.
2. Sinusitis: sinusitis, an inflammation of the sinuses, can also cause eye pain and headache. When the paranasal sinuses are inflamed due to an infection or allergy, the pressure can accumulate and affect the surrounding areas, including eyes and head. The pain is usually a deaf pain around the eyes, forehead and cheeks. Other symptoms of sinusitis can be nasal congestion, facial sensitivity and decreased meaning of smell.
- Deaf pain around the eyes, forehead and cheeks
- Headache, which usually gets worse by bowing or lying down
- Nasal congestion and secretion
- Sensitivity or facial pressure
- Decrease in the sense of smell or taste
Tip: The use of saline nasal aerosols or rinses can help relieve the congestion of the paranasal sinuses and relieve ocular and associated head pain.
3. Migraine: migraines are intense and recurring headaches that can be accompanied by pain or eye discomfort. Migraines usually cause intense pulsatile or throbbing pain, usually on one side of the head. Pain can radiate to the eyes and get worse with light or sound. Visual alterations, called “Aura”, can also precede headache and cause temporary changes in vision, such as seeing flashing or Zigzag lines.
- Pulsatile or throbbing pain on one side of the head.
- Ocular pain or discomfort
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Visual alterations or aura
Tip: Identify the trigger and make changes in the lifestyle, such as sleeping regularly and controlling stress, can help reduce the frequency and severity of migraines.
Although eye pain and headache can often attribute to these common causes, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to obtain adequate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, especially if the symptoms persist or get worse.
The Impact of Digital Devices on Eye Discomfort and Headache
Ocular discomfort:
Blurry vision Dry or sandy eyes Eye fatigue Ocular redness
One of the main reasons for the eye discomforts associated with the use of digital devices is the continuous approach and r e-dispute of the eyes on the screen. Unlike printed materials, which have wel l-defined letters and characters, digital screens are composed of pixels that can cause ocular fatigue. In addition, the glow emitted by these devices can contribute to ocular fatigue, causing symptoms such as dryness or sand in the eyes and redness.
Headaches:
Tensional headaches Migraines CEFALAS IN RACIMO
Digital devices can not only cause eye discomfort, but can also be associated with different types of headaches. Although the exact mechanisms are still being studied, it is believed that excessive time in the face of the screen alters visual processes in the brain, which leads to the development of tensional headaches, migraines or headaches in cluster. In addition, prolonged blue exposure emitted by these devices can affect the sleep-vigilia cycle and trigger headaches in susceptible people.
Device | recommendations |
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Smartphone | Use the “night mode” to reduce blue light emissions. Make breaks every 20 minutes and look at distant objects to relax the eye muscles. |
Computer | Place the screen at the eye to avoid forcing the neck and eyes. Adjust the screen configuration to reduce reflexes and use an ant i-reflex screen protector if necessary. |
Tablet | Hold the tablet at eye level to maintain proper posture. Increase font size if necessary to minimize eye strain. |
It is essential to be aware of the potential impact of digital devices on eye discomfort and headaches. Applying recommended strategies, such as taking regular breaks, adjusting screen settings, and maintaining proper posture when using these devices, can help mitigate symptoms and preserve visual well-being.
Preventing Eye Strain and Headache: Simple Tips
1. Practice the 20-20-20 rule: One of the key ways to relieve eye strain is to give your eyes regular breaks. Set a reminder every 20 minutes to look away from the screen and focus on an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This exercise helps reduce fatigue and eye strain caused by continuous screen time.
- Adjust screen position: Make sure your computer or mobile device screen is positioned at a comfortable distance and angle. Ideally, the screen should be at eye level and between 20 and 28 inches away. Adjust the brightness and contrast to reduce glare and make text easier to read.
- Create an eye-friendly environment: Good lighting is essential to reduce eye strain. Avoid direct, strong light, and place your desk or workplace near a window to take advantage of natural light. If this is not possible, use soft, ambient lighting, and consider using a dimmable desk lamp.
- Rest and stretch regularly: It is important to give your eyes and body a rest from prolonged screen time. Every hour, take a 5-10 minute break to stretch and move. Additionally, perform eye exercises such as rolling your eyes, blinking rapidly, or focusing on distant objects to reduce eye strain.
Remember that taking proactive steps to prevent eye strain and headaches is crucial to maintaining good eye health and overall well-being. By incorporating these simple tips into your daily routine, you can minimize the discomfort and long-term effects of prolonged screen time.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Pain and Headache
1. Persistent or severe pain: If you experience persistent or severe eye pain or headache that does not improve with self-care measures, it is advisable to seek medical attention. This may be indicative of a more serious condition, such as glaucoma, migraines, or even an infection. Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
IMPORTANT: Persistent or intense eye pain or head can be a symptom of a serious illness. It is recommended not to ignore these symptoms and seek medical attention.
2. Changes in vision: If eye pain is accompanied by sudden or significant changes in vision, it is essential to go to the doctor. Blurred vision, double vision or partial loss of vision can be indicative of severe eye conditions, such as optical neuritis or retinal detachment. Similarly, if a headache is accompanied by visual alterations such as flashing lights or blind points, a medical evaluation is necessary to rule out conditions such as migraines with Aura or even a transient ischemic accident.
3. Craneoecephalic trauma: If ocular or head pain is a consequence of a cranioecephalic trauma, it is important to seek immediate medical attention, especially if trauma has been serious or has consisted of a fall from a considerable height. Craneoenphalic trauma can cause complications such as brain shocks or internal hemorrhages, which require immediate evaluation and treatment. A healthcare professional may evaluate the scope of the lesion and provide adequate attention.
IMPORTANT: If ocular pain or headache occurs after a head trauma, especially a serious one, seek immediate medical attention, since it could indicate serious complications that must be treated.
Treatment Options for Eye Pain and Headache
1. Ocular rest and care
One of the first steps to control eye and head pain is to provide adequate rest to the eyes. This implies minimizing the time in front of the screen, making regular breaks during prolonged tasks and guaranteeing adequate lighting conditions. In addition, practicing good eye hygiene, such as keeping eyes clean and lubricated, can help relieve discomfort. The use of artificial tears without preservative can provide temporary relief by reducing dryness and irritation.
Tip: Pause every 20 minutes and focus on an object that is at least 6 meters away for 20 seconds (Rule 20-20-20).
2. Analgesic medications
If eye pain and headache persist or get worse, sales analgesics can be used without a medical recipe under the supervision of a healthcare professional. No n-steroidal ant i-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with these symptoms.
- Use the analgesics following the indications of the health professional.
- Avoid exceeding the recommended dose to prevent possible side effects.
- Consult a healthcare professional if the symptoms persist or get worse.
3. Treatment of underlying causes
Ocular pain and headache can be symptoms of various underlying conditions. To effectively treat symptoms, it is essential to identify and treat the underlying cause. Some potential causes are:
Potential causes | Treatment options |
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Ocular voltage | Adjust the shine on the screen, use ergonomic devices and practice rule 20-20-20. |
Dry eyes | Use artificial tears, increase environmental humidity and avoid dry environments. |
Sinusitis | Nasal irrigation, steam inhalation and prescribed medication for sinusitis. |
It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional or an eye care specialist to accurately diagnose the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment approach to eye pain and headaches.
Preventing Recurrence of Eye Pain and Headache
1. Practice ocular exercises regularly: ocular tension is a frequent cause of both eye pain and headaches. Spend many hours in front of the computer screen or perform visually demanding activities can force your eyes and cause discomfort. To counteract it, incorporate regular eye exercises to your day to day. These exercises may include flickering quickly for a few seconds, look away from the screen and concentrate on something far, or gently massage temples with fingers.
Eye exercises help relax the muscles of the eyes, improve blood circulation and relieve ocular tension, reducing the probability of suffering from eye and headaches.
2. Maintain adequate posture and ergonomics: a bad posture and inappropriate ergonomics can contribute to eye and head pain. Make sure your job is correctly configured, with the computer screen at eye level and an ergonomic chair that provides proper support. In addition, avoid beating or forcing the neck while working or using electronic devices, since this can unnecessarily overload your eyes.
- Adjust your job: place the computer screen at the height of the eyes, at a distance between 20 and 26 inches from the face. Use an adjustable chair and desk to guarantee a correct posture.
- Rest regularly: frequent breaks allow the eyes to rest and recover. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look something that is 6 meters away for 20 seconds.
- Correct lighting: Make sure your work space is properly illuminated, with minimal glare. Use curtains or blinds to control the natural light and place the monitor so as to minimize the reflexes.
3. Practice stress control techniques: stress and tension can exacerbate eye and head pain. Incorporating stress control techniques into your daily routine can help you reduce the frequency and severity of these symptoms. Try techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga or dedicate themselves to hobbies and activities that provide joy and relaxation.
Stress control techniques | Description |
---|---|
Deep breathing exercises | Grant in breathing slowly and deeply, inhaling by the nose and exhaling by the mouth. Deep breathing helps reduce stress and favors relaxation. |
Meditation | Look for a quiet place and spend a few minutes to concentrate on your breathing or repeat a reassuring mantra. Meditation helps to quiet the mind and reduce stress levels. |
Yoga | Practice soft yoga postures and stretching to relieve tension and favor relaxation. Yoga combines physical movements with deep breathing and full attention. |
Hobbies and activities | Discover activities that have fun and help you relax. Either painting, reading or spending time outdoors, devoting to hobbies can have a positive impact on your general wel l-being. |
If you incorporate stress control techniques into your daily routine, you can reduce stress levels, which in turn can help you prevent the reappearance of eye pain and head.