When a patient experiences headaches specifically during close work, such as reading or using a computer, it is possible that they are suffering from an underlying eye condition.
Do you experience headaches when reading, using the computer, or doing close work? If so, it might be an eye problem causing the issue. In this blog, we will explain the relationship between headaches and eye problems and what you can do to find relief.
If you experience headaches almost exclusively when you use your eyes for close or detailed tasks or for long periods of time, especially when using the computer or phone, it is time to see your eye doctor. We can help you determine the cause of your headaches and provide a solution. If you are looking for an eye doctor, and are not near a Specialty Vision clinic, you might begin your search online by entering “eye doctor near me” or “optometrist near me”.
When a patient presents with a chief complaint of headaches, we will take the time to understand when and under what circumstances the headaches occur. By asking questions and gathering information about the patient's daily activities and headache patterns, we aim to determine the root cause of the headaches.
If the headaches seem to happen randomly and in various situations, it may not be a result of an eye problem. However, if the headaches persist specifically when the patient engages in close work, such as reading, using the computer, or other detailed tasks, it is more likely to be an eye problem. The increased demand on the eyes during these tasks, as compared to activities such as gym class or sleeping, may be causing the headaches.
When a patient experiences headaches specifically during close work, such as reading or using a computer, it is possible that they are suffering from an underlying eye condition. Some common eye conditions that can cause headaches include:
Eye strain: Prolonged use of electronic devices or extended periods of close work can cause eye strain, leading to headaches.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction: When the eyes have trouble working together, they may become strained and overworked, leading to high levels of ocular stress and resulting in physical pain. Some examples of binocular vision problems include eye misalignment and convergence insufficiency.
Refractive Errors: Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, can cause the eyes to work harder to focus, leading to eye strain and headaches.
Presbyopia: As we age, the lens in our eyes loses its ability to adjust to different focus distances, causing headaches and eye strain when reading or doing close work.
Dry eyes: Dry eyes can cause eye irritation and discomfort, leading to headaches.
By identifying the specific eye condition causing the headaches, we can provide an effective treatment plan to alleviate the symptoms and improve the patient's overall eye health.
Binocular Vision Dysfunction is a condition where an individual cannot keep a visual focus on an object with both eyes to create a single image. While headaches are one of the common symptoms that indicate binocular vision problems, especially when they present after near work such as reading, using a computer, or long periods of time on the phone, there are many different symptoms that can arise from binocular vision problems.
The following symptoms result from the failure of the two images from both eyes to combine into one image in the brain:
We understand the importance of accurately diagnosing the underlying cause of your headaches. That's why, during your appointment, we will perform comprehensive eye exams and testing to determine the type of eye problem you may have.
Some of the tests that may be performed include:
Visual Acuity Test: This test measures your ability to see clearly at different distances.
Refraction Test: This test measures the way light is bent when it enters your eye, helping to determine if you have any refractive errors such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
Visual Field Test: This test measures the peripheral vision to determine if there are any blind spots or visual field defects.
Retinal Exam: This test allows our optometrists to examine the back of the eye, including the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels.
Sensorimotor Evaluation: A basic sensorimotor exam evaluates ocular range of motion to determine if the eyes move together in the various cardinal positions of gaze.
If the initial evaluation determines that there is a suspected binocular vision problem then further testing will be done.
Based on the results of these tests, the optometrist will be able to determine the specific eye condition causing your headaches and provide an effective treatment plan. If your eye doctors suspect that your headaches are caused by a binocular vision issue, they will recommend further testing. During a Binocular Vision Assessment, your eye doctor evaluates several aspects of vision, including: