Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that causes discomfort to many people, often resulting in symptoms such as burning, stinging, or irritated eyes. While there is no evidence that dry eye syndrome causes headaches, they frequently share common triggers and causes, so many people experience them simultaneously.
If you spend a lot of time using a computer and experience dry eyes and headaches, a likely cause could be digital eye strain. The interconnectedness of our bodies highlights the importance of discussing your headache and dry eye symptoms with your eye doctor, as we can offer tailored advice for achieving lasting comfort.
The Link Between Dry Eye Syndrome, Headaches, & Digital Eye Strain
While dry eye syndrome doesn’t directly cause headaches, the 2 conditions often co-occur due to a shared contributor: eye strain.
When your eyes feel dry, irritated, or blurry, you might unknowingly squint or increase your blinking rate in an attempt to create clarity and comfort. This extra effort can strain the muscles around your eyes, building tension that creeps outward into your forehead, temples, or even the back of the head, resulting in a tension headache.
Digital screens also reduce your natural blinking rate and expose your eyes to harsh, concentrated light, which can exacerbate eye strain.
What Is Digital Eye Strain?
Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, refers to a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged use of digital screens, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and e-readers. It’s a common issue in today’s digital age, affecting people who spend extended periods staring at screens for work, entertainment, or communication.
Adopting Preventative Measures
The good news is that there are simple lifestyle habits you can adopt to reduce dry eye and avoid the tension headaches that follow.
Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a golden guideline for reducing eye strain, especially for those who work on computers or spend long hours looking at screens. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. This simple habit helps your eyes refocus and reduces muscle fatigue.
Remember to Blink
Blinking keeps your eyes lubricated, spreading a fresh layer of tears across the surface of the eye. But when we’re staring at screens, our blink rate dramatically decreases, which can lead to potential dryness and irritation. Consciously remind yourself to blink more often during screen-heavy activities to avoid this effect.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can reduce tear production, causing your eyes to dry out and intensify discomfort. Aim to drink enough water daily to keep not only your body but also your eyes hydrated and healthy.
Over-the-Counter Relief
Your dry eyes may not be the cause of your headache, but consistently dry and irritated eyes can exacerbate existing symptoms. Choosing preservative-free lubricating eye drops can help alleviate and prevent worsening eye strain or headaches.
Long-Term Relief with Advanced Dry Eye Therapies
While lifestyle changes can make a significant difference, they may not fully resolve chronic symptoms for everyone. At West Shore Eye Care, we offer dry eye therapies geared toward long-term relief. Our treatments address the root causes of dryness and help prevent secondary effects like headaches.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
IPL therapy is an effective treatment for dry eye syndrome that uses controlled pulses of light to improve tear quality and reduce inflammation around the eyes. Many patients find relief from both dryness and irritation after completing this therapy.
Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs work by blocking the tear drainage ducts, letting your tears stay on the surface of your eyes longer for enhanced hydration. This minimally invasive solution is ideal for boosting tear retention and relieving discomfort.
LipiFlow
LipiFlow targets issues with the meibomian glands, which are responsible for producing the oil layer of your tears. By gently applying heat and pressure, LipiFlow clears blocked glands, supporting tear film stability and reducing dry eye symptoms.
Prescription Eye Drops
Over-the-counter eye drops may not provide adequate relief for some people. Your eye doctor can prescribe eye drops designed to treat the underlying inflammation and encourage long-term tear production in these situations.
Experience Lasting Relief with West Shore Eye Care
Dry eye syndrome may not directly cause headaches, but its connection through eye strain is hard to ignore. By addressing the underlying issues behind your dry eyes, you can find relief from dryness and prevent the tension headaches that often accompany it.
If you’re ready to take control of your symptoms, our team at West Shore Eye Care is here to help. We approach the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome with modern strategies and technology to provide comfortable treatment and improve your quality of life.
Don’t settle for temporary solutions or live with discomfort any longer. Contact us today to book an appointment and experience long-term relief that allows you to enjoy every moment without distraction.
