How to Tell if Eye Strain Is Causing Your Headaches
Whether you stare at a computer screen all day to perform your work or you spend countless hours scrolling on your phone, the consequence remains the same – eye strain negatively impacts your eyesight as well as your body, leaving you to suffer from a major headache. A headache is not the only symptom associated with eye strain. In fact, straining your eyes can also lead to dry eyes and light sensitivity.
If you have recently developed headaches that do not go away or you have a long history of headaches, straining your eyes may be the culprit. Thankfully, you can rule out other health issues and determine if your headaches are due to eye strain when you visit an optical center. At an eye clinic, experts can examine your eyes and inform you of any issues.
How to Tell if Eye Strain Is Causing Your Headaches
Even though there can be many reasons why you develop headaches frequently, it is irresponsible to take a pain reliever and go about your day. Frequent headaches can be a sign of a much larger issue.
While headaches can ultimately be inconsequential and come and go, those experiencing daily or even weekly headaches may have an underlying health concern. If you notice your headaches begin around the same time each day, or you have been able to pinpoint common headache episodes after screen time or eye strain, eye strain may be the cause.
Symptoms of a Headache Caused by Eye Strain
Eye strain from looking at digital screens affects 69% of the population. In addition to headaches, those who strain their eyes may experience other health issues.
In fact, the following symptoms are associated with eye strain:
Watery eyes
Neck pain
Difficulty concentrating
Dry eyes
Temporary blurry vision
Sensitivity to light
Problems keeping your eyes open
Shoulder pain
Sore eyes
Temporary double vision
How long an individual stares at a screen or monitor can contribute to the severity of eye strain. Those who stare at screens for hours while playing video games or searching the internet can develop any of the above symptoms. However, the wide range of symptoms can make it difficult to determine if straining your eyes is the cause of your frequent headaches.
The Causes of Eye Strain Headaches
There are a variety of causes for eye strain headaches. While staring at digital screens for prolonged periods of time can definitely cause headaches, it is not the only cause.
Some of the other causes of eye strain headaches include the following:
Squinting for long periods of time
Looking at objects or screens at a close range
Bright lights
Hyperfocusing on one task, such as reading a book or working on a project
Vision problems that require you to have contact lenses or prescription glasses
To prevent headaches and eye strain, consider taking breaks between projects, blinking often, using proper lighting, and avoiding screen use in the dark. Additionally, those who work with screens daily should adjust their screen and place it at least 25 inches from their eyes.
Learn About Your Eye Health Today
If you or a loved one has noticed frequent headaches, especially after a long day of working on a computer or scrolling on the phone, eye strain may be the cause. Before headaches increase and you experience other symptoms, reach out to Aloha Eye to receive an eye exam and discover if there are any health problems based on the quality of your eyes.
Contact us today and speak with one of our knowledgeable team members at our eye care clinic. Our experienced staff can evaluate your eyes and vision, assisting you in obtaining glasses or contacts. Additionally, we provide quality care and can help treat multiple eye conditions.