Sunday, 2 April 2023

What to know about the relationship between dry eyes and headaches


Dry eyes and headaches can have common triggers and occur together, but there is no evidence that one causes the other. But, if one trigger leads to both dry eye and headaches, identifying and removing it may relieve both.

Can dry eyes cause headaches? This is a common question that people with headaches and dry eyes may ask.

Several studies have shown a correlation between dry eyes and headaches, with a link that might run in both directions.

Dry eyes might occur more oftenTrusted Source in people with headaches, or they might be a headache trigger. Headache disorders may also be a risk factor for dry eyes.

This article explores the symptoms, causes, treatments, and prevention of both dry eyes and headaches, the relationship between dry eyes and headaches, and the research behind this connection.

Symptoms of dry eyes

Some symptoms of dry eyesTrusted Source include:

  • pain or burning in the eye
  • pressure in the eye
  • a sensation that there is something stuck in the eye
  • frequent blinking
  • tearing up
  • sensitivity to light
  • blurry vision
  • eye fatigue

People with headaches may find that the headache appears before the eyes feel dry, around the same time as the eyes start feeling dry, or after a period of dry eyes.

Headaches generally cause head pain, but they may also cause other symptoms, including eye- and vision-related symptoms.

For example, migraine headaches may cause sensitivity to light or unusual visual sensations. Also, cluster headaches can cause a stabbing sensation behind one eye.

A number of studies have found a link between migraine headaches and dry eyes.

For example, a 2017 study of 14,329 adults found that 14.4% of people who experienced migraine headaches reported a dry eye diagnosis, compared with 8.2% who did not experience migraine headaches.

Also, 22% of the participants in the study who experienced migraine headaches reported dry eye symptoms, compared with 15.1% who had no history of migraine headaches.

A 2019 populationTrusted Source study that included 72,969 participants found a similar connection. In that study, people who experienced migraine headaches were 1.42 times more likely to have a diagnosis of dry eye disease than those who did not.

However, researchers have not yet found a causal connection between migraine headaches and dry eyes. This means that it is unclear whether migraine causes dry eyes, if dry eyes cause migraine, or if some other factor explains the connection.

People who experience migraine episodes can have a wide range of triggers. For some, eye strain or dry eyes may be a trigger.

It is also possible that the two complaints share triggers. For example, neck pain and exposure to light are common triggersTrusted Source for migraine headaches. Long periods of time using computers or other screens may also triggerTrusted Source dry eyes.

Some other potential links between dry eyes and headaches include:

  • Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are severe headaches that usually affect one side of the head. Some people experience pain or a stabbing sensation in or just behind the eye. They may confuse this with dry eyes or believe that dry eyes cause the pain.
  • Sjörgen’s disease: Sjörgen’s is an autoimmune condition, which means that it causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. It can cause problems producing tears, leading to dry eyes. It may also cause joint pain and tension, as well as headaches.
  • Eye strain: Eye strain can cause the eyes to feel dry or tired. Some people may attribute this to dry eyes. People with eye strain may also experience headaches and other types of muscle tension, such as neck pain, especially due to sitting in one position and staring at a computer for a long period of time.

  • Dry eyes can happen for many reasonsTrusted Source, including:

    • the use of certain medications, such as antihistamines and antidepressants
    • clogged Meibomian glands, which are the oil glands in the eyelids
    • the use of certain eye drops, such as glaucoma drops
    • irritation from the environment, such as when a person lives in a very dry climate or strains their eyes due to staring at a computer screen
    • recent eye surgery
    • allergies
    • the use of contact lenses
    • exposure to irritants such as perfume and smoke
    • nutritional deficiencies, especially vitamin A deficiency

    Certain factors may increase the risk of dry eyes, including:

    • being older
    • having a medical condition that causes inflammation in or around the eyes, such as blepharitis
    • being female

    Although some people experience dry eyes and headaches at the same time, there is no evidence to suggest that treating one will cure or relieve the other.

    When a single trigger causes both, such as when a person develops a headache after sitting at a desk and staring at a screen all day, removing the trigger may help with both complaints.

    Dry eyes

    Some treatment options for dry eyes include:

    • Using immunomodulators: Some people may find relief from over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops, but others might need prescription drops (immunomodulators), such as Restasis or Cequa.
    • Managing triggers and environmental factors: Using a humidifier during sleep, minimizing contact with allergens, and taking frequent breaks from screen time may help.
    • Trying therapeutic lenses: Certain types of contact lenses can help the eyes retain more moisture.
    • Using tear duct (punctual) plugs: Plugging the tear ducts can help tears stay in the eyes for longer.
    • Undergoing surgery: Various surgeries may help reduce dry eyes when other treatments do not work. For example, a surgeon can permanently seal the tear ducts or place an amniotic graft on the cornea to help with dryness.

    Warm compresses and lid scrubs can ease eye irritation from some eye health conditions, such as blepharitis.

    If home treatments do not work, a doctor may recommend the following optionsTrusted Source:

    • treatment for underlying eye or skin health issues
    • prescription-strength dry eye treatments
    • steroid treatments
    • temporary plugs in the tear ducts to increase the length of time that tears stay in the eyes
    • surgical treatments, such as sealing the tear ducts
    • thermal pulsation
    • intense pulsed light

    Headaches

    Headaches can have many causes. Although most are benignTrusted Source, severe or chronic headaches may warn of a serious medical condition, such as high blood pressure, a stroke, or a neurological condition.

    A doctor can recommend treatments for managing headaches and ensure that a person does not have a serious underlying condition.

    For occasional headaches, a person may wish to try the following:

    • taking an OTC pain reliever
    • drinking plenty of water
    • stretching to relieve tension headaches
    • considering alternative treatmentsTrusted Source, such as massage, chiropractic, or acupuncture for severe or chronic headaches

    It may be possible to prevent headaches and dry eyes by keeping a journal of one’s triggers, then removing or avoiding those triggers.

    For example, a person might find that dehydration and eye strain trigger both headaches and dry eyes.

    To prevent headachesTrusted Source, a person can also try:

    • asking a doctor about headache prevention medication if they have chronic migraine headaches or other severe headaches
    • exercising regularly, which may improve general headache symptoms and reduce the pain of tension headaches
    • taking frequent stretching breaks when working in an awkward position or in front of a computer
    • developing strategies for managing stress

    To prevent dry eyes, a person can also try:

    • taking frequent breaks when working and blinking regularly when staring at a screen
    • using a humidifier to make the air less dry
    • asking a doctor about a fatty acid supplement
    • drinking plenty of water
    • minimizing time spent in very dry environments
    • not allowing air to blow into the eyes, such as by not sitting in front of a fan or heater

    • Most headaches go away on their own, with or without treatment.

      Migraine headaches typically last 4–72 hoursTrusted Source. Some headaches, including migraine headaches, can become a chronic condition. If this is the case, a person may experience many episodes each month, especially if they are unable to control or identify their triggers.

      Dry eyes may also come and goTrusted Source, though they tend to get worse when a person is around dry eye triggers, such as dry air.

      The outlook for each complaint is better if a person can identify and address the underlying cause.

      Dry eyes and headaches sometimes occur together, and people with certain types of headaches are more likely to experience dry eyes.

      Despite this, researchers have not established a clear causal relationship between the two.

      People who are experiencing both symptoms should inform a doctor and ask about treatment options for each issue.

    • Source - Medical News Today

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What can cause vision loss in one eye?

 Vision loss can affect one or both eyes. Depending on the cause, a person may experience vision loss with dark, partial, or blurry vision.

Some forms of vision loss are temporary, while others are irreversible. In both cases, people can often take steps to improve or correct their vision.

Vision loss can occur suddenly or gradually over time. The best treatment will depend on the cause.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, vision problems are among the top 10 disabilities in adults, and one of the most prevalent disabilities in children.

This article looks at symptoms and possible causes of vision loss in one eye. It also discusses potential treatments.

Symptoms

“Vision loss” is a term for losing the ability to see properly without requiring some form of intervention, such as glasses.

There are different types of vision loss with various causes:

  • central vision loss, which affects the center of a person’s vision
  • peripheral vision loss, which affects the edges of vision
  • total vision loss
  • night blindness, or trouble seeing in low light
  • blurry, hazy, or out-of-focus vision
  • difficulty seeing shapes or only seeing shadows

Other symptoms may also occur depending on the cause of vision loss.

Migraine

Migraine can often cause visual symptoms known as migraine aura. The typical migraine visual effects involve an area that a person cannot see clearly.

An estimated 25–30% of people with migraine have visual aura symptoms. Auras can occur with or without a headache.

Common visual disturbances include:

  • seeing zig-zag lines
  • tunnel vision
  • vision loss to the left or right side
  • a complete loss of vision

Migraine auras typically last for 10–30 minutes or less than an hour. Some last just a few seconds. Avoiding bright lights and loud sounds and taking migraine medication can ease the symptoms.

Detached retina

A detached retina is when the retina lifts away from the back of the eye. It can cause total or partial loss of vision in the affected eye. When a person has a detached retina, it may appear that something is blocking part of their vision.

A detached retina is serious. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Treatment involves some form of surgery dependent on what a person’s doctor recommends.

Black eye

A black eye occurs as a result of an injury to the eye and can affect a person’s vision.

“A black eye” is a term that refers to bruising around the eye, usually caused by impact to that area. Increased pressure inside the eyeball can occur from any swelling caused by a black eye. This in turn can lead to vision loss.

Corneal abrasion

Sudden vision loss may also result from an injury to the eye. A corneal abrasion is a small scratch on the cornea, which is the clear window at the front of the eye.

Depending on how serious the injury is, corneal abrasions could be temporary or permanent, and treatment may vary accordingly.

Most corneal abrasions heal in 24–72 hours by themselves and without further complications. However, a person should seek medical attention immediately if there is something stuck in the eye.

In some cases, vision loss occurs gradually and can be more difficult to notice. For some people, this relates to aging. In other cases, it may stem from a medical condition.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia, also known as lazy eye, is a type of poor vision that affects just one eye.

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI)Trusted Source, amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in children, affecting up to 3%Trusted Source of them.

A breakdown in how the brain and the eye work together means that the brain does not translate images from one eye, and the child relies more on the other eye.

This causes the vision in the affected eye to worsen over time. Treatment may involve corrective devices, such as glasses, and in some cases, even surgery.

Wearing an eye patch over the stronger eye can help retrain the weaker eye.

Cataracts

A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens of the eye. Cataracts can be unilateral, affecting one eye, or bilateral, where they form in both eyes.

A cataract can make a person’s vision blurry, hazy, or less colorful. It often develops gradually, so many people are not aware that it is developing.

Cataracts are very common. According to the NEITrusted Source, over half of all Americans aged 80 years or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove cataracts.

Eye surgery is the primary treatment for this eye condition.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is the name given to a group of diseases that can damage the optic nerve, located in the back of the eye. Glaucoma may leadTrusted Source to vision loss and blindness.

The symptoms can be so gradual that a person may not know they have glaucoma until they have an eye examination. They may lose vision slowly, beginning with the peripheral vision. Glaucoma can occur in one or both eyes.

In the case of angle-closure glaucoma, the intraocular pressure can go up rapidly and cause pain, nausea, vomiting, or vision loss. Healthcare professionals typically treat it with eye drops. Sometimes, however, a laser or surgical procedure may be necessary.

Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness. Prescription eye drops are the main treatment for glaucoma. By lowering the pressure in the eye, eye drops can prevent further damage to the optic nerve. However, they cannot reverse damage already caused.

A person should seek immediate medical attention if any of the following co-occurs with symptoms of vision loss:

  • severe headache
  • difficulty speaking
  • facial drooping
  • loss of muscle control on one side of the body
  • severe eye pain

These could be signs of a stroke or another serious medical condition.

Typically, vision loss is not a consequence of natural aging of the eye. Vision loss is usually the result of an eye condition, injury to the eye, or both.

Loss of vision is not always permanent. In many cases, people can treat or correct their vision loss.

The American Foundation for the Blind provide some resources to help people manage new vision loss.

Source - Medical News Today

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Saturday, 1 April 2023

What to know about vision loss

 

Vision loss refers to either complete or partial loss of vision. Depending on the cause, it may occur suddenly or gradually over time, and in one or both eyes. Some types of vision loss are temporary or reversible.

Vision loss is relatively common. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, vision problems are among the top 10 disabilities in adults, and one of the most prevalent disabilities in children.

The CDC estimate that 12 million people age 40 or older in the United States have some form of visual impairment, including over 1 million people who are blind.

Experts predict that this number could more than double by 2050 due to the rising rates of diabetes and other chronic diseases in the U.S., along with a rapidly aging population.

There are many possible causes of partial or complete vision loss, including medical conditions, injuries, migraine, and aging.

This article looks at different types of vision loss, the causes of sudden or gradual vision loss, treatments, and coping methods.

Types of vision loss

Vision loss is the term for losing the ability to see properly. There are different types of vision loss, and these can be caused by different diseases or conditions, including:

  • central vision loss, or difficulty seeing things in the center of vision
  • peripheral vision loss, or difficulty seeing things out of the corner of the eyes
  • general vision loss, when a person may not be able to see anything at all
  • night blindness, when a person has trouble seeing in low light
  • blurry or hazy vision, when a person’s vision feels out of focus or like looking through a filter

A person may also find themselves unable to see shapes, or only able to see shadows.

Sudden vision loss is vision loss that occurs over a period of a few seconds or minutes to a few days. It can be caused by a variety of conditions.

Migraine

Many people who have migraine experience visual symptoms, known as migraine aura.

Around 25–30% of people with migraine have visual aura symptoms. For some, this involves seeing zig-zag lines, sparkles, or spots. For others, it involves tunnel vision, a complete loss of vision, or vision loss to the left or right side.

These visual disturbances are often, but not always, accompanied by a headache. They tend to last less than an hour, and typically persist for 10–30 minutes. Some are gone after a few seconds.

Treatment for migraine may involve painkillers and staying in a darkened room, away from bright lights and loud sounds.

Keratitis

Keratitis, or inflammation of the cornea, is a condition that may occur more frequently in people who wear contact lenses than those who do not.

Keratitis can be caused by an infection or injury to the eye. Symptoms include blurred vision, pain, sensitivity to light or vision loss.

This condition is temporary. A doctor will treat it with prescription medication.

Conjunctivitis

Also known as pinkeye, conjunctivitis can cause vision loss. Conjunctivitis is an infection or inflammation of the conjunctiva. It can also cause blurriness, redness, pain, or difficulty seeing.

Conjunctivitis is temporary and usually resolves on its own. For bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops may helpTrusted Source.

Eye strain

If a person stares at a screen for too long they may begin to lose vision and perceive things they are looking at are blurry.

This is usually temporary and can be resolved by taking time away from the screen and allowing the eyes to rest.

Practicing the 20-20-20 rule can help prevent eye strain. That means a person looks away from the screen every 20 minutes, at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds.

Corneal abrasion

Injury to the eye can also cause sudden vision loss. Depending on how serious the injury is, this could be temporary or permanent and treatment may vary accordingly.

People may want to see an eye doctor to assess the severity of the eye injury.

Vision loss is not always sudden. Sometimes it can happen over a long period of time.

Age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that can impact a person’s central vision.

AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people age 50 and olderTrusted Source.

This can occur very gradually or quite rapidly. For many people, they begin to see a blurry area near the center of their vision, which may increase in size over time.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, which is located in the back of a person’s eye.

The symptoms of glaucoma can happen so gradually that a person may not know they have it until they have an eye examination. It can occur in one or both eyes.

Without treatment, glaucoma can eventually cause blindness, beginning with the peripheral vision.

Doctors use a few different types of treatment for glaucoma, including medicines (usually eye drops), laser treatment, and surgery. Treatment cannot reverse damage already caused.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition causing vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes. It affects blood vessels in the retina, which is the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of the eye.

Anyone with any kind of diabetes can get diabetic retinopathy, so it is important that a person with diabetes have regular eye examinations to catch it early.

There are not always noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Treatment may involve medication, laser treatment, or surgery.

In 90% of casesTrusted Source, blindness related to diabetes is preventable. Left untreated, diabetic retinopathy can develop into total and permanent blindness.

Many types of visual impairment are preventable with early diagnosis and quick treatment.

If a person notices that they are losing vision they should book an appointment with their healthcare provider to get it checked out. It could be nothing to worry about, but it is best to get a professional opinion.

If symptoms of vision loss are accompanied by any of the following symptoms, a person should seek immediate medical attention:

  • severe headache
  • difficulty speaking
  • facial drooping
  • loss of muscle control on one side of the body
  • severe eye pain

These could be signs of a stroke or another serious medical condition.

If a person experiences sudden vision lossTrusted Source, it should be treated as a medical emergency, and they should seek medical attention quickly.

To diagnose vision loss, a doctor may conduct an eye examination. They may shine a light in the person’s eyes or ask them to read the letters on a chart to measure their vision.

Diagnosis may also include a neurological examination to test the function of the eyes and brain.

It can be difficult to cope with vision loss, especially if the loss is permanent. There are some things that a person can do to help themselves cope, and there also are some government services that can help.

A healthcare provider can help direct people to the appropriate resources. People may benefit from both physical and emotional support.

The American Foundation for the Blind provide some resources to help people manage new vision loss.

Ways to cope with partial or total vision loss can include:

  • rearranging the home to make it easier to navigate
  • applying for Social Security assistance
  • talking therapy
  • joining a support group
  • learning Braille
  • using a guide dog

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It is not always possible to prevent loss of vision, though people can take steps to look after their eye health.

People can practice good eye healthTrusted Source by taking the following steps:

  • Resting the eyes. Take a break from staring at a screen every 20 minutes to look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
  • Wearing protective eyewear. Wear safety glasses or goggles when carrying out certain activities, like playing certain sports, doing construction work, or doing home repairs.
  • Wearing sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that protect the eyes from 99–100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.

Getting regular eye exams, knowing your risk for eye diseases, eating well, and quitting smoking can also help protect the eyes.

Vision loss can have many causes. Temporary causes include migraine and conjunctivitis. Medical conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy and AMD, can lead to permanent vision loss.

There are often no warning signs or symptoms of eye disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of eye problems are the best ways to keep the eyes healthy, and it is important to seek medical attention if vision loss occurs.

Source - Medical News Today

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