Headaches can be incredibly frustrating, especially when they start to become a regular part of your life. If you find yourself reaching for pain relievers more often than you’d like, it might be time to consider a different cause—your eyes. Many adults experience headaches related to vision problems without even realizing it. These types of headaches can be triggered by a range of issues, from digital eye strain to undiagnosed refractive errors.

If you’re living in Lethbridge, Alberta, you’re in luck. Lethbridge Vision Care offers comprehensive eye exams and advanced screening techniques to ensure your vision is sharp and your eye health is on point.

How Vision Problems Cause Headaches

Eye Strain (Asthenopia)

One of the most common causes of vision-related headaches is eye strain, also known as asthenopia. Eye strain occurs when you spend long periods focusing on a task, such as reading, using your phone, or staring at a computer screen. Your eye muscles work hard to maintain focus, and over time, they can become fatigued. This results in tension that often leads to headaches, particularly around the forehead or temples.

As our world becomes increasingly digital, eye strain is becoming more of an issue, particularly for adults who work in office settings or spend hours scrolling through their phones. These headaches can strike during or after periods of intense focus, and they often feel like a dull, aching pain behind the eyes.

Uncorrected Refractive Errors

If you suffer from nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), or astigmatism and don’t wear corrective lenses, your eyes constantly work harder to focus. This extra effort can lead to headaches as your brain and eyes attempt to compensate for the refractive error.

Many people aren’t aware they have a refractive error, especially if it’s mild, but over time, it can lead to persistent headaches, blurry vision, and eye strain. If you notice headaches cropping up after tasks like reading, driving, or working on a computer, it could be a sign that you need corrective lenses.

Binocular Vision Issues

Not all vision problems involve blurriness or difficulty seeing distant objects. Some people suffer from issues with binocular vision, which means their eyes aren’t working together correctly. A typical example is convergence insufficiency, where the eyes struggle to focus on close-up tasks.

When the eyes aren’t aligned properly, the brain has to work overtime to make sense of the visual input. This can lead to headaches, double vision, and even dizziness. Binocular vision problems are often overlooked but can significantly impact quality of life.

Glare and Sensitivity to Light (Photophobia)

If you’re sensitive to bright lights or glare, you might experience headaches when exposed to certain environments. Photophobia—sensitivity to light—can be triggered by things like working in bright office settings, driving at night with oncoming headlights, or spending time in front of a screen.

These headaches are often described as sharp or throbbing, typically located behind the eyes or across the forehead. Reducing exposure to bright lights and wearing lenses with anti-glare protection can help alleviate this discomfort.

Symptoms to Watch For

Not every headache is caused by vision problems, but there are certain signs to watch for that suggest your eyes could be the culprit. These include:

1. Pain Around or Behind the Eyes

If your headaches are concentrated around the eye area, especially after tasks like reading or using your phone, it could be a sign of eye strain. This pain is often dull and achy and tends to worsen as the day progresses.

2. Blurry or Double Vision

Experiencing blurry or double vision alongside headaches clearly indicates something is wrong with your eyes. This could indicate an uncorrected refractive error or a problem with your eye muscles. Either way, it’s important to get it checked out.

3. Frequent Squinting or Eye Fatigue

If you find yourself squinting frequently or feeling fatigued after visual tasks, it’s a sign that your eyes are working too hard. Over time, this extra effort can lead to headaches. Squinting to see objects or text more clearly is often a tell-tale sign that you need an updated prescription for glasses or contacts.

4. Headaches After Screen Time

In today’s digital age, many of us spend hours in front of screens. If you notice that your headaches tend to occur after prolonged periods of screen time, it could be due to digital eye strain. This is especially common for adults who work in office environments or spend time gaming or using social media.

When to Seek Professional Help

So, when should you seek professional help? If your headaches are becoming frequent or severe, it’s always a good idea to consult an eye doctor. Here are some specific scenarios where you should book an appointment with Lethbridge Vision Care:

• Frequent Headaches with Vision Changes: If your headaches are accompanied by blurry vision, double vision, or difficulty focusing, it’s time for a comprehensive eye exam.
• Over-the-Counter Medications Aren’t Helping: If pain relievers aren’t doing the trick, there may be an underlying vision issue causing your headaches.
• Headaches After Specific Activities: If your headaches occur after reading, using a computer, or driving, it could be a sign that you need corrective lenses or that your current prescription needs updating.

How Lethbridge Vision Care Can Help

At Lethbridge Vision Care, we offer various services to help diagnose and treat vision problems that could be causing your headaches. Here’s how we can help:

A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond testing your vision. Our eye doctors will assess the overall health of your eyes, check for refractive errors, and determine whether conditions like astigmatism or binocular vision issues could contribute to your headaches.

We use advanced screening techniques to detect subtle vision problems that might be missed in a standard eye exam. These screenings can identify issues like digital eye strain, convergence insufficiency, or sensitivity to glare—allowing us to tailor treatments to your specific needs.

Living in Lethbridge, Alberta? Your Vision Health Matters

For those living in Lethbridge, it’s important to prioritize your vision health, especially if you’re experiencing frequent headaches. Located near Lethbridge Mall, Lethbridge Vision Care is your go-to eye clinic for all your vision needs. We’re proud to serve the Lethbridge community with comprehensive eye care services that will improve your vision and enhance your quality of life.

Book an Appointment Today

If you’re tired of dealing with headaches and suspect they may be related to your vision, it’s time to take action. Don’t let vision-related headaches impact your daily life. Book an appointment with Lethbridge Vision Care today, and let our team of experts help you find the right solution to your vision problems.