Can dry eyes cause headaches? This is a common question that people with headaches and dry eyes may ask medicalnewstoday Several studies have shown a relationship between dry eyes and headaches, with an association that may go both ways.
Dry eyes may occur more often in people who have headaches, or they may be a cause of headaches Headache disorders may also be a risk factor for developing dry eyes.
A 2017 study of 14,329 adults found that 14.4% of people who experienced migraines reported a diagnosis of dry eyes, compared to 8.2% of those who did not experience a migraine..
Also, 22% of study participants who experienced migraines reported dry eye symptoms, compared to 15.1% of those without a history of migraines..
The study of 72,969 participants found a similar association, and in that study, people who had experienced migraines were 1.42 times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eye disease than those who did not..
However, researchers have not yet found a causal relationship between migraines and dry eyes, meaning that it is unclear whether migraines cause dry eyes, if dry eyes cause migraines, or if another factor explains this association..
People who experience migraines can have a wide range of triggers. For some, eye fatigue or dry eyes may be the trigger..
It is also possible that the complaint may share stimuli, for example, neck pain, exposure to light, migraine treatment, and prolonged periods of time using computers or other screens, which can lead to dry eyes.
Some other possible links between dry eyes and headaches include:
Cluster headache: A cluster headache is a severe headache that usually affects one side of the head. Some people experience pain or stabbing in or just behind the eye, and they may confuse this with dry eyes or think that dry eyes cause pain..
-illness Sjörgen It is an autoimmune condition, which means that it causes the immune system to attack healthy tissues, and it can cause problems with tear production, resulting in dry eyes, and may also cause joint pain and tension, as well as headaches..
Eyestrain: Eyestrain can cause you to feel dry or tired, and some people may attribute this to dry eyes. People with eyestrain may also experience headaches and other types of muscle tension, such as neck pain, especially from sitting in a posture. One will stare at the computer for a long period of time.