Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches? The Connection Between Dry Eye and Migraine

Can Dry Eyes Give You a Headache?

Dry eye is a common condition that can cause irritation, stinging, and discomfort in the eyes. Many people with chronic dry eye experience headaches or migraine symptoms as well. But can dry eyes directly lead to headaches? There is some evidence that the two conditions may be connected.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leaves the eyes uncomfortably dry and prone to problems. Some common causes include:

• Aging
• Medications
• Environmental factors like wind or air conditioning
• Staring at digital screens
• Wearing contact lenses
• Inflammation or diseases like arthritis
• Surgeries like LASIK

Dry eyes can range from mildly irritating to severely painful and vision-disrupting. Symptoms may include stinging, burning, watery eyes, eye fatigue, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light.

Can Dry Eyes Directly Cause Headaches?

For many years, doctors believed that dry eye could not directly cause headaches. However, newer research shows there may in fact be a link between dry eye and headache pain.

One way dry eyes may lead to headaches is through the trigeminal nerve. This is the main sensory nerve supplying the face and eyes. Chronic dry eye can cause inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, which may then trigger migraine-like pain.

In addition, studies show that people with dry eye have more widespread hypersensitivity throughout the trigeminal system. Their trigeminal nerves are more easily activated by stimuli that normally wouldnt cause pain. This center of hypersensitivity stemming from dry eye could potentially amplify pain signals and cause headaches.

The connection may also work the other way around. There is some evidence that people who suffer from migraines are more prone to developing dry eye. This suggests the two conditions may be linked and risk factors for one could predispose people to the other.

Headache Locations and Types

Headaches caused by dry eyes are most likely to occur around the temple area and eye socket. This is because the trigeminal nerves that serve the eyes also innervate these areas of the face.

The type of headache pain may feel similar to migraine or other primary headache disorders like cluster headaches. Symptoms can include throbbing, piercing pain, light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and aura visual disturbances.

However, sometimes the headache associated with dry eyes presents differently. Some people report feeling pressure or tightness around the eyes rather than throbbing pain. The characteristics of the headache can help determine whether dry eyes are contributing to migraine vs just causing localized facial pain.

Other Connections and Overlap

There are some other ways that dry eyes and headaches are linked beyond direct pain pathways:

• Medications - Some migraine medications like topiramate can cause dry eye as a side effect.
• Hormones - Fluctuating estrogen levels in women can trigger both dry eyes and headaches.
• Inflammation - Chronic inflammation present in dry eye may make headaches worse.
• Straining - Eye strain from squinting due to dryness can cause tension headaches.

Additionally, environmental triggers may play a role in both dry eyes and migraine. For example, exposure to harsh lighting, strong smells, and air pollution can initiate symptoms of each.

Treatments and Relief

If dry eyes do seem to be causing or worsening headaches for you, properly managing your dry eye symptoms should help provide relief. Some treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter eye drops - Artificial tear drops can lubricate and soothe dry eyes.
• Warm compresses - Applying a warm, wet cloth to the eyes helps stimulate tear production.
• Humidity - Using a humidifier can prevent eyes from drying out.
• Rest - Taking breaks to close your eyes provides relief from strain.
• Prescription eye drops - Medicated drops treat inflammation and increase tear production for severe cases.
• Omega-3 supplements - Oral omega-3s help fight inflammation systemically.

Avoiding triggers like cigarette smoke and minimizing screen time can also help manage dryness. Properly treating any underlying chronic health issues may improve both dry eyes and headaches.

Of course, be sure to continue with any migraine-specific treatments prescribed by your doctor as well. Preventive medications, pain relievers, anti-nausea medication, and lifestyle changes for migraine should be continued even if addressing your dry eyes.

When to See a Doctor

You should make an appointment with your doctor or an ophthalmologist if:

• Your dry eyes are severe with vision changes and significant light sensitivity
• You experience recurrent headaches localized around the eyes
• Headaches worsen despite using artificial tears and minimizing strain
• Eye drops provide no relief for your dry, irritated eyes

A doctor can pinpoint if dry eyes are directly causing your headaches, or if separate treatment is needed for migraine. They may refer you to a neurologist to help develop a headache treatment plan in addition to managing dry eye.

FAQs About Dry Eyes and Headaches

Why do my eyes hurt when I have a migraine?

Eye pain is very common during migraine attacks. Headaches can cause eye soreness due to overlapping nerves that supply the eyes and head. Dryness or strain from light sensitivity can also make migraine eye pain worse.

Can wearing glasses help headache from dry eyes?

Yes, wearing glasses can provide relief by preventing eyes from drying out. Prescription glasses or over-the-counter reading glasses help seal in moisture. Glasses also reduce squinting that can cause strain headaches.

Does fixing your dry eyes cure headache?

For some people, managing dry eyes can significantly improve headache pain that's linked to eye irritation. But others may have an underlying headache condition like migraine that requires additional treatment beyond fixing dryness.

Should you see an optometrist or ophthalmologist for dry eyes?

Start with your optometrist if you have minor dry eye issues. They can recommend eye drops and other basic treatment. See an ophthalmologist if you have severe dryness causing vision changes or headaches to address any eye disease.

Can lack of sleep cause dry eyes and headache?

Yes, lack of sleep is a common trigger for both dry eye and headaches. Fatigue reduces tear production and makes eyes drier. Poor sleep also activates headache pain pathways in the brain. Rest is essential for reducing dryness and headaches.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.