Five Signs Your Vision Is Causing Headaches

Headaches can hinder your ability to get things done. If you suffer from frequent headaches, it may indicate that you have a vision problem. At Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center near Birmingham, AL, we always recommend having this symptom checked out because it could indicate a more serious issue. During an appointment, we can determine the underlying reason for your discomfort through comprehensive diagnostic testing. No matter the problem or condition, Dr. Young H. Choi will assess your eyesight and develop the best treatment plan for you. Learn more about your vision concerns here, and contact us to schedule an appointment for your routine eye exam.

What causes vision headaches?

Vision headaches happen for a variety of reasons. Five things that could potentially contribute to headaches are:

1. Eye Strain – One of the most common reasons for a vision induced headache is from eye strain. Eye strain can also create itchiness, sensitivity, blurry vision, weepiness, or heaviness. For many patients, vision headaches happen because of working conditions, like looking at a bright computer screen, working in dim lighting, or staring at a screen for too long. If your job or daily activities require intense focus, we highly recommend using the 20–20–20 rule. Every 20 minutes, patients should take a break for 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away.
2. Ocular Migraines – Different from regular migraines, ocular migraines can temporarily produce flashing lights, blindness, light sensitivity, vomiting, and nausea. Though rare, ocular migraines may lead to permanent vision problems if not treated.
3. Eye Conditions – Patients can suffer from several eye conditions that impact their ability to see well. They can range from mild to severe, such as glaucoma, cataracts, temporal arteritis, or optic nerve problems. In addition to a headache, these conditions can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms. During your exam, please let us know if you experience eye pressure or double vision.
4. Prescription Problems – Sometimes, an incorrect prescription can create a headache. At your eye exam, we check your prescription level and ensure that you have 20/20 vision. A slight change in your vision can make a significant difference. Dr. Choi provides a fitting for contacts or glasses. If preferred, we can also discuss LASIK surgery.
5. Monocular or Binocular Vision – Monocular vision causes patients to rely on or favor one eye. Binocular vision happens because the eyes have difficulty moving together. With either of these conditions, patients may experience depth perception issues.

Reduce your vision concerns

At Young H. Choi, M.D. Eye Surgery Center, we will evaluate your symptoms, eyesight, medical history, and lifestyle choices to create a treatment plan that reduces vision-induced headaches. Depending on your condition or the underlying cause, the treatments may range from a new prescription, changes in your eye habits, or surgery for more severe problems. Dr. Young H. Choi can help you select the best option for you. Please call our office near Birmingham, AL to schedule a consultation. Our group uses the safety guidelines provided by the CDC to ensure each patient has a safe visit. We look forward to helping you see better and live more comfortably.