Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common eye condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. Dry eyes can contribute to headaches, especially when the discomfort caused by dryness leads to eye strain.
Insufficient lubrication on the surface of the eyes forces them to work harder to focus, leading to tension in the surrounding muscles, which can trigger headaches. Left untreated, dry eye can also lead to more serious complications, such as chronic eye irritation, increased risk of infection, or even damage to the eye’s surface.
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam can help identify the cause and recommend the right treatment. Professional dry eye therapy is also available to manage symptoms effectively and restore comfort.
What Is Dry Eye?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the quality of your tears is insufficient to keep your eyes’ surfaces properly lubricated. Tears are essential for clear vision, as well as for maintaining the health of your eyes by washing away debris, reducing the risk of infections, and ensuring smooth eye movement.
When the tear film is disrupted, this can lead to discomfort, irritation, and even blurred vision. While dry eye can be a temporary problem, chronic cases often require ongoing management to maintain eye health and comfort.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Several factors contribute to the development of dry eye. Here are the most common causes:
Age & Hormonal Changes
Tear production naturally declines with age, making dry eye more prevalent in adults over 50. Hormonal changes, particularly in women during menopause, can further impact tear production by reducing the amount of oil or water in the tear film.
This decline in natural lubrication often results in chronic dryness and discomfort. While aging is an unavoidable factor in dry eye, managing these changes with proper hydration and treatment can help mitigate symptoms. Regular eye exams can help identify age-related dry eye and ensure it’s treated effectively.
Prolonged Screen Time
Staring at a screen for extended periods can cause digital eye strain. Without regular blinking, the eye’s tear film can evaporate, leaving the eyes dry and uncomfortable. This is why many people experience symptoms of dry eye after long hours of working on a computer or scrolling on a smartphone.
Environmental Factors
Dry climates, windy conditions, and air-conditioned or heated spaces can cause tears to evaporate faster than usual, leaving the eyes without sufficient moisture. For those frequently exposed to these conditions, symptoms of dry eye may become persistent. Additionally, irritants like smoke, dust, or pollen can further exacerbate dryness and irritation.
Medications
Certain medications, such as antihistamines for allergies, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and diuretics, can interfere with tear production as a side effect. These medications may reduce the volume of tears produced or alter the composition of the tear film.
If you suspect your medication is contributing to dry eye, consult your healthcare provider about potential alternatives or supplemental treatments.
Contact Lens Use
Contact lenses can contribute to dry eye by disrupting the natural tear film and absorbing moisture from the eyes. Prolonged wear or improper cleaning can exacerbate dryness, leaving the eyes feeling irritated and fatigued.
Using daily disposable lenses or rewetting drops can help manage symptoms, while those with severe dry eye may benefit from switching to glasses or specialty lenses. Consult an eye care professional to explore the best options for your eye health.
Underlying Health Conditions
Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can directly impact the glands responsible for producing tears, leading to chronic dryness. Diabetes and thyroid disorders may also increase the risk of dry eye by disrupting normal tear function.
Additionally, conditions like rosacea can affect the meibomian glands in the eyelids, reducing the oil layer of the tear film and causing rapid evaporation. Addressing these underlying health issues with your doctor is essential for effectively managing chronic dry eye.
For a thorough evaluation of what might be causing your symptoms, consider eye disease diagnosis and management from an optometrist.
Common Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye symptoms can vary in severity but often include:
- Redness and irritation: The eyes may feel sore and appear bloodshot.
- Burning or stinging sensations: A common sign of insufficient lubrication.
- Blurred vision: Visual clarity may fluctuate, especially after prolonged activities like reading.
- Watery eyes: Dry eye can paradoxically cause excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate.
- Gritty or sandy feeling: Many people describe feeling as though there’s something in their eyes.
- Light sensitivity: Bright lights can cause discomfort and squinting.
If these symptoms persist, they may lead to eye strain, a frequent contributor to headaches. It’scrucial to seek emergency eye care from an optometrist or doctor should self-care not solve your dry eye problem.
How Do Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?
The connection between dry eyes and headaches lies in the strain and discomfort caused by insufficient lubrication. When the eyes are dry, they require extra effort to focus and perform visual tasks, leading to muscle tension and, eventually, headaches.
- Eye strain and muscle fatigue: The constant effort to compensate for dryness can cause fatigue in the muscles around the eyes, temples, and forehead. This tension often results in a dull, aching headache.
- Tension headaches: Prolonged irritation and discomfort from dry eyes can radiate to the surrounding areas, triggering tension headaches characterized by pressure or tightness around the head.
- Migraines: For people prone to migraines, the discomfort caused by dry eyes can act as a trigger. Light sensitivity, a common symptom of dry eye, can exacerbate migraine symptoms.
Nerve stimulation: The cornea is rich in nerve endings. When it becomes dry and irritated, it can send pain signals to the brain, which may manifest as headaches.
Preventing & Managing Dry Eye Symptoms
Addressing dry eye symptoms is important for improving overall eye health. Here are some tips to manage and reduce symptoms:
Hydrate Your Eyes
- Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to keep your eyes moist. Be sure to check the expiry date on any eye drops before use.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Adjust Your Environment
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in dry or heated spaces.
- Reduce exposure to wind or smoke, and wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes.
Take Screen Breaks
Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce screen-related strain.
Evaluate Your Diet
While there are various treatments available for dry eye, there’s also growing evidence that our diet plays a key role in eye health. Omega fatty acids, and vitamins B12, C, E, and A can all contribute to the health of your tear film.
Seek Professional Care
If symptoms persist, consult an optometrist. They can provide in-office dry eye therapy that can often address the root causes of your discomfort. Treatments may include prescription eye drops, punctal plugs to retain moisture, or therapies to improve the quality of your tear film.
Comprehensive Dry Eye Care in South Surrey
At Insight Eyecare, we specialize in diagnosing and managing dry eye to help alleviate symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our approach to dry eye therapy and tailored treatment plans focus on relieving discomfort, preventing complications, and restoring eye health.
If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms or headaches related to eye strain, let us help. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable vision.
