Headaches can be caused by a multitude of factors: stress, fatigue, dehydration, or even hormonal imbalances. However, one often overlooked factor is visual health. Indeed, vision problems can be a common underlying cause of headaches. But how can vision problems actually trigger headaches, and more importantly, how can they be prevented and treated?

The Link Between Headaches and Vision

Headaches related to vision problems are generally referred to as ophthalmic headaches. This type of pain often occurs after a prolonged period of intense visual concentration. Here are some situations where vision can cause headaches:

1. Eye strain: Spending long hours in front of a screen puts excessive strain on your eyes. This can lead to eye strain, which eventually causes pain in the forehead, temples, or around the eyes.

2. Astigmatism or hyperopia: When the eyes have difficulty focusing on a nearby object or adjusting the sharpness of images, they strain to compensate. This overcompensation can lead to recurring headaches, especially at the end of the day.

3. Uncorrected presbyopia: People aged 40 and over may begin to experience headaches when trying to read up close without proper glasses. This is a sign that near vision is deteriorating and reading glasses are necessary.

4. Poor Visual Posture: Poor posture when using a computer, reading in poor lighting, or an inadequate distance between the eyes and the screen can also create tension in the neck, shoulders, and eyes, which ultimately leads to headaches.

How to Avoid Vision-Related Headaches?

Fortunately, several simple habits can help reduce headaches caused by visual disturbances. Here are some practical tips to avoid them:

1. Have Your Eyes Checked Regularly: It is recommended to see an ophthalmologist at least once a year, especially if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Glasses that don't fit your vision correction properly can worsen eye strain.

2. The 20-20-20 Rule: For people who spend a lot of time in front of a screen, try this rule: every 20 minutes, stare at an object 20 feet (about 6 meters) away for 20 seconds. This allows your eyes to relax and reduce eye strain.

3. Optimize Lighting: Avoid working in an environment that is too dark or too bright. Good lighting, combined with indirect light to reduce glare on screens, can reduce eye strain.

4. Adopt Proper Posture: Make sure your screen is a comfortable distance from your eyes (about 50 to 70 cm), slightly below eye level. This helps reduce pressure on your neck and shoulders, preventing headaches.

5. Stay hydrated: Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, and it can worsen headaches caused by visual disturbances. Drink regularly throughout the day.

How to treat vision-related headaches?

If, despite all precautions, you continue to suffer from vision-related headaches, there are several solutions to relieve the pain:

1. Rest your eyes: In case of acute pain, close your eyes for a few minutes in a dark room. This can relax eye muscles and soothe headaches.

2. Use cold or hot compresses: Applying a cold compress to your forehead or eyes can relieve tension. Alternatively, a warm compress can relax tired eye muscles.

3. Take mild painkillers: If the pain is persistent, medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken for temporary relief. However, it is always advisable to consult a doctor if headaches are frequent.

4. Blue light blocking glasses: If your headaches are often caused by intensive screen use, investing in blue light filtering glasses can help reduce eye strain.

When to see a specialist?

If you experience regular headaches accompanied by visual disturbances such as blurred vision, eye pain, or double vision, it is important to consult an ophthalmologist promptly. They can diagnose an underlying vision problem or refer you to other healthcare professionals if there is any doubt about the cause of the headaches.

Headaches can have many causes, but vision is often an underestimated factor. By paying attention to your eye health, adopting healthy work habits, and regularly consulting an eye care professional, you can greatly reduce the risk of eye strain headaches. Prevention is key, but there are also solutions to relieve these pains when they occur.