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Dry eye is a relatively common problem which can cause a range of symptoms, including headaches and migraines.
Dry eye is a common problem which can cause a wide variety of symptoms. Headaches are a symptom which is often associated with vision issues. So where do dry eye and headaches intersect?
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Headaches and dry eye are both conditions which can be caused by a variety of issues. In the case of dry eye it is usually due to reduced tear production or a problem with the quality of tears produced. In the case of headaches, while there are vast numbers of potential causes, anything which affects vision can lead to headaches, as we then have to work harder to see, which can lead to eye strain, which in turn can cause a headache.
Headaches, migraines in particular, are closely linked to dry eye. While it is not completely clear why dry eye and migraines are connected, one possibility is that both conditions can be caused by inflammation. However, there is still research to be done to determine whether dry eye causes headaches or if dry eyes are themselves a symptom of headaches.
A 2015 study has found that the reason some people suffer from frequent migraines may be due to a structural difference in the eye. In the study, researchers found that migraine sufferers in fact have a different ocular structure, and the same study saw that symptoms of dry eye are more prevalent in people who suffer from migraines. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22710496/)
On the other hand, dry eye and headaches can also both be side effects caused by things like medication, and some medications, like isotretinoin (the active ingredient in a popular acne medication), can cause both conditions.
Regardless of whether one does in fact cause the other or not, suffering from both dry eye and headaches can make things extra unpleasant. Some research indicates that migraine attacks can be longer and more severe in people who are also suffering from dry eye.
At the same time, people with migraines are more likely to experience dry eye, and dry eye can lead to a migraine taking on different qualities. In addition to lasting longer, migraines in dry eye sufferers can also come with feelings of nausea and sensory sensitivity, and may cause vomiting.
In addition to inflammation, there are other theories regarding shared mechanisms which can cause both dry eye and headaches.
Trigeminal nerve pathway: The trigeminal nerve is the largest of the 12 cranial nerves, and it supplies nerves to the eyes in addition to playing a role in tear production. Some scientists believe that when this nerve system is activated, migraines can result.
Dry eye, as well, is thought to be a result of an activated trigeminal nerve, since there are dense trigeminal nerve endings in the cornea. In fact an innovative new treatment for dry eye that is based on stimulating the trigeminal nerve was recently approved by the FDA. The FDA approved varenicline nasal spray 0.03 mg (Tyrvaya, Oyster Point Pharma) for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED). According to Marian Macsai, MD, chief medical officer of Oyster Point Pharma “It is the first and only nasal spray approved for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of DED, and it is the first and only pharmacological approach to cholinergic neuro-activation via the trigeminal parasympathetic pathway.”
A recent study has found that people with migraine and dry eye symptoms had much less corneal nerve fiber than others, which further indicates that there is some link between the trigeminal nerve and migraines/dry eye.
Central Sensitization: This is a condition which occurs when the central nervous system becomes overreactive to some stimuli like noise, light, or touch. This can lead to more intense pain along with lower pain tolerance. Central sensitization is also associated with many chronic pain conditions, including migraines, and it may also be present in people with dry eye, and can be the reason people experience eye pain from things like light, wind, or cold.
Genetics: Genetic components have been identified in both dry eye and migraines, and they often run in families. Dry eye syndrome in particular has also been genetically linked to things like chronic pelvic pain, fibromyalgia, and IBS.
Among the other connections between headaches and dry eye, they share two common symptoms.
Anyone who has migraines will be familiar with the eye pain you might feel in, around, or behind the eyes. Dry eye also can cause eye pain, with a grittier, irritated, burning sensation.
Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is eye discomfort or pain when exposed to light. Around 80% of people who suffer from migraines experience photophobia, and most people with dry eye also report this symptom.
There are some other things that dry eye and migraines have in common along with the symptoms mentioned above.
These include:
Shared comorbidities: Both of these conditions are found to be comorbid with fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other conditions with chronic pain.
Somatosensory dysfunction: Somatosensory dysfunction is a faulty response in the way the brain perceives neural impulses. These dysfunctions include hypoesthesia (experiencing less sensation or sensitivity to regular stimuli), hyperalgesia (feeling more pain than normal from anything which causes pain), and allodynia (when one feels pain from something that does not normally cause pain.) This is found in people experiencing both headaches and dry eye.
Females are primarily affected: Dry eye and migraines (along with other chronic pain conditions) are significantly more common among women.
Disconnect between signs and symptoms: While both of these conditions present symptoms, there may not be obvious clinical signs that indicate a direct physical cause of the problems (like structural problems or nerve damage.)
Lower quality of life: Both dry eye and chronic headaches can negatively impact your quality of life, making everyday activities like reading, watching tv, or driving more difficult and uncomfortable.
Dry eyes and headaches (specifically migraines) are often found together, and have many similarities, though one does not necessarily cause the other. If you are experiencing chronic headaches and dry eye, you should see a doctor as soon as possible so you can receive more information on what may be causing them and what can be done to correct the problem. If you are experiencing dry eye or chronic migraines, or have other questions, you can contact Amplify EyeCare Chattanooga at (423) 710 3965 to schedule an appointment for an eye exam. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over Tennessee, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from Hixson, Chattanooga, Cleveland, and Middle Valley.
Vision therapy is well worth the response, time and effort. Our Son had a hard time focusing and writing neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time if previously took. His abilities to focus improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent, we wanted learning to be fun for our Son, and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy is well worth the expense, time and effort. Our son had a hard time focusing handwriting neatly. After vision therapy Seth could complete a task in half the time it previously took his abilities to focus and improved greatly and so did his handwriting.
Also, he was better at listening. As a parent you wanted learning to be fun for our son and vision therapy made this possible.
Vision Therapy has given or son the tools he needs to be able to scan and read the written word more effectively and efficiently.
He love working with John and these working sessions give him the motivation to gladly work on his homework assignments.
It amazed us to see the difference in the tracking of his eyes and along a line of it's from the beginning to the end of the treatment.
Dr. McBryar , Kristen and John are all marvelous and we would recommend them to anyone I only wish that we would have found them sooner!
Prior to coming to the institute for vision development my son complained of daily headaches. Therapy has eliminated his headaches completely. I love knowing my son is able to learn pain-free for the rest of his life because of the work that has been done over just a few weeks in this office. He he absolutely loved coming that didn't even feel like going to a doctor or therapy. We are grateful for the relief he was able to find by coming here.
Thank you!
Seems much less frustrated with life
Reads non-stop and fast
Spelling abilities have been hugely improved
Seems much more confident
Thank You!!!
When we first came to the practice, my son did not have huge issues, but lots of small ones- trouble with reading, sports (hitting the baseball consistently), coordination, etc- that were not easily detectable,but when put together presented issues. The staff here were all very professional and loving towards him. While I was concerned in the reading, my son was concerned with the athletic side. Seeing improvement night off the bat gave him confidence that i have nor seen in him and made him want to not only Come to therapy, but also made him want to work hard. He has surpassed his grade level and above in reading and hit his first home run this year! Thank you!!!
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