Can Cataract Cause Headaches?

Cataracts have all kinds of side effects, including—possibly—headaches. While this isn’t one of the most common issues, if you’re suffering from unexplained cephalgia (the medical term for a headache) and you’ve either been told you have cataracts or are over 50, then cataracts could be the reason.

The Cataract-Headache Link

• Vision and headaches
• Can cataracts cause headaches and, if so, what can be done about it?

Vision and headaches

Problems with vision can be an underlying cause of headaches. While it’s not one of the most common causes of nagging or severe head pain, there are circumstances where the two are linked.

In general, there are three reasons that you might suffer from vision-related headaches.

1. Eye strain: One of the most common causes is if your eyes are straining for extended periods. This can trigger a headache as a result. Staring at a screen is one of the greatest culprits, as is working in poor light, or having your computer set too brightly.
2. The wrong prescription: If your eyesight has changed since you last had eyeglasses or contacts prescribed, you might be struggling to focus. This can stress the tiny muscles around the eyes, leading to headaches.
3. Eye conditions: Underlying medical conditions, either diagnosed or undiagnosed, can be the culprit. Examples include glaucoma, cataracts, ocular migraines, monocular vision, binocular vision, optic nerve problems, and temporal arteritis, all of which have headaches as a symptom.

Can cataracts cause headaches and, if so, what can be done about it?

The early stages of cataracts don’t usually cause headaches. However, as the condition progresses and vision worsens, some people do report this as a symptom. They usually occur as it becomes more difficult for you to see clearly. This can lead to behaviors, such as:

• Squinting
• Frowning
• Holding the head at an angle 
• Having to hold items close to the face to see

All of these actions cause eye strain—in other words, you overuse the muscles around the eyes, which leads to further muscle tension. 

Eye strain is usually accompanied by one or more additional symptoms, including:

• A gritty feeling
• Watering eyes
• Blurred vision
• Itching eyes
• Eye sensitivity
• A feeling of “heavy” eyes

During the earlier stages of cataracts, your ophthalmologist will treat vision issues with regular eye checks and any necessary alterations to your prescription. Self-care is also important to alleviate any cataract-related headaches or other symptoms.

Try to avoid anything that overly strains the eyes by…

• Taking regular screen breaks: If you’re working on a computer, follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break, and focus on something around 20 feet away.
• Reading in well-lit areas: Avoid straining the eyes to focus on text if the lighting is too dim. Add a reading lamp next to or behind your chair if necessary.
• Wearing prescription lenses: If you’ve been given eyeglasses or contact lenses, use them.
• Using warm/cool packs: You can ease tired eyes with warm or cool compresses. Just take care not to go OTT with the temperature range—your eyes are sensitive organs and will respond to the smallest alterations in heat.
• Using lubricating eye drops: Regular use of high-quality eye drops will help the eyes remain well-lubricated.

Ultimately, the only cure for cataract-related headaches is to have the diseased lens removed. If you’re getting to the stage where headaches are becoming life-affecting, then it’s probably a good sign that you’re approaching the stage where you’re ready for a cataract operation.

Worried about Cataracts, Related Headaches, & Other Symptoms. Contact the Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic

You certainly don’t want to take any chances with your vision, so you’ll naturally demand the very best care. The Modern Cataract Surgery Clinic is a globally-leading facility headed by one of the most experienced ophthalmologists in the world—Dr. Brent Bellotte.

If you have any worries about cataracts, their symptoms, and related treatments, then there’s no better place to entrust your care.

Head to https://www.moderncataractsurgery.com for more information and call today to book a consultation.