Can Eye Strain Cause Migraines?

Many people experience headaches after long hours of screen time or reading, but for some, this discomfort can escalate into a migraine. Eye strain and migraines are often connected, and understanding this link can help you find effective relief.
 

Understanding Eye Strain

Eye strain, or asthenopia, occurs when your eyes are overworked from intense focus over extended periods - such as using digital devices, reading, or driving. Symptoms include:

• Blurred vision

• Dry or watery eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Headaches around the eyes or temples

When these symptoms persist, they can contribute to the onset of migraines, particularly in people already prone to them.
 

How Eye Strain Can Trigger Migraines

Migraines are complex neurological events influenced by several factors, including visual stress. Prolonged visual tasks cause your eye muscles to fatigue, leading to increased tension around the eyes and forehead. In sensitive individuals, this tension - combined with exposure to bright - can trigger or intensify migraine episodes. Blue light from screens is a common culprit. It increases eye fatigue and can disrupt your visual comfort, making your eyes and brain work harder to process light and color.

Light sensitivity, or photophobia, is one of the most common migraine symptoms. For many, even moderate light exposure during a migraine can worsen pain. Addressing this sensitivity is key to preventing and managing migraines caused or worsened by eye strain.
 

Relief with Avulux® Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lenses

At Parkside Eye Care, we offer Avulux® Migraine & Light Sensitivity Lenses in Cary, NC, a breakthrough solution for patients who experience light-triggered migraines. These clinically proven lenses filter specific wavelengths of light that are known to aggravate migraines while allowing soothing, natural light to pass through. Whether you experience frequent migraines or just occasional light-triggered headaches, our Cary optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye exam and help determine if Avulux lenses are right for you.
 

Discover Personalized Solutions for Eye Strain & Migraines

If you’ve been struggling with recurring headaches or migraines after visual activities, eye strain may be a contributing factor. A professional evaluation can help uncover the cause and identify personalized solutions for relief.

Contact Parkside Eye Care to schedule your eye exam and learn more about migraine solutions in Cary, North Carolina. Call (919) 883-9987 to book an appointment today.