Dry Eye Headache: What Seniors in Prairie Village Should Know
Prairie Village's weather is known for its muggy summers and dry winters; while you might chalk up your headaches to related seasonal allergies, it could be a condition called dry eye.
Yes, the root causes of those headaches could be your very own eyes.
If you're dealing with an unwanted headache, keep reading to discover the connection between dry eyes and headaches. Learn what causes a dry eye headache, including tips on treatment and prevention.
What Is Dry Eye?
Eyes require a perfect balance of fluids to ensure they stay clear, comfortable, and protected. This fluid is also known as the tear film; it's comprised of oil, water, and mucin. This fluid combination lubricates eyes and washes away debris, contributing to clearer vision.
However, when this balance is disrupted, dry eye may arise.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Several factors can contribute to dry eye conditions in seniors.
The first is insufficient tear production. As people age, the lacrimal glands, which are responsible for producing watery tears, can lose some of their efficiency. This challenge is a natural part of aging.
Next is tear evaporation. Tear film oils prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. Issues with the meibomian glands in the eyelids can lead to oil deficiency; this causes tears to disappear.
Another factor is poor tear quality. If tears lack the fluids needed to effectively lubricate, eyes are left exposed and irritated.
Dry eye is also linked to inflammation of the eye's surface. This inflammation causes discomfort, further exacerbating the condition.
Other contributing factors may include such conditions as arthritis and diabetes. Over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants, as well as prescribed antidepressants and blood pressure medications, may also contribute to dry eye. There are also environmental factors, including:
- Wind
- Dry climates
- Air conditioning
Even prolonged screen time from watching TV or using the computer can reduce one's natural blinking rate, leading to dry eye.
Dry Eye Symptoms All Seniors Should Know
Understand that symptoms can extend beyond feelings of persistent dryness.
You may experience gritty, scratchy, or burning sensations in your eye. You may feel as if something is stuck in your eye. Excessive tears are also a possible early sign of dry eye before the condition worsens.
Increased sensitivity to light is another symptom. Brightly lit environments may start to feel more uncomfortable.
Experiencing blurred or fluctuating vision throughout the day may occur. Eye fatigue, even after a decent sleep, is another symptom to watch.
Together, these symptoms can lead to the next symptom, dry eye headaches.
Understanding Dry Eye Headaches
Are you constantly squinting, straining, or trying to focus your eyes despite blurring? Naturally, your eyes (and eye muscles) would grow fatigued. These are primary headache triggers for seniors with dry eye.
Eyes that aren't adequately lubricated must work harder to maintain focus and comfort. This causes the tiny muscles around the eyes to strain, leading to eye fatigue.
Such sustained muscle strain will inevitably trigger tension headaches. You may experience a dull, aching pain, as if there's a band tightening across your forehead and temples.
The prolonged squinting you may experience from light sensitivity and dry eye can further tire eye muscles, contributing to more frequent headaches.
Your eyes' ciliary muscles are responsible for eye focusing. However, without a sufficient amount of tears, these muscles must work harder to maintain clear vision. This can lead to more dry eye headaches and fatigue.
If you're already prone to headaches and migraines, the irritation and discomfort from a dry eye condition can increase the frequency (and intensity) of existing conditions.
Prolonged screen time can worsen an existing dry eye headache. Since screen time decreases your blinking rate, it disrupts your eyes' natural lubrication process, increasing dryness.
You may also experience localized pain behind the eyes due to strained ocular muscles. Dry eye headaches may worsen with eye movement or by simply bending over; performing any activity that creates further eye strain (or increases pressure) can intensify the headache.
Treatment for Dry Eye and Headaches
The good news is that dry eye headaches can be managed when root causes are addressed. However, you must talk to a doctor who can recommend a professional treatment plan for your dry eye condition and associated headaches.
A medical professional may recommend artificial tears to lubricate your eyes. These eye drops can replenish the tear film and provide immediate relief.
You can buy them as an over-the-counter (OTC) product. Talk to a professional about preservative-free options, especially if preservatives cause eye irritation.
A physician may recommend prescription anti-inflammatory drops to increase natural tear production. A doctor may also suggest steroid drops for short-term relief from severe dry eye inflammation.
Other doctor-recommended treatments may include punctal plugs to block drainage and increase tear production. A doctor may suggest warm compresses for Meibomian gland dysfunction or a clinical procedure to clear blocked glands.
More Tips for Dry Eye Headache Relief
Take regular "eye breaks" to reduce eye strain. This simple change can minimize eye strain during prolonged periods of screen time or reading.
Good senior eye health requires adequate, restorative sleep. Tired eyes are more prone to dryness and strain.
Improve environmental factors at home, starting with a humidifier. Since dry climates can cause dry eye conditions, a humidifier can add much-needed moisture.
Avoid direct airflow from fans, air conditioners, or heaters; these can accelerate tear evaporation. Wear protective eyewear when working outdoors, especially on windy days.
Always consult an eye doctor for more Prairie Village wellness tips.
If you're experiencing persistent headaches from a dry eye condition, talk to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They're trained to diagnose specific causes and the severity. They also rule out other causes, ensuring headaches aren't due to more serious underlying conditions.
Protect Aging Vision from Dry Eye Headaches
Maintaining good eye health is paramount to preserving your independence. It's vital to understand the symptoms of a dry eye headache so that you can talk to a doctor about an appropriate treatment plan.
You can also take proactive steps to ensure independence in the years to come. The compassionate team at Addington Place of Prairie Village is dedicated to the wellness of the senior community. We offer a full-suite senior living experience, from chef-prepared meals to packed social calendars.
Join us today. We can't wait to meet you!