Headaches are one of the common reason patients are referred to see an Ophthalmologist. The causes of headaches in or around the eye are numerous. They can include such varied conditions as sinusitis, tooth abscess, migraine, hypertension and brain tumor. They also appear as a symptom of chronic anxiety and tension. Of all of the causes of headaches, ocular dysfunction is quite low on the list.
Ocular headaches usually appear after prolonged periods of close work or after performing other tasks that require visual concentration, such as driving or watching movies or television. The pain is mild and is not associated with such symptoms as nausea, vomiting or muscular weakness. It usually is relieved by rest, weekends, vocations and so on. The site of the headache can be virtually anywhere in the cranium but most often the headaches appear in or behind the eyes, around the eyes or in the temporal regions. Commonly the patient with an ocular headache has recently changed activities, thereby becoming bothered by uncorrected refractive errors or disturbances in oculomotor balance. For example, such a patient often has decided to finish a university degree at night, been promoted to a desk job or returned to the workforce. Part of the discomfort may be visual but the factors of anxiety in doing unfamiliar activities, in forced concentration and in learning can be of significance as well.
If you are concerned about any these symptoms related to headaches and your eyes and have not had an eye exam recently, please call Doctor & Associates at 203-227-4113 to schedule an appointment.
