Can Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?

Dry Eye Disease (DED) affects a significant portion of the Canadian population, with about 21.3% of people estimated to be experiencing DED. The condition becomes more common with age, peaking between 55–64 years old. Women are also more likely to experience dry eyes compared to men.  But can dry eyes cause a headache? A lot of people believe dry eyes cause headaches; and though the science is not crystal clear, there does seem to be correlation between dry eyes and headaches in some situations. This blog explores the relationship between these two conditions, common triggers, symptoms, and effective ways to prevent and manage them.

Do Dry Eyes Cause Headaches?

📖 What is Dry Eye Disease (DED)? DED occurs when your eyes don’t receive adequate lubrication due to insufficient or poor-quality tears. This tear imbalance can cause inflammation and damage to the surface of your eyes.

There’s a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between dry eyes and headaches, but it’s not always clear which one causes the other. Some research indicates that people suffering from dry eyes might be more prone to headaches, while in other cases, headaches could be contributing to the onset of dry eyes.  The relationship between these two conditions might even be bidirectional, with each influencing the other. Studies have found a noticeable connection between dry eyes and migraine headaches. For example, a 2017 study involving 14,329 adults revealed that 14.4% of those with migraines also reported having dry eyes, compared to just 8.2% of those without migraines.  Similarly, a 2019 study with a much larger sample size of 72,969 participants discovered that people with migraine headaches were 1.42 times more likely to be diagnosed with dry eye disease compared to those who didn’t suffer from migraines. Although these studies confirm a significant correlation, it’s important to note that they do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Researchers have yet to determine whether migraines cause dry eyes, if dry eyes trigger migraines, or if a third factor is responsible for the connection.

Potential Dry Eye and Headache Causes

Other possible links between dry eyes and headaches could be associated with:

• Eye strain – Can lead to both dry eyes and headaches, often due to focusing on a single task for long periods.
• Prolonged screen time – Staring at screens can reduce blinking, contributing to dry eyes and triggering headaches.
• Light exposure – Bright lights, glare, or sensitivity to light can aggravate both dry eyes and headache symptoms.
• Sjörgen’s disease – An autoimmune condition that affects tear production, causing dry eyes, joint pain, and headaches.
• Cluster headaches – Severe pain around or behind the eyes that might be confused with, or worsened by, dry eyes.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

Common symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Frequent blinking
• Tearing up or watery eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurry vision
• Eye fatigue
• Pain or a burning sensation in the eyes
• Pressure in the eyes
• Feeling like there’s something stuck in your eyes

When it comes to headaches, the timing of dry eye symptoms can vary. You might experience a headache before your eyes feel dry, at the same time your eyes start feeling dry, or even after having dry eyes for a while. Headaches typically cause pain in the head, but they can also lead to eye-related issues. For example, migraines can trigger light sensitivity or cause unusual visual disturbances.  Similarly, cluster headaches can produce a sharp, stabbing pain behind one eye, which could be mistaken for—or worsened by—dry eyes.

Potential Reasons for Your Dry Eyes

Dry eyes occur when your eyes can’t regulate tears effectively. This could happen because your tears are evaporating or draining too quickly, or your eyes aren’t producing enough tears. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing dry eyes, according to the National Eye Institute: Age – Being 50 years or older. Environmental conditions – Living in dry, low-moisture areas, or being in smoky, sunny, or windy environments. Exposure to irritants – Pollen, pollution, and other irritants can worsen dry eye symptoms. Screen time – Spending excessive time in front of electronic screens can reduce blinking, leading to dry eyes. Underlying health conditions – Certain conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders, and glaucoma can cause or exacerbate dry eyes. If your dry eye symptoms persist for more than three weeks, consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan.

Dry Eyes, Runny Nose, and Headache: What’s the Connection?

Experiencing dry eyes, a runny nose, and a headache simultaneously can be frustrating, but these symptoms often share common triggers.  Allergies are one of the primary culprits, as they can cause your body to react to environmental factors like pollen or dust, leading to eye irritation, nasal congestion, and headaches.  Similarly, sinus infections may also present with this combination of symptoms, as the pressure and inflammation in your sinuses can affect your eyes and cause discomfort. In some cases, prolonged exposure to dry, low-moisture environments can dry out your eyes while irritating your nasal passages, causing both a runny nose and headache. 

Here’s How You Can Treat Dry Eyes

Treating dry eyes and associated headaches involves considering various factors, such as the underlying causes, severity of symptoms, other health conditions, and any medications you’re currently taking.

Common Treatment Options for Dry Eyes Causing Headaches

• Visiting a dry eye clinic to have your eyes examined by an eye doctor.
• Over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops might work for some people, but others may need prescription drops.
• Use a humidifier while sleeping, reduce exposure to allergens, and take regular breaks from screen time to help prevent dry eyes.
• Certain contact lenses can help retain more moisture in the eyes.
• Plugging the tear ducts can help tears stay in your eyes longer.
• When other treatments don’t work, surgical options like permanently sealing the tear ducts or placing an amniotic graft on the cornea can reduce dryness.
• Warm compresses and lid scrubs can help ease irritation caused by certain eye conditions, such as blepharitis.

Preventing Dry Eyes and Headaches

Making a few lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of both dry eyes and headaches. Wearing tinted lenses in bright sunlight or using wraparound sunglasses outdoors can protect your eyes from light and environmental irritants. Switching to glasses instead of contact lenses can also reduce dryness and irritation. Inside your home, a humidifier can add moisture to the air, preventing dry eyes, especially during the winter. Limiting screen time and taking regular breaks can reduce eye strain and headache triggers.  Staying hydrated by drinking 8–10 glasses of water daily supports overall eye health, and getting at least 7 hours of quality sleep each night helps your body recover and lowers the chances of developing both conditions.  If these methods don’t seem to impact your dry eye, it could point to an underlying issue. If your dry eye condition persists, reach out to an eye doctor without delay.

Are You Suffering from Dry Eyes? Visit a Dry Eye Clinic

If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, visiting a specialized dry eye clinic can provide relief and long-term solutions. At a dedicated clinic, eye care professionals can perform a thorough assessment, determine the underlying cause of your dry eyes, and recommend tailored treatment options.  At Stellar Integrated Eye Care, we offer state-of-the-art facilities and minimal wait times, helping you manage dry eye disease effectively and restore your eye health. Don’t wait—consult with a specialist to get the care you deserve.