Can dry eyes cause headaches?

If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated, and you also experience frequent headaches, the two symptoms may be more closely linked than you think. Many people assume headaches are caused by stress, dehydration, or too much screen time. But in reality, dry eyes can also contribute to headaches, eye strain, and general discomfort.

In this post, we’ll explore how and why dry eyes can trigger headaches, what signs to look for, and what you can do to find relief. At My Eye Clinic in Gosforth, our goal is to help you understand your symptoms and take steps toward clearer, more comfortable vision.

What is dry eye disease?

Dry eye disease (DED) occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly. Healthy tears are made up of water, oil, and mucus, each playing a role in keeping your eye surface smooth, clear, and protected.

When the balance of these components is off, the eye’s surface becomes irritated and inflamed. This leads to classic dry eye symptoms such as burning, redness, watering, and a sensation of grittiness, but it can also set the stage for headaches and fatigue.

Dry eye can be caused by many factors, including:

• Extended screen time and reduced blinking
• Age-related changes
• Contact lens wear
• Certain medications (like antihistamines or antidepressants)
• Hormonal changes, especially during menopause
• Environmental factors (dry air, wind, air conditioning)

How dry eyes can lead to headaches

It may not seem obvious that a problem with your tear film could cause head pain, but when you look closer, the connection makes sense.

1. Eye strain and muscle fatigue

When your eyes are dry, they struggle to maintain clear and comfortable focus. You may blink more often or squint to see clearly, especially when reading or using digital devices. Over time, the small muscles around your eyes work harder to compensate, leading to eye strain, a common trigger for tension-type headaches.

You might notice your headache develops behind the eyes, across the forehead, or at your temples, especially after long periods of visual concentration.

2. Nerve stimulation and ocular surface irritation

The front surface of your eye (the cornea) contains some of the densest nerve endings in the body. When the tear film is unstable or the surface becomes inflamed, these nerve endings send continuous distress signals to the brain. This persistent low-level stimulation can contribute to discomfort and even referred pain that manifests as a headache.

Chronic dry eye inflammation can also make your eyes more sensitive to light (photophobia), another factor that can intensify headache symptoms.

3. Blurred vision and visual stress

Dry eyes often cause intermittent blurring that fluctuates throughout the day. When your vision keeps shifting in and out of focus, your brain works overtime to process inconsistent visual input, leading to visual fatigue and headache.

If you spend long hours on screens, this effect can be amplified. Studies have shown that digital device use reduces blink rate by nearly 60%, allowing tears to evaporate faster and increasing strain on the visual system.

4. Poor sleep

Discomfort from dry eyes can make it difficult to relax or get quality sleep, especially if your eyes feel dry at night or upon waking. Poor sleep, in turn, makes headaches more likely, creating a frustrating cycle of fatigue, strain, and pain.

Signs your headache might be linked to dry eyes

If you experience headaches alongside the following symptoms, dry eyes could be part of the problem:

• Grittiness, burning, or stinging sensations
• Red, irritated eyes that feel tired
• Fluctuating or blurry vision
• Light sensitivity
• Watery eyes (a reflex response to dryness)
• Heaviness or pressure around the eyes
• Symptoms that worsen with screen use or in air-conditioned environments

It’s important to note that not all headaches stem from dry eyes, migraine, sinus issues, and other conditions can also play a role. However, if you’re experiencing these symptoms together, a professional eye assessment can help uncover the connection.

Managing dry eyes (and the headaches they cause)

The good news is that dry eye-related headaches are often manageable with the right combination of at-home care and professional treatment.

1. Blink more and take screen breaks

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reset your visual system, encourages blinking, and reduces tear evaporation.

2. Keep your eyes hydrated

Use preservative-free artificial tears to lubricate your eyes throughout the day. Consistent moisture helps maintain a healthy tear film and reduces irritation that can contribute to headaches.

3. Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene

Gently warming your eyelids helps loosen the oils produced by the Meibomian glands, preventing tears from evaporating too quickly. Regular eyelid hygiene can make a significant difference in comfort and clarity.

4. Adjust your environment

• Use a humidifier if your indoor air is dry.
• Avoid direct air flow from fans, heaters, or air conditioning.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and sunlight.

5. Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet

Dehydration can worsen both dry eye and headaches. Drink plenty of water and consider incorporating omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish or flaxseed) to support tear film quality.

6. Professional care

If your symptoms persist, it’s time for a detailed assessment.

Our goal is not only to relieve your dryness, but to improve your overall comfort and reduce related symptoms, including headaches.

When to seek help

You should book an appointment if you:

• Experience recurring headaches after visual tasks
• Notice persistent eye irritation or dryness
• Have blurred or fluctuating vision
• Find relief only temporarily with lubricating drops
• Experience sensitivity to light or difficulty keeping your eyes open

Addressing dry eyes early can prevent worsening discomfort and help you enjoy clear, pain-free vision again.

Ready to find out if dry eyes are behind your blurry vision?

Take our Suitability Self-Test now and see whether you are suitable for treatment at My Eye Clinic in Gosforth.