Whether you wear eyeglasses or have never experienced vision correction, it’s likely that you don’t think about the quality of your eyesight on a daily basis.
However, most people experience vision changes over time and although these may be gradual enough to be overlooked, they can cause physical discomfort such as migraines, eye soreness and fatigue.
If you are experiencing regular headaches, it could be a sign of strained eyes or, in certain cases, more serious eye conditions that can only be detected through a comprehensive eye exam.
Learn More: What To Expect During a Calgary Eye Exam
Eyestrain & Headaches - Importance of Routine Eye Exams
Scheduling regular eye exams is important as they can detect a variety of issues that may be causing headaches. In some cases it may be staring at the computer screen for too long or working in an overly bright environment.
Frequent headaches may also be due to eyestrain - when the muscles of your eyes are forced to work harder than normal. This can be caused by a number of ocular conditions such as:
- Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common and usually minor eye condition that causes blurred or distorted vision. It occurs as a result of an irregular-shaped cornea or lens and, if left untreated, can lead to eyestrain, fatigue and headaches.
Diagnosing Astigmatism |
Astigmatism is usually diagnosed after a routine eye exam. It is extremely important to have children’s eyes checked regularly because this condition can go undiagnosed for years and may affect their ability to read or concentrate. |
Treating Astigmatism |
In cases where your vision is significantly affected by astigmatism, eyeglasses or contact lenses can be used to correct it. |
Learn More About Astigmatism >
- Farsightedness
Farsightedness affects the ability to see nearby objects and is caused by the cornea having less curvature.
Children who are farsighted often don’t have obvious issues with their vision at first but, if left untreated, this eye condition can lead to a lazy eye or tired and strained vision.
Diagnosing Farsightedness |
Having an eye exam once every two years is recommended as this can confirm whether or not you are farsighted. |
Treating Farsightedness |
After an eye exam has confirmed you are farsighted, you may be given a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses to correct your vision. |
Learn More About Farsightedness >
- Presbyopia
Presbyopia is an eye condition that occurs naturally due to aging and is a result of the lens becoming hard and inflexible. This lens hardening makes it more difficult to focus, causing sore eyes and headaches.
Diagnosing Presbyopia |
Only a comprehensive eye exam can determine whether or not you have presbyopia, making regular eye check ups as you age very crucial. |
Treating Presbyopia |
There are a number of treatment options available for presbyopia including reading, bifocal, trifocal and progressive eyeglasses as well as contact lenses. |
Learn More About Presbyopia >
Headaches Can Be A Sign Of More Serious Vision Problems
While most headaches aren’t necessarily caused by vision problems, it’s important to have routine eye exams to ensure that there is not a more serious underlying eye condition such as glaucoma or cataracts.
Early detection of glaucoma is possible only through a comprehensive eye test and is extremely important to slow the progression of the disease and prevent potential vision loss. Likewise, proactive cataract management will restore comfort and clarity to your vision.
Learn More
To learn more about how eyeglasses and contact lenses can help correct and protect your vision, contact our clinic today at 430-286-4884.