Headaches Specialist

What causes headaches?

There are many reasons why you might develop headaches, including problems with your eyes. Eye strain from looking at computers and phone screens is becoming a common trigger for recurring headaches.

Photosensitivity is another cause for eye-related headaches. People who are photosensitive have an extreme reaction to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun and other sources of light. In addition to headaches, photosensitivity can cause skin rashes and sunburns.

Other common causes of headaches include:

• Tension
• Sinus abnormalities
• Hormone imbalance
• Increased eye pressure (from conditions like glaucoma)
  
  

Headache pain can range from mild to severe. They can be occasional or persistent enough to interfere with your quality of life.

How are headaches diagnosed?

If you think your headaches might relate to eye strain or other eye-related issues, Dr. Kalish can perform a comprehensive eye exam to rule out certain conditions like glaucoma. A visual acuity test can also help determine if vision issues are adding to your eye strain.

He might also recommend magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or a computed tomography (CT) scan to identify abnormalities in your sinuses. Blood testing may be necessary if you have a hormone imbalance or other conditions that cause frequent headaches.

Once he understands what’s triggering your headaches, Dr. Kalish customizes a treatment plan to relieve your pain and protect the health of your eyes.

How are headaches treated?

If eye-related conditions are contributing to your headaches, you might benefit from prescription eye drops or pills to reduce pressure in your eye.

Dr. Kalish and his staff can help you choose special coatings on your lenses that reduce glare and UV light to prevent eye strain and headaches that result from photosensitivity.

Getting a new or updated prescription for eyeglasses or contacts can also help ease eye strain. You can select from a variety of popular designer frames and lens styles to improve your vision, so you can stop squinting and straining to see.

You should also make lifestyle changes to reduce eye strain. This might include limiting your time on your computer or phone and taking frequent breaks away from the screen.

If your headaches are occurring more frequently than normal or you can’t treat them with home care, schedule a diagnostic eye evaluation. You can call the office of Paddy Kalish, OD, or book an appointment online today.