Munich, November 2024 – Headaches can also come from the eyes. “Given the general increase in screen use, this is now often the case,” says Professor Dr. med. Wolf Lagrèze from the German Ophthalmological Society eV (DOG). The DOG expert explains what helps against the so-called computer vision syndrome, why progressive glasses on the computer are not always a good idea and what other eye problems trigger headaches.
The intensive use of digital screen devices presents our eyes with new challenges – for example, prolonged computer use can trigger Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS). “Studies indicate that one in two people who use computers and smartphones intensively suffer from CVS,” says Lagrèze, who works as head of the neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus treatment section at the Freiburg University Eye Clinic. The main symptoms of CVS also include headaches and burning eyes, which result from chronic poor posture and irritated eyes.
Conscious blinking and regular ventilation
“We control the cursor on the computer with the mouse,” explains the Freiburg ophthalmologist. “So that we can coordinate the movements well, the blinking frequency unconsciously decreases.” The result: the eyes are no longer well moistened with tear fluid, the tear film becomes unstable and the eyes begin to burn. “Over time it sometimes becomes a pain in the head,” says Lagrèze. He recommends taking frequent breaks from the computer, looking into the distance every few minutes and consciously blinking or even closing your eyes for a few seconds. “It is also beneficial for the eyes to heat less and ventilate regularly to keep the air more humid,” advises the DOG expert.
Progressive lenses promote poor posture
Anyone who is approaching the age of 50 and notices that they have headaches in front of the computer should first think about presbyopia, which makes it difficult to see up close and thus leads to fatigue and a feeling of pressure in the head. “Close-up glasses can help, but this step is often delayed,” says Lagrèze. Progressive lenses with a close-up lens also help against presbyopia, but at the same time they can also trigger headaches. “We sit as if frozen and no longer move our heads and spines in order to capture the best sharpness on the screen with the progressive lenses,” explains Lagrèze. This leads to poor posture, which promotes headaches. “The solution is to have extra computer glasses made, such as monofocal glasses for a viewing distance of around 80 centimeters,” says the DOG expert.
Incorrect visual aids trigger headaches
In general, ametropia is a common cause of eye-related headaches. “If nearsightedness or farsightedness is not recognized or corrected, we strain our eyes,” explains Lagrèze. “As a reaction, a headache sets in in the evening.” This also applies if glasses or contact lenses are not the right strength or if there is a “hidden” squint that is compensated for by increased eye muscle work. “We use vision tests and eye examinations to find the cause and adjust the visual aids correctly,” says Lagrèze. The headaches then usually disappear.
Eye problems as a trigger
In addition, headaches can also be caused by eye diseases that arise from the cornea, the conjunctiva, the eye socket or the sclera and iris – in extreme cases, severe headaches are the result of an acute glaucoma attack, an ophthalmological emergency, or giant cell arteritis. “However, such eye problems are rarely the cause of headaches,” reassures Lagrèze. Much more commonly, over 90 percent of all cases are tension headaches or migraines. “In any case, it is advisable to see an ophthalmologist if you have a chronic headache,” advises the DOG expert.
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