|  | Conditions Treatments | Headaches

Headaches Caused by Refractive Error

Refractive errors in the eye are relatively common and are seen in around 20 percent of children examined. An inability to focus clearly on objects, a refractive error may occur for more than one reason. The strain on the eyes from a refractive error is known to cause headaches. This has been the cause of some small controversy as many doctors now think that refractive error is often overdiagnosed as the cause of headaches.

  1. Astigmatism

    • Astigmatism may occur either in childhood or adulthood. It is caused by an abnormal curvature of the cornea which causes the focal point of one eye to be mismatched with the other. Objects both up close and at a distance may appear blurry. Headaches from the strain on the eyes from this condition are quite common. Usually this refractive error and its headaches can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses that correct the imbalance.

    Hyperopia

    • Hyperopia is most commonly called farsightedness. This refractive error is usually caused by the axis of the eyeball being too short. The headaches associated with this refractive error are also the result of too much strain being placed on the eyes from an attempt to correct for the imbalance. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are a relatively easy way to correct for the condition and to eliminate the headaches that are associated with this refractive error.

    Myopia

    • Myopia is most commonly named nearsightedness. It is caused by the eyeball being too long at its access. Myopia is the most common refractive error found in children. The strain on the eyes from this refractive error is also supposed to cause headaches. It is often one of the things looked for if a child has been complaining about chronic headaches. Eyeglasses and contact lenses are effective at both correcting the vision and eliminating headaches.

Headaches - Related Articles