Medically Reviewed by: Mark L. Mayo, M.D.
Can Cataracts Cause Headaches?
Cataracts come with a slew of frustrating symptoms, but can cataracts cause headaches?
While it’s very unlikely that your headache stems from cataracts, cataracts can indirectly cause headaches. In these cases, having your cataracts treated by a Houston cataracts specialist may provide some relief from your headaches.
Explore how cataracts can cause headaches, learn more about early signs of cataracts, and discover which eye conditions are the likely culprits behind headaches.
How can cataracts cause headaches?
OK, so how can cataracts cause headaches, even indirectly? Your body often tries to compensate for vision loss due to cataracts. In some cases, it can do so in ways that can create headaches. Specifically, you may squint to improve your focus or, conversely, raise your brows to let in more light. Both of these reactions can create headaches.
Additionally, when your cataracts are bad enough to negatively affect your vision, they may change the efficacy of your glasses, leading to a headache as your eye works harder to see.
Can cataracts cause ocular migraines?
No, cataracts do not cause ocular migraines. Ocular migraines are caused by a reduction in blood flow in the blood vessels of the eye. While ocular migraines may result in blurred vision that’s not entirely dissimilar to the blurred vision caused by cataracts, the blurred vision caused by ocular migraines should subside along with the migraine.
What are the typical cataract symptoms?
Are you concerned that you may have cataracts? If so, you may be wondering, “What is the first sign of cataracts?” Cataract symptoms vary from person-to-person, but you’re more likely to experience any of the following symptoms long before you experience a cataract-induced headache:
- Blurred, cloudy, or double vision
- Difficulty seeing at night
- Fading or yellowing of colors
- Frequent prescription changes
- Halos
- Light sensitivity
Exhibit none of these symptoms? Good! Maintain your good eye health and brush up on how to avoid cataracts.
What eye conditions do cause headaches?
While it’s unlikely that your headaches are caused by cataracts, there are other eye problems that are more likely to induce headaches:
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Eye strain
- Ocular migraines
- Presbyopia (near vision)
Expert Cataract treatment in Houston
Can cataracts cause headaches? While the answer may be “rarely,” that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. The best way to find out if your headaches are caused by cataracts is to visit a professional (especially if you notice that you’re struggling with other cataract symptoms).
The surgeons at Eye Center of Texas provide some of the best cataract treatment in Houston, including treatment for fast-growing cataracts. With over 800,000 successful laser eye surgery procedures for cataracts, there’s no doubt that you’re putting your vision and eye health in capable hands.
Ready to see clearly again? Call Eye Center of Texas 713-797-1010 or request an appointment online today!
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