There are several factors that causes blurred vision in an individual such as but not limited to eye diseases, eye trauma, head injuries, and even some causes which cause blurry vision along with headaches like raised eye pressure or raised intracranial pressure etc. Headache and blurry vision can be closely linked.
What is Blurry vision?
Blurry vision denotes losing sharpness of vision, because of which patient is unable to see the finer details of the object.
What Causes Blurred Vision?
There are number of reasons to why a person experiences blurry vision. Different eye diseases such as cataract, glaucoma, macular degeneration, peripheral neuropathy, corneal abrasion, eye infection or vitreous haemorrhage etc can lead to blurred vision.. Depending upon the causative factor, blurry vision can occur in one or in both eyes.
Some of these diseases can have other associated symptoms and signs like-
- High blood sugar levels
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Headache
- Photosensitivity
- Irritation
- Red eyes
Further, there are also other conditions, which do not involve our eyes directly like migraine or stroke.
When migraine occurs with aura and visual signs it is designated as “ocular migraine”. Migraine is one of the common forms of headache, which can also be associated with blurred vision. Patients who experience blurry vision in one or both the eyes with headache may also show signs of ear problems.
Several people who suffer from migraine related headache also have another related issue – seeing spots. Even before or after the migraine attack, people complain of seeing spots of different shapes. Light flashes may also appear during a migraine. Sometimes, severe migraines can also cause temporary vision loss and double vision.
Treatment of Ocular Migraine:
It is good idea to consult an eye doctor to ensure that you are not suffering from other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. Diseases like retinal artery spasm, auto-immune diseases, drug abuse etc needs to be ruled out. Ocular migraine symptoms are temporary and subside by themselves after 30 minutes or so. So, in most cases no eye treatment is needed. It is recommended that person should rest while the attack lasts and can take pain killers if associated headache is severe. In rare cases depending on the severity doctor may advise some other medications for the migraine associated with temporary blurry vision or other symptoms like flashes, black spots etc.
In conclusion, blurred vision and headache can occur together. It is recommended to get an eye check-up done and rule out more serious causes of the same.
Causes of headache and eye pain
Headache and eye pain are common issues that can be caused by various underlying conditions. These symptoms may occur separately or together, indicating problems related to vision, neurological issues, or lifestyle factors. Below are some of the most common causes:
- Eye Strain (Asthenopia)
Prolonged screen time, reading in dim light, or excessive close work can cause strain on the eye muscles. Symptoms include headache, burning sensation in the eyes, and difficulty focusing. - Refractive Errors (Vision Problems)
Uncorrected vision issues like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, or presbyopia can cause headaches and eye discomfort. Wearing the wrong prescription glasses or contact lenses can also trigger these symptoms. - Macho Makavu
Lack of adequate moisture in the eyes can lead to irritation, causing headaches and eye pain. Common in people who spend long hours in air-conditioned environments or use digital screens frequently. - Sinus Infections (Sinusitis)
Inflammation of the sinuses causes pressure around the eyes and forehead, leading to headaches and eye pain. Symptoms include congestion, facial tenderness, and a runny nose. - Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Migraines can cause intense headaches along with light sensitivity, nausea, and visual disturbances (auras). Cluster headaches cause severe pain around one eye, often accompanied by redness and tearing. - Glaucoma (Increased Eye Pressure)
A sudden rise in intraocular pressure can lead to eye pain, headaches, nausea, and blurry vision. Requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss. - Tension Headaches
Stress, anxiety, and poor posture can cause tension headaches, leading to pressure in the forehead and eye region. Often occurs due to muscle tightness in the neck and shoulders. - Neuralgia (Nerve-related Pain)
Issues like trigeminal neuralgia or optic neuritis can cause sharp eye pain and headaches. May indicate underlying neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis. - Eye Infections (Conjunctivitis, Uveitis, etc.)
Bacterial or viral infections can cause redness, swelling, light sensitivity, and pain in the eyes. Uveitis (inflammation of the eye’s middle layer) may lead to severe headaches and vision problems. - High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Severe hypertension can cause throbbing headaches and eye pain due to increased pressure in the blood vessels of the eyes and brain.
When to Seek Medical Help?
If headaches and eye pain persist for more than a few days.
If there is blurred vision, nausea, or severe light sensitivity.
If pain is sudden and severe, especially around one eye.
By identifying the underlying cause, proper treatment and lifestyle changes can help prevent and manage headaches and eye pain effectively.
How long can blurred vision last with migraine?
Migraine attacks can sometimes cause visual disturbances, including blurred vision, flashing lights, blind spots, or aura. The duration of blurred vision depends on the type of migraine and individual factors. Here’s a detailed explanation:
- Migraine with Aura (Ocular Migraine)
Blurred vision is commonly associated with migraine aura, which occurs before or during a headache.
Duration: Typically lasts 10 to 60 minutes, but in some cases, it can extend up to an hour or more. - Retinal Migraine (Ophthalmic Migraine)
Involves temporary vision loss or blurry vision in one eye.
Duration: Usually lasts between 10 minutes to an hour, followed by a headache. - Silent Migraine (Acephalgic Migraine)
Causes visual symptoms like blurry vision, light sensitivity, and zigzag lines but without a headache.
Duration: Visual disturbances may last 30 minutes to several hours. - Migraine-related Visual Impairment
Some people experience prolonged blurry vision even after the headache phase.
Duration: Can persist for a few hours to a couple of days in rare cases.
Factors Affecting the Duration of Blurry Vision
Severity of Migraine: More intense migraines may cause longer-lasting visual disturbances.
Triggers: Stress, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal, or hormonal changes can influence the duration.
Medical Conditions: Underlying issues like glaucoma or retinal problems can prolong blurry vision.
When to Seek Medical Attention?
If blurry vision lasts more than 24 hours.
If it occurs without a headache or is accompanied by confusion or slurred speech.
If vision loss becomes permanent or worsens over time.
In most cases, blurred vision due to migraines is temporary and resolves within an hour. However, if it persists, consulting a doctor is essential to rule out other eye or neurological conditions.
What to eat to cure blurred vision?
Blurry vision can be caused by various factors, including nutritional deficiencies, eye strain, aging, and medical conditions like diabetes or dry eyes. A diet rich in essential nutrients can help improve eyesight and prevent further vision problems. Here are some of the best foods to include in your diet for clearer vision:
- Vitamin A-Rich Foods for Sharp Vision
Why it helps: Vitamin A helps maintain a healthy retina and improves night vision.
Best sources: Carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, eggs, and dairy products. - Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Reducing Eye Strain
Why it helps: Omega-3 prevents dry eyes and reduces inflammation that can cause blurry vision.
Best sources: Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. - Vitamin C for Stronger Eye Tissues
Why it helps: It protects the eyes from oxidative damage and reduces the risk of cataracts.
Best sources: Oranges, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi, and tomatoes. - Vitamin E for Preventing Blurry Vision
Why it helps: This antioxidant protects the eye cells from damage and slows vision deterioration.
Best sources: Almonds, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, and avocados. - Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Eye Protection
Why it helps: These antioxidants filter harmful blue light and improve overall eye function.
Best sources: Kale, spinach, corn, eggs, and pumpkin. - Zinc for Clear Vision
Why it helps: Zinc helps transport Vitamin A to the retina and improves night vision.
Best sources: Meat, shellfish, chickpeas, nuts, and dairy products. - Hydrating Foods for Preventing Dry Eyes
Why it helps: Proper hydration prevents dry eyes, which can cause blurry vision.
Best sources: Water, coconut water, cucumber, watermelon, and oranges. - Bilberry and Blueberries for Sharpening Vision
Why it helps: These berries improve blood circulation to the eyes and reduce eye fatigue.
Best sources: Blueberries, bilberries, and blackberries.
Additional Tips for Clearer Vision
Reduce excessive screen time and follow the 20-20-20 rule.
Get enough sleep to avoid eye strain.
Maintain good lighting while reading or working on screens.
Visit an eye doctor regularly to check for underlying issues.
By incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet, you can improve your vision naturally and maintain long-term eye health.
