Headaches and Eye Pain: Causes and Prevention Tips

Headache, eye pain, and flashes of light?

Hello, Doctor: Last night, I played on the computer for about 9 hours.
After taking a shower, I didn't dry my hair and continued playing.
Halfway through, I experienced a headache and eye pain.
It was very painful while trying to sleep.
After drying my hair, the pain persisted, and I'm not sure if it was due to my concentration or something else.
I saw flashes of light and had a blurry vision, making it hard to read.
After getting up, I felt fine.
I have myopia of -600 degrees and astigmatism of -300.
When I close my eyes and move them up and down, it usually hurts.
Sometimes, when I stand up suddenly, I feel dizzy and my vision becomes blurry.
What is happening to me? How can I prevent or take care of this?

Wang Shumei, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/11/05

Dr. He Jianxian reply Ophthalmology

It is recommended that you visit an ophthalmologist for a dilated retinal examination.
Based on your description, you may be experiencing migraine with visual aura, which typically alleviates after resting.
It is advised that you avoid prolonged computer use, as this is not a good practice for eye care.

Reply Date: 2018/11/05

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of symptoms that could be linked to prolonged screen time, eye strain, and possibly tension headaches. Let's break down your symptoms and explore potential causes and prevention strategies.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Prolonged Screen Time: Spending long hours on the computer can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms include dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches. The fact that you experienced pain after a long session on the computer suggests that your eyes may not be getting enough rest.

2. Headaches: The headaches you're experiencing could be tension-type headaches, which are often triggered by muscle strain in the neck and shoulders, especially when sitting in a poor posture for extended periods. These headaches can also be exacerbated by stress and fatigue.

3. Visual Disturbances: The "flashing lights" or "zigzag" patterns you mentioned could indicate a visual migraine or aura, which can occur with or without a headache. This is often temporary but can be alarming.

4. Near-sightedness and Astigmatism: With your prescription of -6.00 for myopia and -3.00 for astigmatism, it's crucial to ensure that your glasses or contact lenses are up to date. Poor vision correction can lead to eye strain and headaches.

5. Dizziness and Blurred Vision: The dizziness and blurred vision when standing up quickly could be related to changes in blood pressure or dehydration, especially if you’ve been sitting for long periods.

Prevention Tips
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: To reduce eye strain, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax the eye muscles.

2. Adjust Your Workspace: Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level and about an arm's length away. Use proper lighting to reduce glare on your screen.

3. Take Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks into your routine. Stand up, stretch, and move around every hour to relieve tension in your neck and shoulders.

4. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration can contribute to headaches and dizziness.

5. Use Artificial Tears: If you experience dry eyes, consider using preservative-free artificial tears to keep your eyes moist, especially during long screen sessions.

6. Manage Stress: Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga, or meditation to help reduce stress levels, which can contribute to tension headaches.

7. Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with your eye doctor to ensure your prescription is current and to monitor your eye health.

8. Limit Screen Time: If possible, try to reduce the amount of time spent on screens, especially before bedtime, to improve sleep quality and reduce eye strain.

When to Seek Medical Attention
If your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional. You may need to see an ophthalmologist for a comprehensive eye exam or a neurologist if you continue to experience severe headaches or visual disturbances.

In summary, your symptoms are likely related to prolonged screen time and eye strain, but they can also be influenced by your existing vision issues. By implementing preventive measures and seeking appropriate medical advice, you can manage your symptoms effectively and maintain your eye health.

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