Blurred Vision and Headaches: How They’re Connected

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Blurred vision can be caused by many different things, including eyesight issues, head injuries, eye diseases, and even headaches. Blurred vision and headaches are closely connected, and vision changes can also be an early warning sign about another serious medical issue. Vision can become blurred with age and become more noticeable over time while reading or driving. But sudden blurred vision is particularly unsettling. Even with temporary blurred vision, there are major safety concerns involved with this condition. This article will discuss the connection between blurred vision and headaches, answer the question of what causes blurred vision, and suggest treatment options

What Causes Blurred Vision?

A head injury, stroke, low blood sugar, and high blood pressure can all cause the symptom of blurred vision. Also, various eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, can cause the vision to become blurry. People who have astigmatism, peripheral neuropathy, a corneal abrasion, conjunctivitis, or a brain aneurysm can experience this as well. One of the most common symptoms of migraines is blurred vision too.^1,3

Blurred Vision Headache Symptoms

Migraine is the most common type of headache that causes blurred vision. Some doctors use the term “ocular migraine” to describe migraines that have an aura and visual symptoms. Blurry vision followed by headache can occur, and changes in vision can also be an early sign that a migraine is on the way. Migraines with aura are more likely to result in the symptom of blurred vision. Blurred vision followed by headache can occur in one or both eyes, but it’s important to determine whether vision issues are headache-related or due to something else entirely.^1,3

Related Issues to Blurred Vision and Headaches

Along with blurred vision, many headache sufferers also often feel like their eyes are more sensitive to light. This can make the eyes waterier and cause squinting to allow less light to reach the eyes. Another related issue is seeing spots. People with migraines describe seeing spots and various other shapes both before and after migraine episodes peak. Light flashes may also appear during a migraine. With severe migraines, it is even possible to temporarily lose vision due to a migraine or experience diplopia, which is the term to describe double vision.²

Easing and Treating Blurred Vision Headache Symptoms

Vision problems are very serious, and it’s important to always take care to protect the eyes. Oftentimes, temporary blurred vision is minor and does not last long, which leads patients to not seek specific treatment for it. It is a good idea to see an ophthalmologist or primary care physician to diagnose the exact cause of blurred vision and determine whether headaches are to blame. This is why keeping a journal of when headaches occur and at what point vision becomes blurred is very helpful in making a strong connection between the two conditions.^1,3 Vanquish® is indicated for tension headaches. If you have a cluster headache, sinus headache, migraine headache or any other type of headache you may want to consult a doctor.

References for Blurred Vision and Headaches: How They’re Connected