Can Cataracts Cause Migraines | CanPharm

You might not expect a problem with your eyes to give you a pounding headache, but if you’re dealing with cataracts and frequent migraines, it’s natural to wonder if the two are connected. So, can cataracts cause migraines? The short answer is: not directly, but they can still play a role in triggering discomfort that leads to migraine-like symptoms for some people.

What Are Cataracts and Migraines?

Cataracts happen when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, which can make your vision blurry, dull, or overly sensitive to light. This cloudiness often develops gradually with age, and while it doesn’t typically cause pain, it can strain your visual system in ways that might contribute to headaches over time. If your eyes are constantly working harder to focus, especially in bright light or low-contrast settings, that tension can build up and lead to head pain.

Whether that head pain becomes a full-blown migraine depends on the person. Migraines are a complex neurological condition, often triggered by a combination of things like stress, hormonal changes, poor sleep, and even strain or sensory overload. For people who are already prone to migraines, having untreated cataracts might tip the scale. The constant struggle to focus or adjust to changing light can leave your brain overstimulated, which may set off the chain reaction that leads to a migraine. For people who are already prone to migraines, having untreated cataracts might tip the scale.

One of the more common issues for people with cataracts is light sensitivity, also known as photophobia. Bright sunlight, glare from screens, or headlights at night can be overwhelming and sometimes painful. Since light sensitivity is also a known migraine trigger, it makes sense that the two conditions could overlap. It doesn’t mean the cataract causes the migraine, but it may set the stage for one to occur more easily.

Eye strain is another aspect to consider. When your vision is blurry or inconsistent, your eyes and brain work overtime to compensate. This added effort can lead to tension headaches, which sometimes mimic or trigger migraines. You might not even realize how hard your eyes are working until the discomfort catches up with you.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cataracts and are also dealing with migraines more often than usual, talk to your doctor or ophthalmologist. They can help determine whether your visual changes are contributing to the problem and if cataract surgery might help. Some patients report fewer headaches or less eye strain after their vision improves post-surgery. Clearer vision can reduce the effort your eyes and brain need to make sense of what you're seeing, which may lessen the frequency or intensity of headaches. Even if cataracts aren’t the sole cause, improving your overall visual comfort can make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day well-being.

Takeaway

So, can cataracts cause migraine headaches? Not directly. However, they can certainly add stress to your visual system that may trigger or worsen headache symptoms for some people. The key is knowing your body and staying proactive about both your eye health and your migraine management. Addressing one can sometimes help ease the other.