Migraines and Headaches

Migraines and Headaches

Migraines are a complex neurological condition characterized by recurring episodes of moderate to severe head pain. Unlike typical headaches, migraines often involve additional sensory and neurological symptoms that can significantly interfere with daily life. Episodes may last from several hours to multiple days and can vary in intensity and frequency. Migraines are affecting approximately 12% of the population, with women three times more likely to experience them than men.

Common Migraine Symptoms and Triggers

Migraine symptoms extend beyond head pain and may include:

• Throbbing or pulsating headache, often on one side of the head

• Sensitivity to light, sound, or visual movement

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dizziness or a sensation of imbalance

• Visual disturbances such as blurred vision, shimmering lights, or blind spots

• Difficulty concentrating or mental fatigue

• Neck and shoulder tension
  
  

Some individuals experience visual changes before or during a migraine episode, commonly referred to as a visual aura. These symptoms can make reading, screen use, driving, and navigating busy environments especially difficult.

Migraines may be triggered by stress, hormonal changes, sleep disruption, certain foods, environmental stimuli, or prolonged visual demands. In many cases, individuals continue to experience lingering symptoms, such as light sensitivity, dizziness, or eye strain even between migraine episodes.

Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD): An Overlooked Contributor

When migraines persist despite medication or lifestyle adjustments, it is important to consider additional contributing factors, including the role of the visual system. For many individuals, visual system dysfunction plays a significant and often overlooked role. Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) occurs when the eyes do not work together properly, creating visual strain that can contribute to headaches, dizziness, and migraine-like symptoms.

Understanding the connection between migraines, headaches, and binocular vision can help identify underlying causes that routine evaluations may miss.

How BVD Can Contribute to Headaches and Migraine-Like Symptoms

When the visual system is misaligned, the brain receives inconsistent visual input. To correct this, it must constantly adjust eye position and focus. Over time, this visual stress may contribute to symptoms commonly associated with migraines, including Frequent headaches or migraine-like pain, dizziness, balance difficulties, Light sensitivity, Nausea, Difficulty reading or concentrating and Eye strain that worsens throughout the day.

Because these symptoms overlap with migraine symptoms, binocular vision dysfunction may go unrecognized as an underlying contributor.

Why BVD is often Missed and How to diagnose and Manage Binocular Vision Dysfunction

Traditional eye exams focus primarily on visual clarity and eye health. While essential, these exams do not typically evaluate how well the eyes coordinate under real-world visual stress. Subtle alignment issues and eye teaming problems require specialized testing to detect.

Our neurovisual specialist at Focus on Eyes evaluates how the eyes and brain work together through a comprehensive neurovisual (binocular vision) examination. This assessment includes detailed analysis of:

• Eye alignment and coordination

• Focusing ability and visual endurance

• How the eyes respond to visual stress and movement

• The connection between the visual and vestibular systems

• Analysis of how visual input interacts with balance systems

When BVD is identified, treatment is typically non-invasive and individualized. Options may include custom prism lenses to realign visual input and reduce strain. Many individuals experience immediate improvement in visual comfort, headache frequency, dizziness, and overall quality of life once the visual system is properly supported.

When to Consider a Neurovisual Evaluation

You may benefit from a binocular or neurovisual assessment if you experience:

• Migraines or headaches triggered by reading, screen use, or driving

• Persistent dizziness or motion sensitivity

• Eye strain that increases throughout the day

• Neck pain associated with visual tasks

• Difficulty tolerating visually busy environments

• Limited relief from standard migraine treatments
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A More Complete Approach to Migraine and Headache Care

Migraines and headaches are multifactorial conditions, and not all symptoms are vision-related. However, binocular vision dysfunction can be a contributing factor that is often overlooked.

At Focus on Eyes, we understand how frustrating it can be to live with constant headaches and visual discomfort. Our goal is to uncover the hidden visual causes behind your symptoms and provide gentle, effective solutions that improve both comfort and quality of life.

Don’t let headaches and migraines hold you back. Schedule a Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD) evaluation at Focus on Eyes today and discover how a simple change in how your eyes work together can transform how you feel every day.