Are Headaches and Glaucoma Related?

Glaucoma is a progressive eye disorder that typically develops over years. As it progresses, it damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma can lead to severe vision impairment or even blindness. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in people over the age of 60. At Reeve-Woods Eye Center in Chico, our ophthalmologists treat patients for glaucoma and help prevent severe vision impairments and blindness.
 

What Causes Glaucoma?

The optic nerve receives and sends information from an eye to the brain. Aqueous humor is a clear liquid produced in the back of your eyes and found at the front of your eyes. This fluid typically recycles. It drains out, and new aqueous humor will take its place. In nearly all cases of glaucoma, the aqueous humor does not drain properly, and that causes pressure on the optic nerve. That pressure slowly deteriorates the optic nerve over time and causes vision impairment and blindness.
 

Headaches and Glaucoma

Headaches are not typically associated with glaucoma, but a condition known as narrow-angle glaucoma can cause severe headaches. This condition can also cause forehead pain, red eyes, and vision distortions like seeing halos around bright objects or having sensitivity to light. Some sufferers may also experience nausea and vomiting. Narrow-angle glaucoma has a quick onset. Those that suffer from this condition need to seek eye care immediately. Another type of glaucoma known as neurovascular glaucoma can also cause headaches. Neurovascular glaucoma is most often attributable to a diabetic condition.
 

Contact Our ophthalmologists in Chico, CA

Headaches that are related to glaucoma will usually be felt around the eyes and forehead. The intensity of the headaches can vary from mild to severe. Narrow-angle glaucoma is dangerous, and sufferers must be appropriately evaluated right away. If you live in or around Chico, CA, and believe that you or a family member are suffering from narrow-angle glaucoma, contact Reeve-Woods Eye Center right away. Call our team today at (530) 899-2244 to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors.