Many people who suffer from frequent headaches wonder whether their eye health might be playing a role—especially when symptoms such as eye pressure or blurred vision are present. One condition that often raises concern is glaucoma, a progressive eye disease that, in some cases, may be linked to headaches. Understanding the relationship between these two conditions can help guide timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What Is Glaucoma?
Glaucoma is a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, the vital connection between the eye and the brain. This damage is most commonly caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP)—the fluid pressure inside the eye—but not always. Some types of glaucoma can occur even when eye pressure appears normal. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to gradual and irreversible vision loss.
There are several forms of glaucoma. The most common is primary open-angle glaucoma, which develops slowly and painlessly over time. It often remains undetected until significant vision loss has already occurred. On the other hand, angle-closure glaucoma is less common but far more acute. It can cause sudden symptoms, including eye pain, visual disturbances, and, in many cases, severe headaches. There is also a type known as normal-tension glaucoma, where optic nerve damage occurs despite normal eye pressure readings.
Can Glaucoma Cause Headaches?
The link between glaucoma and headaches depends largely on the type of glaucoma involved. In open-angle glaucoma, which progresses silently, headaches are usually not a primary symptom. Most patients with this form do not experience any pain or noticeable pressure around the eyes.
However, the situation is quite different when it comes to angle-closure glaucoma. This type can cause sudden, intense headaches, typically around one eye or on one side of the head. These headaches are often accompanied by other troubling symptoms such as blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea or vomiting, and redness or pain in the eye. Because angle-closure glaucoma develops rapidly and can cause permanent damage to the optic nerve within hours or days, it is considered a medical emergency.
In some individuals, especially those with pre-existing migraine or tension-type headaches, eye-related symptoms such as discomfort or visual strain can blur the lines between neurological and ophthalmic conditions. While eye pressure and headache may coexist, this does not always imply a direct causal relationship. That’s why a thorough and interdisciplinary evaluation is essential.
How Is the Diagnosis Made?
If you are experiencing recurring headaches, especially those accompanied by eye pain, changes in vision, or a sense of pressure behind the eyes, it is important to undergo a complete medical assessment.
Testing typically includes tonometry (to measure eye pressure), visual field exams to assess peripheral vision loss, and imaging of the optic nerve. On the neurological side, an assessment is done for migraine, tension-type headache, or more serious neurological conditions that could mimic or coexist with glaucoma symptoms.
Can Glaucoma Treatment Help with Headaches?
When headaches are caused by angle-closure glaucoma, treating the underlying eye condition often brings dramatic relief. Medications to reduce intraocular pressure, laser procedures such as iridotomy, or, in some cases, surgery, can restore normal eye function and eliminate the associated pain.
However, if the headaches are due to migraine, tension, or cluster headaches, addressing the glaucoma alone may not be sufficient. In such cases, a neurological treatment plan will be needed in parallel. That’s why identifying the true source of symptoms is so critical.
When to Be Concerned
Certain warning signs should never be ignored. If you experience a sudden and severe headache accompanied by eye pain, blurred vision, nausea, or vomiting, seek immediate medical help. These may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma or another serious condition requiring emergency treatment. Individuals with a family history of glaucoma who also suffer from chronic headaches should also be regularly monitored.