Dry eyes and headache: what should you know?

A dry, gritty or burning eye may make you blink more and concentrate harder, contributing to a tension-type headache. Air conditioning, screens, contact lenses, smoke and windy weather can reduce comfort. Dehydration and heat exposure may cause headache alongside dry mouth and tiredness; read about Dehydration or Heat Exhaustion if those features fit.

A blocked or irritated nose can accompany eye discomfort and head pressure. Allergic Rhinitis, Chronic Sinusitis and Common Cold can each present with headache-related symptoms, while COVID-19 may include headache with other respiratory or general symptoms. The symptom combination does not identify one diagnosis by itself.

Take regular breaks from close-up screens, blink deliberately and keep the screen slightly below eye level. Avoid direct fan or air-conditioning flow, wear glasses in dusty or windy settings, and remove contact lenses if they feel uncomfortable. Preservative-free lubricating eye drops may help; follow the label and ask a pharmacist if you use other eye medicines.

Drink fluids, rest in a cool room and note whether symptoms follow a particular environment, activity or medicine. Do not drive if headache or visual discomfort affects your focus. Arrange a GP review if symptoms keep returning, interfere with work, or do not settle with these measures.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe headache, new vision loss, confusion, weakness, fainting, repeated vomiting, a very painful red eye, or headache with fever and neck stiffness. Seek prompt assessment after an eye injury or chemical exposure.

Contact a clinician soon if one eye becomes increasingly painful, light becomes difficult to tolerate, discharge develops, or headaches are new and worsening. Fever, marked thirst, heavy sweating or unusual drowsiness also deserve medical advice.

Could eye strain, medication, allergy or dehydration explain both symptoms? Should my vision, eye surface or blood pressure be checked? Which lubricant is suitable with my contact lenses, and what changes would mean I should return sooner?