Eye strain and tension headache: what to know

A tension-type headache often feels like steady pressure or a tight band across the forehead, temples, or back of the head. Eye strain may add aching around the eyes, blurred focus, dryness, or difficulty shifting between near and far vision. Long periods at a screen, poor lighting, an awkward working position, jaw clenching, stress, and tiredness can all add load to the head, neck, or eye-focusing muscles. Headache patterns vary, so the location and timing are useful details rather than a diagnosis by themselves.

Pause close work, look into the distance, stretch the neck and shoulders gently, and improve lighting so the screen is not brighter than the room. Increase text size, check that the screen is at a comfortable distance, and blink regularly. Rest, fluids, and a consistent sleep routine may reduce recurrence. Use pain medicine only as directed on its label or by a clinician; frequent use can itself contribute to recurring headaches. Arrange a GP Consultation if headaches are recurring, worsening, or affecting daily activities.

Seek urgent help for a sudden severe headache, new weakness, numbness, confusion, fainting, speech difficulty, fever with neck stiffness, or sudden vision loss. Prompt review is appropriate when a headache follows an injury, wakes you repeatedly, or differs clearly from your usual pattern.

Could my prescription, dry eyes, posture, jaw tension, or another issue be contributing? Do I need a vision check? How can I treat attacks without overusing pain medicine?