Patients are increasingly aware that their eyes could be contributing to their headaches—and they’re bringing it up in the exam room. In a recent Women In Optometry poll, nearly 65% of eye care professionals that responded said they’ve noticed more patients asking about headache or migraine symptoms.
That growing interest aligns with increased public awareness. More than 82% of respondents said they believe patients are more aware of a potential link between their eyes, vision demands and headaches.
The way these symptoms are tracked and discussed varies from one practice to another. About 41% of respondents said their intake forms specifically ask about headache or migraine frequency. Another 29% include related questions about eye strain, light sensitivity or computer use. However, the same amount of respondents—29%—said their forms do not ask about headaches at all.
Patients who bring up these symptoms are being met with a range of care options. Nearly 69% of respondents said they offer tinted lenses. Photochromic lenses were close behind at 62.5%. More than half of respondents (56%) said they provide counseling, and 44% offer specialty eyewear, including Neurolenses or prescribed prism.
As patients make the connection between headaches and their vision, eye care providers have an opportunity to be part of the solution—starting with the questions they ask and the tools they offer.
Featured photo credit: iStock/Getty Images
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