Can Cataracts Cause Headaches? What Seniors Should Know

According to HealthInAging.org, cataracts impact 20% of adults 65 and older and about half of those aged 75+. Aside from aging, the risk of developing cataracts can increase due to prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.

For that reason, older adults in The Woodlands, TX, where the days, while generally warm, pleasant, and conducive to outdoor activities, can be very sunny, should pay careful attention to their eye health. Otherwise, they may develop cataracts that can lead to other painful problems and unpleasant symptoms.

So, can cataracts cause headaches, then? If yes, how so?

In this guide, the team at Conservatory At Alden Bridge, our independent living community in the beautiful, serene master-planned community of The Woodlands, TX, will share insights answering those questions. Read on to learn more about cataracts and vision-related headaches, including tips for keeping senior eye health in check.

Can Cataracts Cause Headaches?

Cataracts, characterized by the lens of the eyes becoming cloudy or hazy, are among the most common aging vision problems. However, they usually don't directly cause headaches. Still, there's a link between cataract symptoms and strain, which could then lead to headaches.

Some of the most common cataract symptoms that, if not managed or addressed promptly, could eventually result in headaches and eye discomfort in older adults in The Woodlands, TX, include:

• Vision blurriness or haziness
• Sensitivity to light and glare
• Frequent squinting
• Difficulty when reading fine print
• Poor night or low-light vision
• Halos
• Double vision

All those symptoms are already unpleasant on their own, but they can lead to even more problems, such as eye strain. According to Healthline, it's a common culprit behind headaches.

Eye strain is a condition in which fatigue or tiredness affects the eyes. It often occurs when the eyes must work harder than they should, such as when The Woodlands seniors force themselves to read tiny letters. It can also result from unnecessary pressure on the eyes, like when someone keeps squinting due to vision blurriness.

Why Seniors in The Woodlands Should Be Careful of Cataracts

Seniors in The Woodlands, TX, must be careful of cataracts, as they could cause vision loss. Worldwide, this eye health problem is the primary cause of blindness, while in the U.S., it's the leading cause of vision loss, says the U.S. CDC.

Losing one's vision can cause many other health and safety problems, which is why older adults should prevent their causes or minimize their risks of developing them. For instance, worsening eyesight makes seniors more susceptible to becoming injured. Researchers of a study in the National Library of Medicine say the risk of experiencing the following is higher in individuals with vision loss:

• Loss of the ability to look after oneself
• Decreased independence
• Fall-related injuries
• Lower overall quality of life

All that should be enough reason for seniors to keep cataracts at bay.

Besides, the headaches that cataracts may contribute to can be debilitating. Severe and frequent headaches can lead to various other issues, such as downtime and reduced quality of life. They can be disruptive to older adults' daily routines and make it more challenging for them to be independent, perform activities of daily living, and age gracefully.

Tips for Optimal Senior Eye Health for The Woodlands, TX, Residents

While not all cases of cataracts are entirely preventable, there are still several ways that seniors in The Woodlands, TX, can reduce their risk of developing such conditions. Managing cataracts in aging, which involves getting prompt treatment, is just as crucial, as it can help prevent further vision decline and help seniors stay independent longer.

Here are some tips and tricks for The Woodlands, TX, seniors to help with cataracts and let them keep their vision health in check.

Manage Cataract Symptoms

Glasses with a stronger prescription grade can help seniors who already have vision-related problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma. They can help boost eyesight, lowering the risk of vision blurriness or haziness.

Another strategy is to have brighter lights in one's home, as cataracts decrease the amount of light entering the eye. With brighter light sources, more light can pass through, which can then help improve the contrast of what seniors may be looking at, helping them see better.

Using vision aids, such as magnifying glasses, is another tactic for managing cataract symptoms. They can help with detailed tasks, such as reading books or magazines with tiny print.

For more severe cases of cataracts, surgery may already be necessary. Cataract surgery involves replacing the cataract-clouded natural lens of the eye with an artificial lens. Since it removes the affected lens, it can significantly improve vision.

Mind the Sun's Damaging UV Rays

The UV index (UVI) is a measurement of the strength of the sun's UV radiation and potential to cause eye and skin damage. The higher it is, the stronger the UV rays are, and the less time they need to cause harm.

In The Woodlands, TX, the average UV index fluctuates throughout the year, with the lowest being three (January and December) and the highest being 7 in July, according to World Weather Online.

A UV index of 7 poses a moderate to high risk of harm from prolonged, unprotected exposure. Applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 can help protect the skin, while sunglasses with a UV rating of 400 or 100% can shield the eyes. Seniors in The Woodlands, TX, should always employ these practices whenever venturing into the sunny outdoors, but even more so when the UV index is high.

Stop Cataracts From Giving You Headaches

Can cataracts cause headaches?

While they don't directly cause headaches, the many other symptoms they cause, such as blurry vision and squinting, can lead to headache-inducing eye strain. Worse, they can result in vision loss.

Fortunately, seniors can protect their vision and eye health through safe, preventive measures and treat cataracts with surgery.

Conservatory At Alden Bridge is happy and ready to help you age gracefully and live healthily. In our independent living community in The Woodlands, TX, we have a friendly, caring professional team available 24/7 and many amenities that support senior well-being, including fitness and wellness programming and daily activities and events.

Call us today to coordinate a tour of our senior living community!