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Does Presence Of Cataract In Eye Cause Headaches?

Posted on Wed, 12 Aug 2015

Question: Hi,

I have had a dull pain at the right side of the back of the head localised to about two finger tips in area. It is just above the level of the eyebrows in front and in roughly the same area (from L to R) as the right eyeball.
It is quite strong and I first had the pain a week ago suddenly it seemed.
I have had recently (past two weeks) a fast-growing cataract on the left eye and wonder if it could be related to this pain? I have attached a referral with photos of this cataract a few days ago.
The pain might be brought on by bright glare of the lights and it seems maybe by cold.
Should I have this very specific pain examined further?

Thanks,
Regards.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Eye cataract doesn't cause headaches.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for using HCM.

I have read your query and understand your concerns.

Eye cataract doesn't cause headaches itself, headaches however could be related to overuse of the normal eye (eye strain).

Since the headache was acute, in my opinion, you need to consult a Neurologist in order to evaluate/exclude other possible causes of your headache such cervical spondylosis, blood pressure changes etc.

Hope this helps. I remain at your disposal for further questions and clarifications.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

Thankyou Dr. Erion,

I may consult a neurologist if the pain persists. The cataract causes extra glare during the day and night.

When you mention eye strain from the normal eye, do you mean the right eye having to do extra work? From my understanding, the left eye information is processed by the right side of the brain so I thought that because the cataract causes glare and blur it might cause the strain which caused the right-sided head pain. The pain is also very near the surface of the head.

Thankyou,
Regards.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Atypical headache.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX

Headaches related to eye strain typically are located behind the eye, but could spread in other areas of the head.

In my opinion, since the headache started suddenly is not so typical of eye strain headaches, so a Neurologist evaluation about it is necessary.

In addition, eye strain related headaches are felt in depth of head, surface headaches are more likely to be related to nerves that supply scalp dysfunction.

Hope I helped. Wishing you good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (48 hours later)

Thanks Dr. Erion,

I have just seen my GP recently. He said since it could be localised within two finger tips, it is a surface headache related to the scalp and there would be no need to have further investigations or to do anything. Would you agree with the assessment?

Thanks,
Regards.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
I agree with that assessment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again XXXXXXX

I agree with that assessment, there is no emergency in evaluating your symptoms, you can wait and see.

I suggested Neurologist evaluation because of the acuteness of headaches, but since it is a "surface" headache, you can have a Neurologist opinion later if symptoms persist or new symptoms appear.

Best regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar