Can Cataracts Cause Headaches? What Older Adults Should Know

Cataracts are among the most common aging vision problems; HealthInAging.org says they affect 20% of individuals 65+. They also become more prevalent in older populations, impacting an estimated half of seniors 75+.

Seniors in Greenville, South Carolina, including those living independently, should never underestimate the dangers of cataracts, as they can cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy. When this happens, many vision-related problems can occur, including blurred or hazy vision, poor eyesight in low-light environments, and glare sensitivity.

But what about head pain? Can cataracts cause headaches, too?

In this guide, the team at TerraBella Greenville, our warm, welcoming, and compassionate senior living community in the beautiful, peaceful city of Greenville, SC, will answer those questions. So please read on, as we’ll provide insights into cataracts and how they impact eye health in seniors.

Can Cataracts Cause Headaches?

Cataracts themselves don’t directly cause headaches. However, many of the primary cataract symptoms can potentially lead to discomfort, including headaches:

• Blurry or hazy vision
• Light and glare sensitivity
• Frequent squinting
• Difficulty reading small or fine print
• Poor night or low-light vision
• Double vision
• Halos or rings around lights (especially noticeable at night)

All those signs and symptoms can result in or contribute to eye strain, a condition characterized by eye tiredness or fatigue. It often happens when the eyes have to work harder than necessary (e.g., during prolonged periods of squinting due to blurry vision or light sensitivity). As Healthline.com points out, eye strain commonly causes headaches.

Why Seniors in Greenville, SC, Should Never Ignore Cataracts (and Headaches)

Seniors in Greenville, SC, and elsewhere should promptly address cataracts at their first sign because, without treatment, they can lead to vision loss. The U.S. CDC even reports that they’re the leading cause of vision loss in the country and the leading cause of blindness globally.

Older adults (or anyone, for that matter) should prevent vision loss at all costs, given that it can cause many other health and safety problems. For example, the worse one’s eyesight gets, the more likely they are to sustain injuries. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, people with vision loss have higher risks of:

• Having fall-related injuries
• Losing the ability to care for oneself
• Experiencing diminished independence
• Having a lower quality of life

The headaches that cataracts may lead to or contribute to can also be quite debilitating. A headache causes many other problems, such as a reduced quality of life, especially if it’s severe and occurs frequently. The worse the headache is, the more disruptive it can be to daily routines, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks (including self-care) or enjoy physical and social activities.

What Can Seniors Do About Cataracts?

Older adults in Greenville, SC, who may already have existing cataracts, can do the following to help manage the symptoms of their condition:

• Getting glasses with a stronger prescription to help enhance eyesight and minimize the risks of a blurry or hazy vision
• Increasing the brightness of lights in your home
• Using magnifying glasses for more detailed tasks, like reading materials with fine print

Please remember, though, that cataracts are generally a progressive condition. In most cases, they gradually worsen until they cause permanent vision loss. The only way to address and stop them is through cataract surgery.

Surgery involves removing the cataract-affected eye’s clouded lens. It then gets replaced with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Since the new synthetic lens is clear, it should provide optimal vision.

Are Cataracts Preventable?

While it’s not possible to entirely prevent cataracts, seniors in Greenville, SC, can still minimize their risk by:

• Protecting their eyes from the sun
• Quitting smoking
• Staying physically active

Let’s explore these proactive strategies for Greenville wellness for older adults in more detail.

Protecting the Eyes From the Sun

Overexposing your eyes (and skin) to the sun can damage them. The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that prolonged and frequent unprotected exposure to UV rays can raise a person’s risk of developing:

• Cataracts
• Sunburned eyes
• Growths on or near the eye
• Eye cancer

For seniors who wish to enjoy the many benefits of spending time in the sun and the majestic outdoors of Greenville, SC, please do so in moderation and ensure you wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection or a UV 400 rating. A wide-brimmed hat that safeguards the eyes, face, and neck can also help.

Quitting Smoking

For seniors who smoke, please consider quitting this habit today, as it can damage nearly all cells and organs in the body. Furthermore, it can raise one’s risk of developing eye conditions, including cataracts. According to Optometrists.org, it can double one’s risk of cataract development at an earlier age.

Staying Physically Active

Staying physically active can help boost overall health and lower cataract risk through several mechanisms:

• Reducing oxidative stress while increasing antioxidant levels in the body
• Improving blood flow to the eyes
• Helping manage conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) and diabetes, which could increase one’s risk of developing cataracts
• Helping manage weight, which is vital for overall health and can aid in reducing health risks, including conditions that can contribute to cataracts (e.g., diabetes)

At TerraBella Greenville, our senior living community specializing in independent living with supportive services, we recognize the importance of physical activity. As such, we encourage our senior residents to stay on their feet and keep moving with our calendar of daily activities and events. We also have many other amenities, including health and wellness programs, that help augment their overall well-being.

Don’t Let Cataracts Be a Source of Your Headaches

As you learned in this guide, the answer to the question, “Can cataracts cause headaches?” is yes, albeit indirectly. It can lead to headaches through its many other symptoms that result in eye strain. Worse, it can cause permanent vision loss unless treated.

Fortunately, surgery can eliminate cataracts, and there are ways to minimize one’s risk of developing this eye condition.

TerraBella Greenville is happy to help you or an aging loved one live healthily and gracefully. With our supportive services, health and wellness programs, and nutritious, chef-prepared meals, we can help you combat your risks for health woes, including vision problems.

Speak to our team today to book a tour of our senior living community in Greenville, SC!