HEADACHES
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Understanding headaches in children.
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Summary of Causes...
Excessive Screen Time or Near Work
Excessive screen time can lead to digital eye strain, which is a common cause of headaches in children. Staring at screens for long periods, whether on a tablet, computer, or phone, forces the eyes to focus intensely, often without enough breaks. This strain can make the eyes tired, causing discomfort and leading to headaches, especially after extended use. Encouraging regular screen breaks, proper lighting, and limiting screen time can help reduce these headaches and improve your child’s comfort.
Uncorrected Refractive Error
Uncorrected vision issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can lead to headaches in children. When their eyes struggle to focus clearly, the brain works overtime to compensate, causing strain and discomfort. This constant effort, especially during tasks like reading or looking at a screen, can trigger headaches. Correcting these vision problems with glasses or other treatments can significantly reduce headaches and improve your child's comfort and performance in everyday activities.
Binocular Vision Deficits
Binocular vision problems can cause headaches because the eyes struggle to work together and align properly. When the eyes aren't aligned, the brain has to work harder to merge two images into one, leading to eye strain and fatigue. This extra effort, especially during reading or other close tasks, often results in headaches.
Dehydration or Lack of Sleep
Dehydration and lack of sleep are common causes of headaches in children. When a child is dehydrated, their body lacks the necessary fluids to function properly, which can lead to headaches. Similarly, insufficient sleep prevents the brain and eyes from resting and recovering, causing tension and discomfort. Ensuring your child stays hydrated and gets enough sleep can help prevent headaches and keep them feeling their best.
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Headaches after reading or near tasks (eye strain)
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Headaches after extended screen time (digital eye strain)
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Pain around the eyes or forehead
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Frequent squinting or eye rubbing during tasks
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Double vision or blurry vision associated with headaches
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Headaches that occur later in the day after school or work
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Difficulty focusing on objects up close or at a distance
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Neck or shoulder pain from straining to see clearly
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Light sensitivity during headaches
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Eye fatigue or discomfort before or during a headache