Can Vision Therapy Improve My Headaches and Migraines?

If you suffer from frequent headaches or migraines, especially after reading, using a computer, or focusing for long periods, your vision may be playing a bigger role than you realize. Many people don’t think to connect eye coordination or visual processing issues with chronic headaches, but the two are closely linked. At Giles Optometry, we often see patients who find real relief through a customized vision therapy program.
 

How Vision and Headaches Are Connected

Your eyes and brain work together to process the visual information you see every day. When the visual system does not function properly, it puts extra strain on the brain, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, blurred vision, and yes—headaches or migraines.
 

Some common visual issues that may contribute to these symptoms include:

• Eye teaming problems (difficulty using both eyes together)

• Convergence insufficiency (inability to maintain eye focus on close objects)

• Eye tracking or focusing challenges

• Binocular vision dysfunction
   

These issues are not always picked up in a standard eye exam, but they can create significant stress on your visual system, especially during tasks like reading or screen time.
 

What Is Vision Therapy?

Vision therapy is a personalized, doctor-supervised program that aims to retrain the visual system and improve how your eyes work together. Think of it as physical therapy for your eyes and brain. Through regular exercises and targeted activities, vision therapy can enhance visual efficiency, improve coordination, and reduce the strain that may be triggering your headaches or migraines.
 

Can Vision Therapy Help Your Headaches?

If your headaches or migraines are connected to underlying visual issues, then yes—vision therapy may offer relief. Many patients notice that their headaches occur less frequently or become less intense after several weeks of consistent therapy. By correcting the root visual dysfunction, vision therapy allows your brain to process information more comfortably and efficiently, minimizing the triggers for visual fatigue and discomfort.
 

We have worked with patients of all ages at Giles Optometry who experienced chronic headaches for years without knowing their eyes were contributing to the problem. After a comprehensive visual evaluation and therapy program, they often see a major improvement in their daily comfort and quality of life.
 

Get Started Today

Chronic headaches and migraines can significantly impact your quality of life, and the cause may be more than just stress or screen time - it could be your visual system. Vision therapy offers a targeted, personalized approach to addressing the underlying visual issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. With the right treatment, many patients experience lasting relief and improved daily comfort.
 

If you experience regular headaches or migraines, schedule a functional vision evaluation with Giles Optometry to learn if vision therapy is right for you. Visit our office in La Mesa, California, or call (619) 399-2506 to book an appointment today.