Eye pain and headaches with diabetes

Both diabetes and headaches can be frustrating, and sometimes, they might even have a correlation. Diabetes can ultimately have an effect on your eyes and may be to blame for your headaches. 

However, it’s typically uncommon unless you have diabetic retinopathy or neovascular glaucoma.

What is diabetic retinopathy?

If you have diabetes, it’s crucial that you routinely get a dilated eye exam at least once a year. Some people with diabetes develop an eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss and blindness. Most people don’t have any symptoms of this condition in its early stages.

Diabetic retinopathy also affects the light-sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eyes. Light sensitivity can lead to headaches, which can sometimes lead to eye pain. 

This condition can cause abnormal blood vessels to grow out of the retina, blocking fluid from draining out of the eye. This is known as neovascular glaucoma.

What is neovascular glaucoma?

Your eyes have to have a small angle of opening between the cornea and iris. If you have a closed angle, you have what is called neovascular glaucoma. Neovascular glaucoma can develop in people who have diabetes. 

The symptoms can vary, starting with minor redness or pain, but as the stages progress, the pain can become more severe, potentially causing headaches.

Correlation between diabetes, eye pain, and headaches

Diabetes doesn’t always link to eye pain and headaches. It really depends on your situation and possible condition of the eye. Although both diabetic retinopathy and neovascular glaucoma have their own causes and symptoms, those symptoms can still vary from person to person. No matter the situation, you should get routine comprehensive eye exams and take care of your overall health by eating healthy and exercising. 

Although both diabetic retinopathy and neovascular glaucoma have their own causes and symptoms, those symptoms can still vary from person to person.