Can LASIK surgery help migraines?If you suffer from migraines, you know how debilitating they can be. The intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light, and other symptoms, can significantly impact your quality of life.1Saragoussi JJ, Djadi-Prat J, Lebuisson DA, et al. Quality of life after LASIK: part II. Quality of life and satisfaction of a population of patients treated with LASIK [in French]. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2011;34:294–302. As you search for solutions, you might wonder if LASIK surgery, known for correcting vision problems, could also help reduce or eliminate migraines. Let’s explore this intriguing question and understand how LASIK might relate to migraine relief.Understanding MigrainesMigraines are a type of headache disorder characterised by recurring attacks of moderate to severe pain. These attacks can last from a few hours to several days and are often accompanied by other symptoms such as:NauseaVomitingSensitivity to light (photophobia)Sensitivity to sound (phonophobia)Visual disturbances (aura)The exact cause of migraines is not fully understood, but they are believed to result from a combination of genetic, environmental, and neurological factors. Common triggers include stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, and sensory stimuli.How Vision Problems Can Contribute to MigrainesThere is a known connection between vision problems and migraines. Strain on the eyes, caused by refractive errors like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), and astigmatism, can lead to headaches and, in some cases, migraines. When your eyes work too hard to focus, it can cause eye strain, which may trigger or worsen migraine symptoms.Correcting these vision problems with glasses or contact lenses can sometimes reduce the frequency and severity of migraines for some people. This leads to the question: could LASIK surgery, which corrects these vision problems permanently, also help with migraines?Can LASIK Surgery Help Migraines?LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery reshapes the cornea to correct refractive errors, potentially reducing or eliminating the need for glasses or contact lenses. While LASIK is primarily designed to improve vision, it can indirectly help with migraines if those migraines are linked to eye strain caused by refractive errors.Here’s how LASIK might help:Reduction in Eye Strain: By correcting vision problems, LASIK can reduce the strain on your eyes. This reduction in eye strain can potentially lower the frequency of eye strain-related migraines.Improved Visual Comfort: Post-LASIK, many patients experience improved visual comfort, which means less effort is required for everyday tasks. This can contribute to a decrease in the triggers that might lead to migraines.Elimination of Glasses and Contacts: For some, glasses and contact lenses can contribute to discomfort and headaches. LASIK eliminates the need for these corrective lenses, which might help reduce migraine occurrences.Considerations and LimitationsWhile LASIK can help reduce migraines related to eye strain, it is not a guaranteed cure for migraines. Migraines are complex and can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some important considerations:2Migraine types, triggers & treatments (2020) LESH. Available at: https://www.lasereyesurgeryhub.co.uk/guides/migraine/ (Accessed: 28 July 2024).Comprehensive Evaluation: If you are considering LASIK primarily to help with migraines, it’s essential to have a thorough evaluation by both an ophthalmologist and a neurologist. This evaluation can help determine if your migraines are significantly related to vision problems.Other Migraine Triggers: Addressing other potential migraine triggers is crucial. Even with perfect vision, other factors like stress, diet, and hormonal changes can still cause migraines.Realistic Expectations: While some patients may experience a reduction in migraines after LASIK, it’s important to have realistic expectations. LASIK is designed to correct vision, and its impact on migraines can vary from person to person.LASIK surgery can potentially help reduce migraines if they are linked to vision problems and eye strain. By correcting refractive errors, LASIK can reduce the strain on your eyes, potentially leading to fewer migraine episodes. However, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to thoroughly evaluate the cause of your migraines and to have realistic expectations about the potential benefits of LASIK.Take the First StepReady to explore the benefits of LASIK and see if it might help with your migraines? Take our self-test today to find out if you’re a good candidate. Our team at our refractive clinic in Brisbane is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Don’t wait—start your journey to clearer vision and potentially fewer migraines now!Home » LASIK » Can LASIK surgery help migraines? 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