Chronic migraine is associated with dry eyes

Chronic migraine sufferers appear to be more likely to have dryness of their eyes, according to a study by ophthalmologists at the University of Utah, which was published in the journal Headache. The researchers used sophisticated techniques to measure tear production, corneal sensitivity, dry eye questionnaire, and other tests. The results of these tests were compared in migraine sufferers and healthy control subjects.

A total of 19 chronic migraine patients and 30 control participants completed the study. The nerve fiber density was significantly lower in the corneas of migraine patients compared with controls. All migraine sufferers had symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome. The researchers plan to continue studying the interrelationships between migraine, corneal nerve architecture, and dry eye.

Similar findings in patients with episodic migraine were published by a group of Turkish doctors in the journal Cornea in 2012.

Migraine sufferers and their doctors should be aware of this correlation since irritation caused by dry eyes could potentially trigger a migraine. It is possible that some migraines can be prevented by using over-the-counter and prescription eye drops or, in severe cases, eye inserts (Lacrisert). High doses of omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to help dry eyes and omega-3 fatty acids have also been reported to relieve migraines.