Potential links between dry eye and migraine may impact treatment

A potential link between dry eye and migraine may impact the evaluation and treatment of patients with these two diseases, according to a study.

In this review, researchers analyzed all published scientific articles including “dry eye” and “migraine,” and identified the potential link between dry eye and migraine as shared pathophysiology, including peripheral and central sensitization.

When treating patients with dry eyes, eye care providers should ask about co-morbid headaches, the authors wrote, which may lead to a referral to a neurologist. In addition, eye care providers should also keep in mind the nerve status of patients with dry eyes given the shared pathophysiology involving nerve dysfunction with migraine. Patients should be assessed for ocular pain and nerve structure and function clinically evaluated. 

Reference
Baksh BS, Garcia JC, Galor A. Exploring the link between dry eye and migraine: From eye to brain. Eye Brain. 2021;13:41-57. doi: 10.2147/EB.S234073. PMID: 33692643; PMCID: PMC7939506.