Uncorrected Refractive Error as a Cause of Headache:A Cross Sectional Study

Purpose: Many patients suffering from unexplained headache go through a battery of investigations without much resolution. In a large number of these patients, searching for and correcting an underlying refractive error often provides permanent relief. We aimed to search for an association in the population visiting Ophthalmology OPD in our hospital. Method: Four hundred patients with headache were investigated for refractive error under cycloplegia and any refractive error detected was classified into myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism or compound refractive error. The prevalence of refractive error and the various sub types was calculated. Conclusions: Refractive errors coexist with headache frequently. Patients with persistent headache need to be investigated thoroughly for refractive error as correction of the same can provide permanent and cost effective resolution of the headache.