A few weeks ago, I experienced a persistent headache that refused to go away. It started out as a dull ache behind my eyes and was worse each time I gazed at my laptop or phone. Hours spent looking at the screens left me seeing blurry visions and throbbing temples. I suspected it was due to stress, but the eye exam said it was from uncorrected vision and digital eye strain. The optometrist suggested new glasses and the 20-20-20 rule. It was a wake-up call because within days of wearing the right prescription and taking frequent screen breaks, the headaches subsided.

Headaches are a common complaint, varying from mild annoyance to debilitating pain interfering with daily activities. While stress, dehydration, and underlying health conditions often dominate the conversation about headache triggers, eye-related issues can also be a significant cause. Understanding the connection between headaches and eye health is essential for proper diagnosis and management.

The eyes are delicate organs working continuously to understand the world. Any form of stress, misalignment, or an existing condition of the eye can cause irritation. According to Dr. Neeraj Sanduja, MBBS, MS, Ophthalmologist, and Eye Surgeon, "Headaches from eye conditions usually present with distinct characteristics, like temple or forehead pain, even behind the eyes, often after tasks requiring long-term concentration of the gaze."

This discomfort can often radiate to surrounding areas, such as the temples or forehead, manifesting as headaches. These are known as ocular headaches, which are distinct from migraines or tension headaches but can often feel similar.

Common Eye-Related Causes of Headaches

1. Eye Strain (Asthenopia)

Prolonged activities such as reading, watching computer screens, or driving are very focused activities. The muscles used in these functions are overused, which in turn often gives a dull ache around the eyes or temples-a common headache type known as eye strain. Not functionally disabling, this kind of headache has become increasingly more common in our digital age. "Eye strain, while uncomfortable, is often manageable with proper rest and corrective measures," says Dr. Sanduja.

2. Uncorrected Vision Problems

Conditions like myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism make the eyes work harder to focus. Extra effort to have clear vision results in headaches, especially after performing long tasks such as reading or screen usage.

3. Outdated or Incorrect Eyewear Prescriptions

Using glasses or contact lenses with an outdated or incorrect prescription can cause headaches. Regular eye checkups are essential to ensure that your prescription aligns with your current vision needs.

4. Computer Vision Syndrome (Digital Eye Strain)

With increased screen time, digital eye strain has emerged as the primary cause of headaches. This condition is often accompanied by other symptoms, including dry eyes, blurred vision, and neck pain. Inadequate breaks during screen use increase the strain on the eyes, leading to headaches.

5. Glaucoma

This condition presents with increased intraocular pressure. The patient suffers from intense headache, especially in the eyes, and sometimes, it is associated with nausea and vomiting or by the presence of halos in the lights. Early detection and intervention help prevent vision loss.

6. Eye Muscle Imbalance (Binocular Vision Dysfunction)

Even the slightest misalignment of the eyes can cause strain as the muscles work to keep things in focus. The result is a common condition called binocular vision dysfunction, often bringing on headaches and an inability to concentrate.

7. Inflammatory Eye Disorders

Inflammatory disorders like uveitis or optic neuritis may bring about severe headaches, usually with additional symptoms, including redness, photophobia, or a change in vision.

What is Eye Strain and Why Does It Matter?

Not every headache is ocular in etiology, and some symptoms differentiate ocular headache from others. You should look for medical consultation if:

• The headache improves or worsens as time passes on.
• Associated symptoms include double vision, pain in the eye, or even redness.
• Nausea, sensitivity to light, or seeing halos around lights occurs with the headache.
• You haven't had a comprehensive eye exam in more than a year.

An eye examination may determine if the headaches are indeed related to some vision problem. In the process, an ophthalmologist may check the eyes' nerves and inspect the optic discs to dismiss conditions such as increased intraocular pressure. Dr. Sanduja further advises, "For most individuals, eye strain-related headaches can be alleviated by addressing refractive errors with proper lenses or improving visual ergonomics."

In some instances, referred pain may account for the relationship between headaches and eye discomfort: pain can be felt in one location even though it is caused by an injury or condition elsewhere. A complete assessment will determine the cause.

How to Manage Eye-Related Headaches

- Corrective lenses for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can help relieve headaches caused by uncorrected vision problems.

- Adopt the 20-20-20 rule: focus on something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

- For more critical conditions such as glaucoma or inflammatory conditions, treatment includes medication, lifestyle adjustments, or even surgery.

• Take breaks regularly when using your screen.
• Always ensure proper lighting when reading or working.
• Stay hydrated to help keep your eyes healthy.

Not all headaches associated with the eyes are caused by vision problems. Referred pain can originate from tension headaches or sinus infections, radiating discomfort to the eyes. This makes professional evaluation critical in determining the true cause.

While headaches can stem from a variety of causes, eye-related issues are often overlooked. If you experience frequent headaches with accompanying eye symptoms, consulting an ophthalmologist is essential. Dr. Sanduja concludes, "Regular eye checkups are not just about vision—they are vital for overall health. Addressing eye-related headaches can significantly improve quality of life and well-being."Regular eye checkups not only protect your vision but also help identify potential triggers for your headaches.

Dr Neeraj Sanduja is a practising Ophthalmologist and Eye Surgeon at Viaan Eye and Retina Centre in India

When Todd Engel, based in Maryland, first noticed a change in his vision, he did not think it would change the rest of his life. However, within months, the 62-year-old went from working a full-time job and driving to becoming legally blind in both eyes. Now, Engel is suing Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic - the drug he believes took away his vision.

An Irreversible Loss

Engel was prescribed Ozempic in 2023 to help manage his type 2 diabetes. After four months later, he was diagnosed with nonarthritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is a rare condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is blocked and causes sudden and irreversible vision loss.

"He made a comment to me about how it’s painful to know he’s never going to see his wife smile again," said Engel’s attorney Jonathan Orent, who spoke to NBC News. "But he knows her voice so well, he can tell when she is smiling."

As per the American Academy of Ophthalmology, NAION affects about 10 in every 100,000 people over the age of 50. For Engel, the diagnosis meant that he no longer would work his job as a motor equipment operator. He also lost his ability to drive and the way he connects with his family.

What Does His Lawsuit Allege?

Filed in New Jersey’s Middlesex County Superior Court, the lawsuit accuses Novo Nordisk of negligence, alleging the pharmaceutical giant failed to properly warn users about the potential risk of NAION. Engel's legal team argues that the company was aware of the condition during early clinical trials but still chose not to include it in the warning label.

“Nothing was or is stopping Defendant from adding a warning regarding the risk of NAION,” the lawsuit states.

Had Engel known about a potential link between Ozempic and blindness, Orent said, he would have chosen a different medication. “There are a wide number of medications that can be used to treat diabetes — and treat it effectively,” Orent said to NBC News.

What Do Research Say About Ozempic And Blindness?

Ozempic, and its active ingredient semaglutide, is part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, initially designed to treat Type 2 diabetes but now widely used for weight loss. Recent studies have hinted at a possible link between semaglutide and NAION — though causation hasn’t been confirmed.

A 2024 study which analyzed six years of medical records from Boston patients found that people with diabetes who took semglutide were four times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.

Even more striking, overweight or obese people without diabetes who took the drug were over seven times more likely to be diagnosed with NAION.

However, researchers noted this study wasn’t a randomized clinical trial and said more investigation is needed before drawing conclusions.

In February 2024, a separate paper published in JAMA Ophthalmology reported a more modest increase in the risk of NAION for people with diabetes on Ozempic. Like the earlier study, it also stressed the need for further research.

What Do The Manufacturers Say?

Novo Nordisk's spokeperson told the NBC News that current evaluations, including internal safety reviews and a study from the University of Southern Denmark found no causal relationship between NAION and Ozempic.

The company said that NAION is not listed as an adverse drug reaction. “This also relates to eye conditions, which are well-known comorbidities for people living with diabetes,” the spokesperson said.

Ever thought those weekend binges, skipped workouts, or stress-fueled all-nighters in your 20s wouldn't matter later? Think again. The truth is, those early habits don’t just fade—they follow you. And by your 30s, they often come knocking in the form of low energy, poor sleep, creeping weight, or even anxiety. But here’s the good news: small, healthy choices now can completely rewrite that story. Ready to see how your everyday habits are shaping your future health? Let’s dive in.

It turns out the consequences of your twenties don't just haunt your social media feed—they may be silently impacting your long-term health well before you reach middle age. A groundbreaking study published in the Annals of Medicine has revealed that bad habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and physical inactivity begin taking a measurable toll on mental and physical health by the age of 36.

This research, led by Finnish scientists and conducted over the course of more than 30 years, offers one of the most comprehensive glimpses yet into how unhealthy lifestyle choices in early adulthood accelerate aging and disease risks, and perhaps more crucially, when exactly those effects begin to show.

Why 36 Is a Wake-Up Call for Health?

While much of previous research has focused on health deterioration starting in midlife, the new longitudinal study flips the script by starting earlier. Scientists from Finland followed over 300 individuals born in 1959 in the city of Jyväskylä from childhood into their early 60s. Health assessments were conducted at ages 27, 36, 42, 50, and 61, offering an unparalleled timeline of how unhealthy behaviors impact wellbeing over decades.

The researchers found that even by age 36—what many consider still "young adulthood"—participants who consistently smoked, drank heavily, and exercised infrequently already showed notable declines in both mental and physical health. This suggests that the damage doesn’t start in your 40s or 50s. It begins much earlier, and once set in motion, it compounds.

Measurable Impact of Risky Habits

The three behaviors monitored—smoking, heavy alcohol use (defined as over 875 units/year for women and 1,250 for men), and exercising less than once a week—were assessed alongside health outcomes like depressive symptoms, psychological well-being, self-rated health, and a metabolic risk score that measured blood pressure, waist size, cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers.

Dr. Tiia Kekäläinen, lead author of the study and a health scientist at Laurea University in Finland, emphasized the urgency of early intervention. “Our findings highlight the importance of tackling risky health behaviours as early as possible to prevent damage from building up over the years,” she explained.

Unhealthy Habits Are Interconnected

One of the most compelling insights from the study is the recognition that the relationship between poor habits and poor health is likely two-way. A person under chronic stress may turn to drinking or smoking to cope, leading to more health issues, which in turn worsen stress and mental health—a vicious cycle.

This echoes similar findings from large-scale studies, such as the ongoing Nurses' Health Study and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, conducted by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. These studies emphasize the interconnected nature of diet, physical activity, and mental wellbeing across decades of life.

Not Just Physical, Mental Health Pays the Price Too

Interestingly, the study separated out which habits affected which aspects of health the most. Smoking was most closely tied to poor mental health outcomes, while lack of exercise impacted physical health most significantly. Heavy drinking, perhaps unsurprisingly, was associated with declines in both mental and physical wellbeing.

This finding is particularly relevant in a post-pandemic world where mental health concerns are on the rise among younger adults, and alcohol use among Americans has increased significantly, especially among women and young professionals.

Are Millennials and Gen Z At High Risk?

Though the data primarily pertains to individuals born in the late 1950s and early 1960s, researchers caution that its findings are still broadly applicable. However, younger generations may face different lifestyle risks—such as increased screen time, vaping, and dietary imbalances—that weren't as prevalent in earlier cohorts. Therefore, the health impact timeline could shift, but the underlying message remains: the earlier you adopt healthier behaviors, the better.

High-profile figures like Adele, Rupert Grint, and A$AP Rocky—all around the age of 36—have publicly grappled with smoking and drinking. Adele, who quit smoking at 23, cited concerns about her vocal cords. Rupert Grint revealed he gave up smoking when his daughter was born in 2020. These personal transformations reflect a growing awareness among public figures of the need to shift lifestyle habits before long-term damage becomes irreversible.

How to Build A Healthy Lifestyle?

Perhaps the most hopeful message from the study is that change is possible. Dr. Kekäläinen reiterates: “It is never too late to change to healthier habits. Adopting healthier habits in midlife also has benefits for older age.”

So, what are the takeaways for someone nearing or in their 30s?

• Begin exercising regularly—even once a week has a measurable benefit
• Reduce or quit smoking as soon as possible
• Practice moderation in alcohol consumption
• Seek mental health support when experiencing stress or depressive symptoms
• Maintain regular health check-ups to monitor metabolic indicators

Your 30s aren't just about career milestones or starting a family—they're a crucial checkpoint for your health journey. The choices you make today will echo through your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

In mid-2023, the tech mogul and self-proclaimed biohacker, the anti-age crusader Bryan Johnson began a new chapter in his longevity journey. He is already known his extreme anti-aging regimen - Project Blueprint. He has turned his attention to something unconventional. However, it is a telling health metric: nighttime erections.

He has now started a daily dose of 2.5mg of tadalafil (Cialis). He has set out to track and enhance what he calls a crucial "vital sign". His goal is not performance, but optimization. He tells his followers on X, the results were "titanic".

By early 2024, Johnson had added focused shockwave therapy and Botox injections to the mix. Within three months, he says, his nighttime erections improved by 34%. It has clocked in at quite an impressive three hours, with biological equivalent of an 18-year-old.

It Is Not Just About Sex

While the idea of three-hour erections may sound like a punchline, Johnson is pretty serious about it. "Nighttime erections," he explains, "are a strong biomarker of cardiovascular, psychological, and sexual health." These spontaneous erections during sleep can reflect a man’s overall physical and vascular health.

What is interesting to see is that he also maintains that Cialis itself is unlikely to be the sole driver of his sexual function improvements. While the drug is FDA-approved to treat erectile dysfunction, Johnson says it mainly supports long-term health. His claims are that it helps with improved heart function, cognitive health, and reduced urinary symptoms in men.

The Therapy Protocol

In order to push his results further, Johnson also turned to shockwave therapy. This is a treatment that involves acoustic pulses delivered via a wand to the penis.

The shocks cause micro-injuries that stimulate blood flow and tissue repair - not unlike how muscles grow after a workout. However, it is not a spa day. Johnson rated that the pain is 7 on a scale of 10. When it is "at the tip", the pain goes up to 9 on a scale of 10.

Alongside the shockwaves, Johnson began Botox injections, which might sound bizarre but are backed by emerging science. Botox, typically used to reduce facial wrinkles, is thought to relax the smooth muscle in blood vessel walls, allowing more blood flow and potentially firmer erections.

ALSO READ: The Longevity Diet: Bryan Johnson Eats 3 Meals In 6 Hours—With Extra Virgin Olive Oil

What Are The Results Like?

After three months on this combined protocol, Johnson says his nighttime erections rose from 2 hours and 15 minutes to 3 hours. Despite the gains, he reportedly sleeps alone, keeps an 8:30 p.m. bedtime, and schedules sex, if at all.

His larger aim? To maintain all his organs — brain, liver, teeth, even his rectum — at peak teenage condition through strict diet, 111 daily supplements, and intensive routines.

While Johnson’s methods are extreme, he hopes they help reduce stigma. “Men, if you’re not performing how you’d like, there are many paths to improvement,” he said. “There’s no shame in this — in fact, it will make you more of a man to address it head-on.”