While many parents believe that their children need glasses if they suffer from recurring headaches, a new study has found that this is usually not the case.

According to US scientists, their study provides clear evidence, for the first time, that eye problems are usually not the cause of recurring headaches in children, even if the headaches occur while the child is doing some kind of visual task, such as homework.

The medical records of almost 160 children attending a clinic for recurring headaches were analysed. All of the children also underwent thorough eye exams.

The study found no significant link between the recurring headaches and vision problems. It also found that children who already wore glasses and who suffered from regular headaches usually did not need to change their prescription.

The scientists noted that most of the headaches resolved over time, with three in four children overall experiencing an improvement.

"We hope our study will help reassure parents that in most cases their children's headaches are not related to vision or eye problems and that most headaches will clear up in time. The information should also be useful to family doctors and paediatricians in caring for children and parents who have this common health concern," the team said.

Details of these findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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