What are the common causes of pain behind the eye. How can you identify different types of eye pain. When should you seek medical attention for eye discomfort. What treatments are available for pain behind the eye.

Eyestrain: A Common Culprit for Ocular Discomfort

Eyestrain is a frequent cause of pain behind the eye, often resulting from prolonged periods of visual focus. This condition can leave eyes feeling dry, tired, and blurry. Research indicates that extended periods of staring, particularly at screens, can reduce blinking frequency, leading to decreased eye moisture.

Risk factors for eyestrain include:

• Prolonged screen time
• Exposure to glare
• Poor lighting conditions
• Extended periods of driving
• Outdated or absent vision correction
• Underlying vision problems

Managing Eyestrain

To alleviate eyestrain-related pain, try implementing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This simple practice can significantly reduce eye fatigue. Additionally, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide relief for dry, tired eyes.

Migraine: More Than Just a Headache

Migraine is a neurological condition affecting approximately 20% of the population, with a higher prevalence in females. This condition often manifests as severe headaches accompanied by intense pain behind the eye. Migraines tend to run in families and can be triggered by various factors.

Recognizing Migraine Symptoms

Migraines often present with visual disturbances, including:

• Shimmering lights
• Zig-zag patterns
• Flashes of light

These visual phenomena may occur on one side of the head and typically worsen with movement or exposure to light, sound, or strong odors. Nausea and vomiting are also common symptoms associated with migraine headaches.

Migraine Treatment Options

Treatment for migraines often involves a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medications. Triptans, such as Imitrex, Amerge, and Zomig, are commonly prescribed to balance the chemical changes associated with migraines. For severe or frequent attacks, doctors may recommend daily preventive medications like beta-blockers.

Identifying and Avoiding Migraine Triggers

Preventing migraines often involves identifying and avoiding personal triggers. Common triggers include:

• Certain foods (e.g., aged cheeses, red wine)
• Food additives and artificial sweeteners
• Hormonal imbalances
• Emotional stress or anxiety
• Environmental factors (smells, temperatures, sounds, lights)
• Irregular sleep patterns
• Poor posture
• Dehydration
• Certain medications

Sinus Infections: When Your Sinuses Cause Eye Pain

Sinus infections can often be mistaken for migraines due to overlapping symptoms and triggers, such as weather changes. A proper medical diagnosis is crucial to differentiate between these conditions.

Identifying Sinus Infection Symptoms

Common symptoms of sinus infections include:

• Thick, discolored nasal discharge
• Headaches
• Facial pain
• Feeling of pressure
• Impaired sense of smell
• Fever

Treating Sinus Infections

If a bacterial infection is the cause, doctors may prescribe antibiotics. In some cases, a CT scan may be necessary to distinguish between sinus disease and migraine as the source of pain.

Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis: A Rare but Serious Condition

Cavernous sinus thrombosis is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition involving a blood clot in the cavernous sinus, a vein running between the base of the brain and the eye sockets. This condition is often caused by bacterial infections and can be particularly dangerous for individuals with uncontrolled diabetes or those undergoing cancer treatment.

Recognizing Cavernous Sinus Thrombosis Symptoms

Symptoms of cavernous sinus thrombosis may include:

• Severe, sudden headache
• Pain or swelling around the eyes
• Vision changes
• High fever

Given the severity of this condition, immediate medical attention is crucial if these symptoms occur.

Glaucoma: Silent Thief of Sight

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure within the eye. This condition can lead to gradual vision loss and is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.

Types of Glaucoma

There are several types of glaucoma, including:

• Open-angle glaucoma (the most common form)
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Normal-tension glaucoma
• Congenital glaucoma

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Glaucoma

Open-angle glaucoma often develops slowly and may not present noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as the condition progresses, individuals may experience:

• Gradual loss of peripheral vision
• Tunnel vision in advanced stages
• Eye pain, particularly in acute angle-closure glaucoma
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Halos around lights

Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of glaucoma. Diagnostic tests may include tonometry to measure intraocular pressure, visual field tests, and optic nerve imaging.

Treatment Options for Glaucoma

While damage from glaucoma cannot be reversed, treatment can help slow or prevent further vision loss. Treatment options may include:

• Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
• Oral medications
• Laser therapy
• Surgery (in severe cases)

Optic Neuritis: When the Optic Nerve Becomes Inflamed

Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, which transmits visual information from the eye to the brain. This condition can cause sudden, often painful vision loss in one eye and is sometimes associated with multiple sclerosis.

Recognizing Optic Neuritis Symptoms

Common symptoms of optic neuritis include:

• Pain with eye movement
• Sudden vision loss in one eye
• Color vision changes
• Flashing or flickering lights

Diagnosing and Treating Optic Neuritis

Diagnosis of optic neuritis typically involves a comprehensive eye exam, visual field testing, and sometimes an MRI to rule out other conditions. Treatment may include:

• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Plasma exchange therapy in severe cases
• Monitoring for signs of multiple sclerosis

Dental Problems: The Unexpected Cause of Eye Pain

Surprisingly, dental issues can sometimes manifest as pain behind the eye. This phenomenon is due to the complex network of nerves in the face and head, which can cause referred pain.

Dental Conditions That May Cause Eye Pain

Several dental problems can potentially lead to eye pain, including:

• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Dental abscesses
• Impacted wisdom teeth
• Severe tooth decay

Identifying Dental-Related Eye Pain

Dental-related eye pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as:

• Jaw pain or tenderness
• Difficulty chewing or opening the mouth
• Toothache
• Swelling in the face or jaw

If you suspect your eye pain may be related to a dental issue, it’s important to consult both an eye care professional and a dentist to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Pain

While occasional mild eye discomfort is common, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek professional help if you experience:

• Sudden, severe eye pain
• Eye pain accompanied by fever or severe headache
• Vision changes or loss
• Eye pain following an injury or trauma
• Pain that persists for more than a few days
• Eye redness, swelling, or discharge

Early intervention can be crucial in preventing serious complications and preserving vision.

Diagnostic Procedures for Eye Pain

When evaluating eye pain, healthcare professionals may employ various diagnostic tools and procedures, including:

• Comprehensive eye examination
• Visual acuity tests
• Intraocular pressure measurement
• Slit-lamp examination
• Dilated fundus examination
• Imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI)
• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions

Alternative Therapies for Eye Pain Relief

In addition to conventional medical treatments, some individuals find relief from eye pain through alternative therapies. While these methods may not be suitable for all cases, they can provide complementary support for managing discomfort.

Exploring Natural Remedies

Some alternative approaches to alleviating eye pain include:

• Warm or cold compresses
• Herbal eye washes (under professional guidance)
• Acupuncture or acupressure
• Relaxation techniques and stress management
• Essential oil aromatherapy (not applied directly to eyes)

It’s important to note that these alternative therapies should not replace professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially for eye-related issues.

Lifestyle Modifications for Eye Health

Certain lifestyle changes can contribute to overall eye health and potentially reduce the frequency or severity of eye pain:

• Maintaining proper hydration
• Getting adequate sleep
• Eating a balanced diet rich in eye-healthy nutrients
• Practicing good eye hygiene
• Taking regular breaks during screen time
• Wearing appropriate eye protection in hazardous environments

By incorporating these habits into daily life, individuals may improve their eye health and reduce the risk of developing certain eye-related issues.

Understanding the Impact of Eye Pain on Quality of Life

Chronic or recurrent eye pain can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting various aspects of daily functioning. Understanding these effects can help in developing comprehensive management strategies and support systems.

Psychological Effects of Chronic Eye Pain

Persistent eye pain can lead to psychological distress, including:

• Anxiety about potential vision loss
• Depression due to chronic discomfort
• Irritability and mood changes
• Social isolation
• Reduced self-esteem

Addressing these psychological aspects is crucial for holistic patient care and may involve counseling or support groups in addition to medical treatment.

Occupational and Social Implications

Eye pain can also affect professional and social life in various ways:

• Reduced productivity at work
• Difficulty performing tasks requiring visual concentration
• Limitations in participating in social activities
• Challenges in maintaining hobbies or recreational pursuits

Understanding these impacts can help in developing appropriate accommodations and support systems in both professional and personal settings.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Eye Pain Management

The field of ophthalmology continues to evolve, with ongoing research aimed at improving our understanding and treatment of eye pain. Several promising areas of study are currently underway, offering hope for more effective management strategies in the future.

Advancements in Pain Management Techniques

Researchers are exploring innovative approaches to managing eye pain, including:

• Novel drug delivery systems for targeted pain relief
• Gene therapy for chronic eye conditions
• Neuromodulation techniques for pain control
• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles

These advancements may lead to more precise and effective treatments for various causes of eye pain.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Eye Care

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being integrated into ophthalmology, with potential applications in:

• Early detection of eye diseases
• Personalized treatment planning
• Predictive modeling for disease progression
• Automated image analysis for faster diagnosis

As AI technology continues to develop, it may play a significant role in improving the diagnosis and management of conditions causing eye pain.

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Eye Pain

Recognizing the complex nature of eye pain, researchers are increasingly adopting interdisciplinary approaches, involving collaboration between:

• Ophthalmologists
• Neurologists
• Pain specialists
• Psychologists
• Biomedical engineers

This collaborative approach aims to develop more comprehensive and effective strategies for managing eye pain, addressing both its physical and psychological aspects.

As research in these areas progresses, individuals suffering from eye pain can look forward to potentially more effective and personalized treatment options in the future. However, it’s important to remember that current best practices and medical advice should still be followed while these advancements are being developed and tested.

7 causes of pain behind the eye

Pain behind the eye can result from eyestrain, migraine, dental problems, glaucoma, giant cell arteritis, and other causes. Treatment will depend on the cause, but applying cool or warm compresses may help.

Pain behind the eye is a nonspecific symptom as it can be associated with many different health conditions.

Common types of pain behind the eye vary from dull aches to sharp and intense pains. Some people experience a sharp pain behind while others have a deeper pain inside the head. Symptoms can also include tearing, sensitivity to light, redness, vision changes, or pain during eye movement.

This article examines the possible causes of pain behind the eye, treatments, alternative therapies, and when to consult a doctor if the pain persists.

Reviewing the possible causes for pain behind the eye may provide people with a better sense of the signs of discomfort and when to seek medical help.

There are as many as 300 types of headaches, including those that may cause pain behind the eye. The specific causes are known for only about 10% of headaches. Where a person feels pain does not necessarily correspond to what is causing it.

Many different health issues can cause pain behind the eye, including the following:

Straining the eyes can leave them feeling dry, tired, and blurry.

Research has shown that if a person stares at something for an extended time, they tend to blink less, so eyes become less moist. People should keep screens at a comfortable distance and take breaks from digital devices to reduce eyestrain.

The following may put people at risk of eyestrain:

• spending long hours staring at a screen
• being exposed to glare
• straining eyes in poor lighting
• driving long distances
• struggling to get by without glasses or an updated prescription when needed
• other underlying vision problems

Treatment

Giving the eyes a chance to rest and recover can do a lot to relieve pain behind the eye due to eye strain. People can use the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking away to a distance of at least 20 feet for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

People may also try over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears to help relieve dry, tired eyes.

Migraine is a common condition related to the brain that can often cause headaches along with extreme pain behind the eye. Migraine affects roughly 2 in 10 people, occurs in females more than males, and tends to run families.

Other symptoms

Migraine symptoms may also include visual disturbances, such as:

• shimmering lights
• zig-zag lines
• flashes of light

These disturbances may occur on only one side of the head and worsen with movement, exposure to sound, light, or strong smells.

Migraine headaches may also cause people to feel nauseated or experience vomiting.

Treatment

Doctors may recommend nonprescription medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

However, people with migraine often need prescription medications. These medications balance the chemical changes leading to a migraine and include:

• Imitrex
• Amerge
• Zomig

If migraine attacks are severe or happen frequently, a doctor may recommend taking daily medication like beta-blockers.

The best remedy to prevent migraine is to avoid triggers where possible. Common triggers include:

• certain foods, like aged cheeses and red wine
• food additives and artificial sweeteners
• hormonal imbalances, for example, during pregnancy or menstruation
• emotional stress or anxiety
• environmental factors, including smells, temperatures, sounds, or lights
• irregular sleep patterns
• poor posture
• dehydration
• certain medications, including sleeping pills or hormonal treatments

Doctors often misdiagnose sinus infection as migraine due to the overlap in symptoms and triggers such as weather changes. A person must consult a medical professional to determine the cause of any headache.

Other symptoms

Thick, discolored nasal discharge is a common symptom of a viral or bacterial infection in the sinuses.

Other symptoms may include:

• headaches
• facial pain
• a feeling of pressure
• an impaired sense of smell
• fever

Treatment

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat this type of infection if it is bacterial.

In some cases, doctors will use a CT scan to determine whether sinus disease or migraine is causing the pain.

This rare condition occurs when a potentially life threatening or a septic blood clot develops in the cavernous sinus. The cavernous sinus is a vein running between the bottom of the brain to the back of the eye sockets. A bacterial infection often causes this condition.

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis can occur due to the following conditions:

• sinusitis
• dental infections
• pharyngitis
• tonsillitis
• other ear, nose, or throat infections

People with uncontrolled diabetes or receiving treatment for cancer may be at risk of developing cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Other symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• a severe, sudden headache
• pain or swelling around the eyes
• vision changes
• high fever

Treatment

Doctors tend to treat this condition with antibiotics and antimicrobial therapies, typically for 3–4 weeks. They should monitor patients’ conditions closely even after the discontinuation of antibiotics.

Other experts recommend anticoagulants to thin blood and therefore prevent further blood clots. Doctors typically prescribe these for several weeks to several months.

Doctors consider this type of treatment effective in slowing down the progression of blood cots and reducing the mortality rate. However, there is also some controversy surrounding anticoagulants as they can result in hemorrhage or bleeding.

Another option that doctors often prescribe is corticosteroids, as there is a potential benefit of reducing inflammation. Doctors do not recommend surgical interventions for the cavernous sinuses themselves.

In cases where the blood clot is septic and potentially fatal, a person may require hospitalization, often in an intensive care unit.

Three nerve branches run through the jaw and eye areas, meaning that issues with the jaw could potentially lead to pain behind and around the eye.

Dental and bite problems that can cause pain behind the eye include tooth infections and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder, which is dysfunction in the jaw joint.

Other symptoms

If TMJ causes orbital eye pain, people may also experience:

• eye strain
• watery eyes
• sensitivity to light

Treatment

If doctors have ruled out other medical conditions causing pain behind the eye, they may recommend consulting an orthodontist to check jaw joints and bite.

Realigning the bite with custom-made aligners for the teeth, through orthodontic treatment, can reduce the stress put on the muscles and joints in the head and neck. This treatment may alleviate nerve pain and pain behind the eye.

The two types of glaucoma are primary open-angle and angle-closure.

Risk factors include a family history of the condition and other eye-related injuries or surgeries.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is where eye fluid does not drain correctly, causing damage to the optic nerve. However, this type of glaucoma is painless.

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when a person’s iris blocks the drainage angle where eye fluid leaves the eye. When this is blocked, pressure builds up quickly, and immediate medical attention is needed to protect the vision.

Other symptoms

Symptoms include:

• sudden, severe eye pain
• headache
• blurry vision
• nausea
• vomiting
• seeing halos around lights

Treatment

Medical treatment for angle-closure glaucoma may include eye drops or laser surgery.

A person must use daily eye drops to reduce eye pressure. While this treatment will help maintain the vision, there will be several side effects associated with this medication, including:

• a stinging sensation
• red eyes or inflamed skin around the eyes
• blurred vision
• eyelash growth
• breathing changes
• changes in energy levels
• changes in pulse and heartbeat

The type of surgery used for angle-closure glaucoma is an iridotomy. An ophthalmologist will create a hole in the iris using a laser to help eye fluid flow through the drainage angle.

This condition is a type of vasculitis, a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Giant cell arteritis (GCA), which is also referred to temporal arteritis, may cause the arteries in the scalp, head, and temples to swell.

GCA can also occur alongside joint pain disorder known as polymyalgia rheumatica. This condition is a cause of widespread aches and stiffness in people over 50.

Other symptoms

Symptoms of GCA include:

• a new, persisting headache
• fever
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• temporary loss of vision

Permanent loss of vision can occur in some cases, but appropriate treatment can prevent this.

Treatment

GCA requires immediate medical treatment to reduce the risk of loss of vision. The treatment usually involves high doses of corticosteroids, typically 40–60 milligrams (mg) per day of prednisone for a month.

In most cases, doctors reduce the dose to about 5–10 mg per day for a few months or up to a year. GCA rarely returns after treatment.

In 2017, doctors approved tocilizumab (Actemra) as an effective treatment for GCA as more people are in remission. Medical professionals can administer this drug intravenously on a monthly basis, or patients can self-administer an injection every 1–2 weeks.

The following complementary practices may help people find relief for headaches, which could include pain behind the eye:

• acupuncture
• massaging pressure points
• biofeedback therapy
• relaxation therapy

Home remedies

There are also some common home remedies to prevent or help relieve pain behind the eye, including:

• applying cold or warm compresses
• staying well-hydrated, such as through drinking herbal teas
• exercising regularly
• getting plenty of rest
• limiting alcohol and caffeine use
• relaxing muscles in a hot bath or shower
• avoiding noisy and bright environments
• reducing screen time
• using OTC pain relievers
• reducing stress where appropriate
• magnesium supplements, particularly in the case of migraine attacks

While some conditions improve with home care and OTC medications, other symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Signs that it is time to see a doctor include pain that:

• is severe
• gets worse with time, coughing, or movement
• is accompanied by fever, numbness, a stiff neck, slurred speech, confusion, or visual disturbances
• develops quickly
• is accompanied by a sore, red eye or sore, tender temples
• develops in people with impaired immune systems or cancers

The outlook for pain behind the eye depends on the cause. Doctors can use several treatments to treat the cause of the pain.

Specific causes of pain behind the eye, such as migraine, may be more likely if people have a family history of the condition. It is important to have frequent check-ups with medical professionals to discuss the risk and the signs to look out for.

Other causes, such as eye strain, may resolve with home remedies, including adequate rest and drinking enough water. Doctors may also recommend nonprescription drugs, such as ibuprofen. Alternative therapies may improve the outlook for certain eye conditions.

Some causes of eye pain could require a course of prescription drugs, including steroids, and in some cases, medical treatment and long-term care.

The location of the eye pain may not be related to the cause. A person should keep track of triggers and other symptoms that accompany the pain. This information will help a doctor make an informed diagnosis and provide suitable recommendations for treatment.

7 causes of pain behind the eye

Pain behind the eye can result from eyestrain, migraine, dental problems, glaucoma, giant cell arteritis, and other causes. Treatment will depend on the cause, but applying cool or warm compresses may help.

Pain behind the eye is a nonspecific symptom as it can be associated with many different health conditions.

Common types of pain behind the eye vary from dull aches to sharp and intense pains. Some people experience a sharp pain behind while others have a deeper pain inside the head. Symptoms can also include tearing, sensitivity to light, redness, vision changes, or pain during eye movement.

This article examines the possible causes of pain behind the eye, treatments, alternative therapies, and when to consult a doctor if the pain persists.

Reviewing the possible causes for pain behind the eye may provide people with a better sense of the signs of discomfort and when to seek medical help.

There are as many as 300 types of headaches, including those that may cause pain behind the eye. The specific causes are known for only about 10% of headaches. Where a person feels pain does not necessarily correspond to what is causing it.

Many different health issues can cause pain behind the eye, including the following:

Straining the eyes can leave them feeling dry, tired, and blurry.

Research has shown that if a person stares at something for an extended time, they tend to blink less, so eyes become less moist. People should keep screens at a comfortable distance and take breaks from digital devices to reduce eyestrain.

The following may put people at risk of eyestrain:

• spending long hours staring at a screen
• being exposed to glare
• straining eyes in poor lighting
• driving long distances
• struggling to get by without glasses or an updated prescription when needed
• other underlying vision problems

Treatment

Giving the eyes a chance to rest and recover can do a lot to relieve pain behind the eye due to eye strain. People can use the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking away to a distance of at least 20 feet for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

People may also try over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears to help relieve dry, tired eyes.

Migraine is a common condition related to the brain that can often cause headaches along with extreme pain behind the eye. Migraine affects roughly 2 in 10 people, occurs in females more than males, and tends to run families.

Other symptoms

Migraine symptoms may also include visual disturbances, such as:

• shimmering lights
• zig-zag lines
• flashes of light

These disturbances may occur on only one side of the head and worsen with movement, exposure to sound, light, or strong smells.

Migraine headaches may also cause people to feel nauseated or experience vomiting.

Treatment

Doctors may recommend nonprescription medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.

However, people with migraine often need prescription medications. These medications balance the chemical changes leading to a migraine and include:

• Imitrex
• Amerge
• Zomig

If migraine attacks are severe or happen frequently, a doctor may recommend taking daily medication like beta-blockers.

The best remedy to prevent migraine is to avoid triggers where possible. Common triggers include:

• certain foods, like aged cheeses and red wine
• food additives and artificial sweeteners
• hormonal imbalances, for example, during pregnancy or menstruation
• emotional stress or anxiety
• environmental factors, including smells, temperatures, sounds, or lights
• irregular sleep patterns
• poor posture
• dehydration
• certain medications, including sleeping pills or hormonal treatments

Doctors often misdiagnose sinus infection as migraine due to the overlap in symptoms and triggers such as weather changes. A person must consult a medical professional to determine the cause of any headache.

Other symptoms

Thick, discolored nasal discharge is a common symptom of a viral or bacterial infection in the sinuses.

Other symptoms may include:

• headaches
• facial pain
• a feeling of pressure
• an impaired sense of smell
• fever

Treatment

Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat this type of infection if it is bacterial.

In some cases, doctors will use a CT scan to determine whether sinus disease or migraine is causing the pain.

This rare condition occurs when a potentially life threatening or a septic blood clot develops in the cavernous sinus. The cavernous sinus is a vein running between the bottom of the brain to the back of the eye sockets. A bacterial infection often causes this condition.

Septic cavernous sinus thrombosis can occur due to the following conditions:

• sinusitis
• dental infections
• pharyngitis
• tonsillitis
• other ear, nose, or throat infections

People with uncontrolled diabetes or receiving treatment for cancer may be at risk of developing cavernous sinus thrombosis.

Other symptoms

Symptoms may include:

• a severe, sudden headache
• pain or swelling around the eyes
• vision changes
• high fever

Treatment

Doctors tend to treat this condition with antibiotics and antimicrobial therapies, typically for 3–4 weeks. They should monitor patients’ conditions closely even after the discontinuation of antibiotics.

Other experts recommend anticoagulants to thin blood and therefore prevent further blood clots. Doctors typically prescribe these for several weeks to several months.

Doctors consider this type of treatment effective in slowing down the progression of blood cots and reducing the mortality rate. However, there is also some controversy surrounding anticoagulants as they can result in hemorrhage or bleeding.

Another option that doctors often prescribe is corticosteroids, as there is a potential benefit of reducing inflammation. Doctors do not recommend surgical interventions for the cavernous sinuses themselves.

In cases where the blood clot is septic and potentially fatal, a person may require hospitalization, often in an intensive care unit.

Three nerve branches run through the jaw and eye areas, meaning that issues with the jaw could potentially lead to pain behind and around the eye.

Dental and bite problems that can cause pain behind the eye include tooth infections and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder, which is dysfunction in the jaw joint.

Other symptoms

If TMJ causes orbital eye pain, people may also experience:

• eye strain
• watery eyes
• sensitivity to light

Treatment

If doctors have ruled out other medical conditions causing pain behind the eye, they may recommend consulting an orthodontist to check jaw joints and bite.

Realigning the bite with custom-made aligners for the teeth, through orthodontic treatment, can reduce the stress put on the muscles and joints in the head and neck. This treatment may alleviate nerve pain and pain behind the eye.

The two types of glaucoma are primary open-angle and angle-closure.

Risk factors include a family history of the condition and other eye-related injuries or surgeries.

Primary open-angle glaucoma is where eye fluid does not drain correctly, causing damage to the optic nerve. However, this type of glaucoma is painless.

Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when a person’s iris blocks the drainage angle where eye fluid leaves the eye. When this is blocked, pressure builds up quickly, and immediate medical attention is needed to protect the vision.

Other symptoms

Symptoms include:

• sudden, severe eye pain
• headache
• blurry vision
• nausea
• vomiting
• seeing halos around lights

Treatment

Medical treatment for angle-closure glaucoma may include eye drops or laser surgery.

A person must use daily eye drops to reduce eye pressure. While this treatment will help maintain the vision, there will be several side effects associated with this medication, including:

• a stinging sensation
• red eyes or inflamed skin around the eyes
• blurred vision
• eyelash growth
• breathing changes
• changes in energy levels
• changes in pulse and heartbeat

The type of surgery used for angle-closure glaucoma is an iridotomy. An ophthalmologist will create a hole in the iris using a laser to help eye fluid flow through the drainage angle.

This condition is a type of vasculitis, a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Giant cell arteritis (GCA), which is also referred to temporal arteritis, may cause the arteries in the scalp, head, and temples to swell.

GCA can also occur alongside joint pain disorder known as polymyalgia rheumatica. This condition is a cause of widespread aches and stiffness in people over 50.

Other symptoms

Symptoms of GCA include:

• a new, persisting headache
• fever
• fatigue
• loss of appetite
• temporary loss of vision

Permanent loss of vision can occur in some cases, but appropriate treatment can prevent this.

Treatment

GCA requires immediate medical treatment to reduce the risk of loss of vision. The treatment usually involves high doses of corticosteroids, typically 40–60 milligrams (mg) per day of prednisone for a month.

In most cases, doctors reduce the dose to about 5–10 mg per day for a few months or up to a year. GCA rarely returns after treatment.

In 2017, doctors approved tocilizumab (Actemra) as an effective treatment for GCA as more people are in remission. Medical professionals can administer this drug intravenously on a monthly basis, or patients can self-administer an injection every 1–2 weeks.

The following complementary practices may help people find relief for headaches, which could include pain behind the eye:

• acupuncture
• massaging pressure points
• biofeedback therapy
• relaxation therapy

Home remedies

There are also some common home remedies to prevent or help relieve pain behind the eye, including:

• applying cold or warm compresses
• staying well-hydrated, such as through drinking herbal teas
• exercising regularly
• getting plenty of rest
• limiting alcohol and caffeine use
• relaxing muscles in a hot bath or shower
• avoiding noisy and bright environments
• reducing screen time
• using OTC pain relievers
• reducing stress where appropriate
• magnesium supplements, particularly in the case of migraine attacks

While some conditions improve with home care and OTC medications, other symptoms require prompt medical attention.

Signs that it is time to see a doctor include pain that:

• is severe
• gets worse with time, coughing, or movement
• is accompanied by fever, numbness, a stiff neck, slurred speech, confusion, or visual disturbances
• develops quickly
• is accompanied by a sore, red eye or sore, tender temples
• develops in people with impaired immune systems or cancers

The outlook for pain behind the eye depends on the cause. Doctors can use several treatments to treat the cause of the pain.

Specific causes of pain behind the eye, such as migraine, may be more likely if people have a family history of the condition. It is important to have frequent check-ups with medical professionals to discuss the risk and the signs to look out for.

Other causes, such as eye strain, may resolve with home remedies, including adequate rest and drinking enough water. Doctors may also recommend nonprescription drugs, such as ibuprofen. Alternative therapies may improve the outlook for certain eye conditions.

Some causes of eye pain could require a course of prescription drugs, including steroids, and in some cases, medical treatment and long-term care.

The location of the eye pain may not be related to the cause. A person should keep track of triggers and other symptoms that accompany the pain. This information will help a doctor make an informed diagnosis and provide suitable recommendations for treatment.

Eyes hurt: why, what to do? Pain in the eyes and head, causes. How to treat?

Eyes hurt, what is the reason and what to do?

To understand why the eyes hurt, you need to understand that the eyes hurt in diseases associated with pathological changes in both the eyes themselves and in general diseases of the body.

To differentiate the cause of soreness of the eyes, it is necessary to pay attention to the accompanying symptoms. So, for example, the eyes and the head often hurt at the same time, the eyes hurt against the background of high blood pressure, and often the pain in the eyes can be combined with redness of the eyes.

These and other accompanying symptoms of sore eyes will help to make the correct diagnosis, choose the direction of treatment and answer the question: what to do?

Let’s try to figure out why your eyes hurt and what to do?

Pain in the eyes is a characteristic symptom of many eye diseases.

A. Causes of eye pain when the eyes themselves are diseased:

1. Keratitis – inflammation of the cornea

2. Uveitis – inflammation of the choroid

3. Glaucoma

4. Conjunctivitis

5. Eye injury

6. Foreign body of conjunctiva or cornea

7. Wrong glasses

8. Incorrectly fitted contact lenses

9. Uncorrected vision in presbyopia

10. Eyes hurt after welding

B. Causes of eye pain due to general diseases of the body:

1. Viral infection

2. Violation of blood pressure

3. Migraine

4. Increased intracranial pressure (ICP)

A. Causes of pain in the eyes in diseases of the eyes themselves:

1. Keratitis , or inflammation of the cornea, is always accompanied by pain in the eyes. In addition to pain in the eyes, keratitis is absolutely always accompanied by additional symptoms. The so-called “corneal syndrome” is characterized by the presence of lacrimation, redness of the pericorneal zone (around the cornea), blepharospasm (eyelid spasm) and, of course, pain in the eyes. Eyes hurt with keratitis very much.
Treatment: treatment is carried out only in the conditions of a specialized ophthalmological institution. It is impossible to cure keratitis on your own at home without consequences for vision. Local and general anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary in the form of parabulbar injections of antibiotics and, if necessary, corticosteroid drugs, application of anti-inflammatory ointment and drugs that improve corneal regeneration over the eyelids. If there are signs of keratitis, you should immediately consult a doctor.

2. Uveitis , or inflammation of the inner choroid of the eye. The choroid of the eye has three sections, each of which can become inflamed separately or there may be a combined inflammation, which is called panuveitis. Inflammation of the iris, or iritis, inflammation of the middle part of the choroid, or iridocyclitis. always accompanied by very severe pain in the eyes. The pain is so severe that it is impossible to touch the eye.

Concomitant symptoms include pericorneal injection, iris color change and pattern clarity. Interestingly, inflammation of the third part of the iris – the choroid – is never accompanied by the presence of pain in the eyes, and choreoiditis at the initial stage is often asymptomatic. This is due to the lack of sensitive fibers of the nervous tissue in the choroid.
Treatment: uveitis should only be treated in a specialized ophthalmological department and, as a rule, this disease requires treatment in an eye hospital. At home, it is impossible to cure uveitis without damage to vision.

3. Glaucoma . A common symptom of glaucoma is pain in the eye. The left eye hurts or the right eye hurts, the one on which there is increased intraocular pressure. Often, in addition to pain in the eyes, there is a feeling of pressure. “Crushes in the eyes” – this is how patients characterize their feelings with glaucoma. Another characteristic sign of glaucoma that can help to suspect the disease is pain in half of the head, in the half in which intraocular pressure is increased in the eye. A characteristic symptom of glaucoma is that not the whole head hurts, but exactly half of the head on the side of the diseased eye.
Treatment: Glaucoma can be treated with medication, laser or surgery.

Drops that reduce intraocular pressure, such as Travatan, Timolol, Betoptik, Xalatan, Azopt, Arutimol, Trusopt, are prescribed by a doctor depending on the degree of glaucoma, its stage and the strength of the increase in intraocular pressure. Along with drug treatment, laser treatment is a very promising method for reducing pressure. In the absence of the desired effect of drug and laser treatment, surgical treatment of glaucoma is prescribed. Pain in the eye disappears with a decrease in intraocular pressure to normal numbers. Normally, intraocular pressure should be no more than 26 mm Hg. when measured with a Maklakov tonometer at any age of a person.

4. Conjunctivitis rare, but may also be accompanied by pain in the eyes, more specifically burning sensation and foreign body sensation. A more accurate definition of pain in conjunctivitis: discomfort in the eyes and pain in the eyes. The causes of these sensations are swelling and violation of the integrity of the epithelial layer of the eyelids and the eyeball – the conjunctiva.

Along with pain, there is reddening of the eyes, which is discharged in the conjunctival cavity, with bacterial conjunctivitis, eyelashes stick together in the morning.
Treatment: treatment is carried out depending on the type of pathogen – antiviral or antibacterial. Tobrex, Tobradex, Maxitrol, Vitabact, as a rule, allow you to cope with conjunctivitis and eliminate eye pain. Oftalmoferon will be useful for pain from viral conjunctivitis.

5. Trauma eye , even a microtrauma, causes pain in the eyes.

In case of injury, the epithelium of the cornea or conjunctiva is most often damaged, which leads to irritation of sensitive nerve fibers and, as a result, the eyes hurt. More serious injuries with rupture of the membranes always cause severe pain in the eyes.
Treatment: Drugs that improve tissue regeneration, such as Solcoseryl, Actovegin, Citral. To prevent a secondary infection, it is recommended to use Tobrex, Maxitrol, Albucid 20%, chloramphenicol 0.25%.

6. Foreign body in the conjunctiva or cornea is the most common cause of eye pain. The cornea is the most sensitive part of the body. Getting hair and even dust particles into the eye causes discomfort and pain in the eye. A foreign body that has entered the conjunctival cavity violates the integrity of the epithelium and has the same consequences as an eye injury. The intensity of pain depends on the volume of the foreign body and its location. So, getting an eyelash into the conjunctival cavity causes moderate pain and a feeling of a foreign body. A foreign body that has entered the cornea causes very severe pain.
Treatment: if the foreign body is visible and easily accessible, you can try to remove it yourself with a cotton swab or rinse the eye with warm water. Then it is necessary to apply the treatment, the same as for an eye injury. If the foreign body cannot be removed on its own, then it is necessary to contact the Eye Trauma Center so that specialized assistance is provided.

The emergency room is open 24/7, so you can contact us anytime, anytime. And the sooner help is provided, the better the prospects for treatment. The address of the eye trauma center in Krasnoyarsk: the city of Krasnoyarsk, st. Nikitina, 1″B”.

7. Incorrectly fitted glasses are also a common cause of eye pain, as if pressure. The main errors in the selection of glasses are incorrectly measured interpupillary distance or diopters of glasses more than they are necessary for the state of refraction. Such errors lead to excessive refractive or oculomotor tension, resulting in headaches or painful sensations in the eyes. Pain when the eyes “as if they are pressing” excludes the inflammatory process of the eye or injury. Such pain is characteristic of improperly selected glasses or general health problems.
Treatment: check the purchased glasses with a competent ophthalmologist. Perform laser vision correction and get rid of the need to use glasses.

8. Incorrectly fitted contact lenses often cause eye pain. Contact lenses require individual selection, since the radius of curvature of the cornea is different for all people, and even in two eyes of the same person, the radius of curvature of the cornea can vary greatly. Therefore, when choosing contact lenses, it is necessary to focus on the individual characteristics of each eye, and not just on the diopter of the lenses. It is recommended to select lenses only in specialized clinics. An incorrectly fitted lens acts like a foreign body, injuring the cornea of ​​the eye, causing pain and inflammation of the eye.
Treatment: Avoid contact lenses for at least two weeks to restore corneal integrity and have contact lenses fitted by an experienced contact specialist. To eliminate the pain from contact lenses, laser vision correction is possible.

9. Uncorrected vision in presbyopia causes the eyes to hurt, especially if a person is forced to read for a long time or work close, for example, on a computer. Accommodation allows a person to see at a close distance from the eye, but with age this process is disturbed, presbyopia develops , glasses for near are needed to compensate for disturbed accommodation. If you try to strain your eyes when the possibility of accommodation is lost, then eye fatigue occurs and the eyes begin to hurt.
Treatment: you need to choose glasses for work at close range according to age and existing refraction.

10. Eyes hurt after welding due to radiation burn of the cornea. As they say, “I picked up bunnies from welding”, what should I do? The welding arc used when welding two metals emits infrared radiation and ultraviolet radiation of enormous power. Eyes during welding work must be protected by a special glass that limits the effect of infrared and UV radiation on the eye. In case of violation of safety regulations and open exposure to radiation on the eye, a corneal burn occurs. Retinal damage can also occur. But the pain in the eye after welding occurs precisely because of the burn of the cornea. Therefore, all measures to relieve pain after welding should be directed primarily to the treatment of the cornea.
Treatment: flush eyes with cool water. For regeneration of the cornea, it is necessary to use drugs such as Solcoseryl, Korneregel, Citral, Oftagel, Balarpan, Khilozar-Komod. For the prevention of secondary infection: Tobrex, Maxitrol, Albucid 20%, Levomycetin 0. 25%. If the pain is very strong, novocaine or lidocaine can be dripped into the eyes. But, if the condition allows, it is better not to do this, since anesthesia causes swelling of the cornea and increases the healing time. You can take any general action analyst “Ibrufen” or “Analgin”, “Diclofenac” (Voltaren), or “Indomethacin”.

It is better to be in a darkened room and for several hours with your eyes closed.

B. Causes of eye pain in general diseases of the body:

1. Viral infection is very often accompanied by pain in the eyes. If you experience pain behind the eyeballs when moving your eyes, then most likely you have a viral infection in the body in the acute stage.

The coronavirus infection in the body is no exception.

Coronavirus, like any other viral infection, leads to pain behind the eyes, especially in the initial stages of the disease. Pain in the eyes with coronavirus is associated precisely with a viral infection in the body.
Treatment: to eliminate eye pain due to a viral infection, general antiviral treatment from an appropriate specialist is necessary. Local eye treatment in this case is not required.

2. Blood pressure disorder . A change in blood pressure, both upward – hypertension or hypertension, and downward – hypotension, is accompanied by headache and frequent irradiation of pain in the region of the orbit and eye.
Treatment: in case of a sharp and significant change in blood pressure, it is necessary to take a horizontal position – lie down, call a doctor. With high blood pressure, the head should be higher than the body, with hypotension at the level of the body. Compensatory therapy and equalization of blood pressure will lead to the disappearance of pain in the eyes.

3. Migraine leads in most cases to pressing pains behind the eyes. Migraine is accompanied by loss of visual fields and headache. Eye pain is also a symptomatic sign of migraine.
Treatment: the elimination of migraine leads to the disappearance of pain in the eyes.

4. Increased intracranial pressure accompanied by headache and pain in the eyes. Diagnosis is based on fundus ophthalmoscopy and associated symptoms consistent with elevated ICP.
Treatment: Elimination of the causes of increased intracranial pressure leads to the absence of pain in the eyes.

You may find it interesting and useful:
1. Red eyes. Why and what to do?

2. Why do my eyes water? Causes and treatment.
3. How to restore vision

08/22/2021

author Natalya Yatsinova

“Pressing pain” inside the eye: possible causes

Pressing pain in the eyes is a complaint that worries some of our patients. Attributing such sensations to general fatigue and overload, many of them do not seek help from an ophthalmologist and do not even realize that eye pain can be the first symptom of the development of a dangerous disease.

Possible causes of pressure pain in the eyes

The cause of pressing pain in the eyes can be not only eye diseases, but also pathologies of other organs and body systems. First of all, these are diseases of the central nervous system, ENT pathologies and others.

Among the most common causes of pressing pain in the eyes are:

Optic neuritis – inflammation of the optic nerve, accompanied by decreased visual acuity, blurred vision, pain in the eyes, headache, changes in color perception, changes in the field of vision.

Glaucoma is an ophthalmic disease usually accompanied by increased intraocular pressure. This condition provokes the development of degenerative and atrophic changes in the optic nerve, which progress and lead to a gradual decrease in vision, and sometimes even its complete loss. Some forms of glaucoma can also be accompanied by symptoms such as pressing pain inside the eye, a sharp decrease in visual acuity, fog before the eyes.

Migraine – a neurological disease characterized by the appearance of recurrent headaches or pain in the eyes, lasting from 4 to 72 hours without a break. The pain is usually throbbing in nature and is accompanied by additional symptoms: nausea, vomiting, increased sensitivity to light and sounds.

Cluster headaches is a bodily condition characterized by multiple and frequent attacks of headache. Such pain occurs abruptly and lasts from 30 minutes to 3 hours. The pain can radiate (give) to various parts of the face, including the eyes. In addition, cluster pain may be accompanied by redness of the eyes, the appearance of lacrimation and swelling around the eyes.

Sinus infections can also cause headaches that radiate to the eye area. Usually the cause of pain is an inflammatory process in the nasal sinus (maxillary, frontal). Treatment is carried out by an otolaryngologist and includes the appointment of drugs to eliminate the cause of inflammation, as well as decongestants.