What causes upper eye socket pain, pressure, or pain behind the eyes? Discover the common conditions that can lead to this symptom, including migraines, sinus infections, Graves’ disease, optic neuritis, toothaches, and facial injuries.

Understanding Upper Eye Socket Pain

Eye pain can manifest in various ways, but a feeling of pressure or discomfort behind the eyes is a distinct and often concerning symptom. While this sensation may be related to the eyes themselves, it is more commonly caused by conditions affecting the surrounding facial tissues and structures. In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the common causes of upper eye socket pain, their associated symptoms, and when it’s important to seek medical attention.

Migraines and Other Headaches

Migraines are a leading cause of pressure or pain behind the eyes. The American Migraine Foundation notes that headaches and eye-related pain often go hand-in-hand. However, it’s important to understand that most headaches, including migraines and tension-type headaches, are not directly linked to eye strain or other eye-related conditions. The hallmark symptoms of a migraine include pulsing head pain, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound, and even visual disturbances before the onset of the headache.

Other types of headaches, such as tension headaches and cluster headaches, can also contribute to a feeling of pressure or pain around the eyes. Tension headaches are characterized by a tightening or pressing sensation, rather than a pulsing pain, while cluster headaches can cause severe, recurring pain around the eyes and face, often accompanied by swelling or other facial symptoms.

Sinus Infections

Sinus infections, or sinusitis, can be a common culprit behind upper eye socket pain. The sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull positioned above, below, behind, and between the eyes. Problems with the sinuses, such as inflammation or infection, often result in pain and pressure around the face, including the eyes. One specific type of sinus infection, sphenoid sinusitis, has been linked to a dull ache or pressure behind the eyes.

Other symptoms of a sinus infection include a runny or stuffy nose, loss of smell, headaches, facial pain or pressure, mucus drainage, sore throat, fever, cough, and fatigue. If you’re experiencing these symptoms along with a feeling of pressure behind the eyes, it’s essential to seek medical attention to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease, a condition caused by an overactive thyroid gland, can also lead to a feeling of pressure or discomfort behind the eyes. In Graves’ disease, the tissues, muscles, and fat behind the eye can become swollen, causing the eyeball to protrude from the socket. This swelling can result in a sensation of irritation, dryness, tearing, light sensitivity, double vision, and the inability to move the eye freely.

Graves’ disease-related eye issues are collectively known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy or thyroid eye disease. If you’re experiencing these symptoms along with other signs of Graves’ disease, such as an enlarged thyroid gland, weight loss, or anxiety, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis is a condition that affects the optic nerves, the structures that connect the eyes to the brain. In optic neuritis, the optic nerve becomes inflamed and swollen, which can lead to pain, reduced vision, color blindness, and even temporary vision loss. Optic neuritis is often associated with underlying conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and may be triggered by infections.

Symptoms of optic neuritis include reduced vision, blurry sight (especially after a rise in body temperature), color blindness, and pain in the affected eye, particularly when moving it. If you experience sudden or worsening vision problems accompanied by eye pain, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.

Toothache and Facial Injuries

Surprisingly, a toothache can also contribute to a feeling of pressure or pain behind the eyes. When a tooth, especially one affected by infection, causes discomfort, the surrounding nerves can become irritated, leading to referred pain that radiates to nearby areas of the face, including the eye socket.

Injuries to the face, such as those sustained in accidents or during sports, can also result in upper eye socket pain. Fractures to the eye socket can damage the eye muscles, nerves, and sinuses, leading to a range of symptoms, including bulging or sunken eyes, double vision, numbness, swelling, and severe pain when opening the mouth.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While a feeling of pressure or pain behind the eyes is not a medical emergency on its own, it can be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. If you experience severe or sudden vision loss, significant swelling around the eye, or other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional can perform a comprehensive evaluation, determine the underlying cause, and provide appropriate treatment to address the root problem and alleviate your discomfort.

In conclusion, upper eye socket pain can have a variety of causes, ranging from common headaches to more serious conditions like Graves’ disease or optic neuritis. By understanding the potential causes and their associated symptoms, you can be better equipped to recognize when to seek medical care and address the underlying issue effectively. Remember, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about persistent or worsening eye-related discomfort.

Pain Above or Behind Eyes

There are many types of eye pain, but a feeling of pressure behind the eyes is something else altogether. This unpleasant sensation may be caused by an issue affecting the eyes, but the cause is more likely a condition affecting the surrounding tissue of the face. Here we look at the following conditions that can cause a feeling of pressure behind the eyes:

• migraines and other headaches
• sinus infection
• Graves’ disease
• optic neuritis
• toothache
• injury to the face

Causes of pressure behind the eyes

1. Migraines and other headaches

The American Migraine Foundation note that headaches and pain around the eyes often go together. However, they also point out that most headaches are classified as migraine- or tension-type, and have nothing to do with eye strain or related conditions. Migraines are frequently associated with a feeling of pressure or pain behind the eyes.   Other symptoms of a migraine include:

• pulsing pain in the head
• nausea
• vomiting
• sensitivity to sound
• sensitivity to light
• strange lights or sounds before the onset of a headache

Other types of headache include:

• Tension headaches. There will be a sensation of tightening and pressing, rather than pulsing.
• Cluster headaches. These will last for 15–180 minutes and frequently occur up to eight times a day. Infection, swelling, or pain in areas of the face, including the eyes, is common with cluster headaches.

 

2. Sinus infection

The sinuses are hollow spaces in the skull, positioned above, below, behind, and between the eyes.  Problems with the sinuses often include feelings of pain in and around the face. One of the main symptoms of a sinus infection is throbbing pain and pressure around the eyeballs. At least one type of sinus infection — sphenoid sinusitis — is linked to an ache behind the eyes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), other symptoms of a sinus infection include:

• runny or stuffy nose
• loss of sense of smell
• headache
• pain or pressure in the face
• mucus dripping from the nose down the throat
• sore throat
• fever
• cough
• tiredness
• bad breath

 

3. Graves’ disease

A result of an overactive thyroid gland, Graves’ disease can cause the tissues, muscles, and fat behind the eye to swell. This causes the eyeball to bulge from the socket and can lead to other issues, such as being unable to move the eyeball. The swelling of the tissues behind the eye may result in a feeling of pressure. Common eye-related symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

• a feeling of irritation in the eyes
• dry eyes
• the eyes tearing up more than usual
• the eye bulging from the socket
• sensitivity to light
• double vision
• ulcers on the eye
• loss of vision
• swelling of the eyeball
• being unable to move the eye

 

4. Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis affects the optic nerves, which connect the eyes and the brain. Optic neuritis is a condition in which the nerve that connects the eyes and brain becomes inflamed and swollen. Side effects can include pain and temporary loss of vision, which usually peaks within a few days and can take 4–12 weeks to improve. Infections can trigger optic neuritis, and it is also commonly associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Around 50 percent of all people with MS experience optic neuritis, which is often the first indication of MS. Symptoms of optic neuritis include:

• reduced vision
• color blindness, or colors appearing less vibrant
• blurry sight, especially after the body temperature has risen
• loss of vision in one eye
• pain in the eye, especially when moving it
• the pupil reacting unusually to bright light

 

5. Toothache

A toothache, especially as a result of infection, may cause throbbing pain and feelings of pressure to spread to nearby parts of the face, as the surrounding nerves become affected. For example, a 2007 case study published in the Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences concerned a person whose toothache led to a swelling of the left eye socket after 2 days. The vision in the swollen eye grew worse, and the pain increased along with the swelling.

6. Injury to the face

Injuries to the face, such as those sustained in car accidents or while playing sports, may lead to a feeling of pressure and pain behind and around the eyes. Different types of fracture to the eye socket can cause damage to the eye muscles, nerves, and sinuses. Some symptoms of eye socket fractures include:

• the eye appearing to either bulge or sink into the socket
• a black eye
• double vision, blurry vision, or reduced eyesight
• numbness in parts of the face around the injured eye
• swelling near and around the eye
• a flat-looking cheek, possibly with severe pain while opening the mouth

When to see a doctor

Serious symptoms, such as loss of vision, should be assessed by a doctor. Pressure behind the eyes is not a serious medical concern on its own, but it may indicate the presence of a more acute condition.

Anyone who notices symptoms such as loss of vision, bulging eyes, fever, frequent headaches, or facial swelling should see their doctor. If the doctor is unable to make a diagnosis, they will refer the person to an appropriate expert who can investigate more thoroughly.  Some of these experts include:

• ear, nose, and throat specialists
• dental surgeons
• neurologists, specializing in brain and nerve issues
• ophthalmologists and optometrists, specializing in eye issues

 

Some techniques that may help with a diagnosis include:

• Blood tests to determine hormone levels. Hormones produced by the thyroid are key in diagnosing Graves’ disease.
• CT scans to develop an accurate picture of the brain and organs.
• MRI scans — another method of mapping the brain and body.
• Endoscopy, which involves inserting a camera into the nose to investigate the health of the sinuses.

 

Treatment options

Successfully treating pressure behind the eyes involves addressing the underlying causes. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs and painkillers are safe to use. They may ease the feeling of pressure if it is not severe and does not seem to be a side effect of a more serious condition. If the pressure is severe or comes with other symptoms, see a doctor. Following diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe any treatments needed. These could include:

• ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen to treat headaches
• antibiotics, steroid nasal sprays, or antihistamines to treat sinus infections

Outlook

The outlook for pressure behind the eyes will depend on the underlying cause. This pressure will often be due to simple headaches or sinus conditions, which are easy to deal with and unlikely to cause complications. However, pressure behind the eyes may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as optic neuritis or Graves’ disease. In these cases, seek further treatment.

[2021 Guide] What Causes Pain Around Eye Sockets?

December 9, 2019 – 4 MIN READ

Pain around the eye sockets and eyes themselves is one of the top reasons that patients visit Eye Center of Texas. That’s because when you’re experiencing pain around your eye sockets, it’s very hard to concentrate on anything else. 

When someone comes to us and expresses concern about eye pain and/or pain around the eye sockets, it is our goal to relieve that patient as quickly and safely as possible.

Want to give yourself a head start? Learn about what causes pain around the eye sockets, then call Eye Center of Texas at 713-797-1010 or contact us online today.

What are the two different types of eye pain?

When discussing eye pain, eye doctors place different issues in two umbrella categories for eye pain: ocular eye pain and orbital eye pain.

Ocular eye pain is any kind of eye pain that originates on the surface of the eye. It includes sharp pain or the feeling of having something gritty in your eyes.

Types of ocular eye pain include:

• Pink eye
• Styes and chalazia
• Chemical burns
• Foreign bodies
• Corneal abrasions
• Keratoconus

However, when a patient complains of pain around the eye sockets, they are typically referring to pain that originates deeper within the eye. This type of eye pain—pain that originates from a source within tor behind the eye—is referred to as orbital eye pain.

Orbital eye pain and pain around the eye sockets

The eye is an extremely complex organ, leading to many potential causes of orbital eye pain. The following are the most common conditions and diseases that may cause pain around the eye sockets.

• Glaucoma: When people ask “What does pressure behind the eyes mean?” they are typically referencing glaucoma, a disease caused by increased intraocular pressure. While the most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, is typically painless, a rarer, fast-acting and dangerous type of glaucoma called angle-closure glaucoma can cause redness, severe pain, and vision loss. (For more information, read our article on the types of glaucoma.)
• Iritis: Iritis is a rare condition in which the iris (the colored part of the eye) becomes inflamed. Side effects include deep orbital pain, reduced vision, redness, and light sensitivity.
• Migraines, tension headaches, cluster headaches: All three of these types of headaches can create the sensation of pain originating from behind the eye. Note that ocular migraines are different than having eye pain from a migraine; ocular migraines typically last for thirty minutes to an hour and can result in either temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye.
• Optic neuritis: Optic neuritis is the inflammation and/or infection of the nerve that connects your eye to your brain. Pain caused by optic neuritis often increases with eye movement. Patients may also experience temporary vision loss and headaches.
• Orbital cellulitis: Orbital cellulitis is an infection of the inside of your eye socket. It can occur after eye trauma, eye surgery, or as the result of infections spreading from other parts of your body (especially the teeth and sinuses). Orbital cellulitis creates redness, pain, and swelling, discharge, and fever, and can lead to permanent vision loss without immediate treatment.
• Sinusitis/Sinus infection: Yes, your sinuses can also cause pain around your eye sockets—or at least the sensation of eye pain. The congestion and inflammation associated with sinus infections can lead to increased pressure in the sinuses, which can then radiate to your eyes.
• Toothache: A toothache can cause both headaches and eye pain by pain referred via the nerves that run throughout your facial structure (especially the trigeminal nerve).

How do you relieve eye pain? See a trusted Ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas.

It’s impossible to know how to thoroughly treat eye pain and pain around the eye sockets without knowing what is causing that pain. The renowned ophthalmologist at Eye Center of Texas can help you identify the cause of your eye pain and put you on the road to recovery.

Whether you’re experiencing pain behind your left eye, pain behind your right eye, pain in both of your eyes, orbital pain, or ocular pain, it’s time you found relief. Request an appointment at Eye Center of Texas by calling 713-797-1010 or contacting us online today.

 

Other Helpful Articles by Eye Center of Texas:

• How to Treat Excess Eyelid Skin 
• How Does Diabetes Affect the Eyes?
• Best Foods for Eye Health
• When to See an Eye Doctor
• The Difference Between an Optometrist and an Ophthalmologist

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Pain in the eyes – the main causes, methods of diagnosis and treatment

Promotion! 20% discount on the initial doctor’s appointment for new patients of the clinic using the promo code “FIRST20”.

The eyes are the leading part of the visual analyzer, helping to perceive up to 80% of all information. Since each eye has a dense network of pain receptors, as well as very sensitive nerve endings, all external and internal processes in the body can affect its health.

The meaning of the concept of “pain in the eyes” is rather vague. This is due to the fact that it is difficult to describe single symptoms. Some may call pain burning or discomfort, someone will note “internal” pain, a sensation of a “foreign body”, and it happens that they come to an ophthalmologist with obvious external signs – redness, swelling and increased tearing.

What is the main cause of eye pain? Like symptoms, there can be many diseases: sometimes discomfort is caused by standard overwork, and sometimes it indicates serious internal pathological processes in the eyes, oculomotor nerves, and in some cases even the brain.

You can avoid serious consequences, the easiest way is to consult an ophthalmologist in a timely manner, at the first symptoms.

Major causes of eye pain

We will describe the most common causes that cause eye pain and require medical attention (both preventive and curative). Remember, if the pain is not the result of a gust of wind or an eyelash caught in the eye, this can be a signal to various diseases and conditions that require immediate action.

• Pressing pain in the eye is usually a sign of increased IOP (intraocular pressure).
• Overfatigue of the eye muscles, as well as the muscles of the face.
• Contact with the surface of the eye of foreign bodies, various injuries.
  If you wear contact lenses, an outdated or inappropriate pair may scratch the surface of the eye.
  When a foreign body enters, bacterial infections often enter with it, causing inflammation. In this case, the best way out is to contact an ophthalmologist.
• Infectious diseases.
  If bacteria enter the eye, infections may develop. The important point here is that infection can create not only the external environment, but also internal pathologies.
• Inflammatory process in the mucous membrane of the eye.
  Conjunctivitis is accompanied by cutting constant pain, which becomes worse during blinking. There is a profuse discharge of tears and pus, photophobia.
• Dry eye syndrome.
  In modern conditions, this disease is more common. Now even young people go to the doctor with symptoms of dry eyes, burning and discomfort. The reasons for this are very simple: prolonged work at the computer, rooms with air conditioning, lack of timely prevention.

Important to know!

• Fever, regardless of its cause, can cause eye pain.
• When pain is felt in both eyes at once and is accompanied by fever, joint pain and weakness, you probably have the flu.
• If dust, sand grains and other tiny elements get into the eye, it may seem that their size is huge.
• Pain in the eyes is a faithful companion of migraine.
• Dull pain in the eyes occurs with an increase in blood pressure.

Contact your ophthalmologist immediately if:

• if you have received any, even the most minor eye injury,
• if a foreign body has entered the eye,
• if you experience a sharp deterioration in vision (especially accompanied by headache and weakness),
• if you notice any external changes in the eye area.

All ophthalmologists of our center are professionals in their field. Experience and individual approach help them accurately diagnose any eye disease and provide fast and high-quality treatment.

You can make an appointment with an ophthalmologist right now:

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“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 pressing 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 a decrease in visual acuity, blurred vision, pain in the eyes, headache, changes in color perception, changes in the visual field.

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).