Pain behind the eyes feels like it is coming from inside your head, not the skin’s surface. There are many possible causes of this eye pain, including eye disease. Keep in mind that “where you feel the pain is not necessarily an indicator of what’s causing the pain [American Institute of Ophthalmologists.]”
If you are bothered by pain behind the eye that is bothersome or doesn’t go away, make sure to visit your Orange County eye doctor, Dr. Ghosheh at Advanced Eye Medical.
Migraine
One of the leading causes of pain behind the eye is migraine headache, a common condition that has to do with the brain. The pain usually occurs on one side, often throbbing, and gets worse when you move. Migraine sufferers can be sensitive to light, sounds, and smells, and may feel nauseous and have to vomit during their headache. Feeling the headache behind one eye is very common during a migraine attack.
Dry Eye
People with dry eye syndrome do not have enough moisture in their eyes. Without enough tears, your eyes become sensitive to light, and headaches behind the eye are common. See your Orange County eye doctor for lubricating drops and use them regularly as needed.
Vision Problems
If you focus hard or squint to make up for a vision problem like farsightedness, nearsightedness, or astigmatism, you are more likely to develop pain behind the eye. This is because your eyes and brain are working hard to make up for your compromised vision. Always make sure your prescription is up to date and wear your glasses or contacts during the day. Your Orange County eye doctor, Dr. Ghosheh, can tell you about your options for iLasik surgery so you won’t need to worry about remembering your glasses or contacts anymore!
Brain Aneurysm
If you feel pain right behind the left eye, it could be a sign of brain aneurysm. This happens when blood vessels or an artery wall in the brain are weak. This may cause a possible hemorrhage or stroke.
Scleritis
The sclera is the tough outer coating of the eyeball. Scleritis is inflammation inside the sclera. Besides pain behind the eye, scleritis can also create redness and light sensitivity. Although there is “no underlying cause” for scleritis, “it often accompanies immune-mediated disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, and inflammatory bowel disease [verywellhealth.]”
Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis can cause pain behind the eye. It is an inflammatory condition of the optic nerve (the nerve which connects the eye to the brain.)
Cluster Headaches
“Cluster headaches are extremely painful headaches that cause pain behind the eyes. Cluster headaches can come on suddenly and reoccur almost on a clockwise basis within a 24-hour period [verywellhealth.]” It is unknown why cluster headaches affect men four times more than women.
When to See an Eye Doctor
- If the eye pain is severe and/or persistent
- If the eye pain is accompanied by a headache or fever
- If you extreme light sensitivity or see halos around light
- If your vision changes suddenly
- If you experience swelling in and around the eyes
- If you have trouble moving the eyes or keeping them open
- If there is blood or pus coming from your eyes
Home Remedies for Pain Behind the Eyes
Follow a Healthy Lifestyle
Maintaining proper eye care is crucial. Get plenty of rest, eat well, visit your eye doctor regularly, and make sure your prescriptions are up to date.
Hot/Cold Compress
A trick to ease migraine: Put your feet in hot water and apply a cold compress to your eyes. If you don’t like the cold sensation on your head, try putting your hands in cold water.
Use Steam
Place your head over a bowl of steaming water to relieve congestion associated with sinusitis. For extra benefit, add a few drops of peppermint essential oils.
Other Essential Oils
Lavender has been known to ease headache pain. Peppermint and eucalyptus can also be helpful when applied to the temples.
Conventional Treatment Options for Pain Behind the Eye
Therapeutic Treatments
Acupuncture and massage therapy are the two most common treatments prescribed for headache pain behind the eyes.
Over the Counter Medications
Usually decongestants and anti-inflammatory medications. These can help relieve symptoms; if they don’t you should see your doctor right away to make sure you don’t have a more serious underlying condition.
Avoid Triggers
Chronic headache sufferers know to avoid their triggers. These can include “oral contraceptives, foods high in nitrites, and foods high in sodium. In addition, tobacco and alcohol products are known to make headaches worse [belmarrahealth.]”
Orange County Eye Doctor
Advanced Eye Medical has been providing exceptional vision care in Orange County for the past 25 years. They have helped thousands of patients with iLASIK eye surgery, Advanced Custom Cataract surgery, Monovision Correction through Clear Lens Extraction/Replacement, and more. We do eye exams! For more information or to set your appointment, Contact Dr. Gosheh at Advanced Eye Medical Today!