There are many reasons for a headache or migraine behind the eye. Usually, this feels like it is coming from inside the head, sinuses, or the back of the actual eye. In fact, pain behind your eyes can also cause dental issues. Seeing a Melbourne eye doctor in Armadale Eye Clinic is essential to determine the underlying cause and provide proper treatment. Keep reading to know more about the causes of pain behind the eyes, including the treatment and common eye issues related to this symptom.
Migraine Headache Behind The Eyes
A migraine headache behind the eyes is physical discomfort that you can experience behind one or both eyes. The intensity of the aggravation can be mild or severe. In fact, a pounding sensation could conceivably go with a migraine behind the eyes. Other than the pain behind the eyes, the reason for the headache may start somewhere else.
In addition, a headache behind the eyes is usually a kind of referred pain. This kind of pain is perceived in an area other than the location where it begins. Referred pain usually happens due to the body’s interconnecting sensory nerves that provide various tissues.
Common Causes Of Headache Pain Behind The Eyes
Pain behind the eye usually does not mean the issue is in the eye. Generally, suppose there is no indication of red eyes and no visual complaints such as distorted or blurred vision. In that case, it is unlikely that the headache is identified with an eye problem.
In any case, here are the common conditions that can cause pain behind the eyes:
Tension Headaches
A tension headache is one of the most common types of headache. Anyone can experience this kind of headache. In fact, tension headaches are more common in women.
Additionally, tension headaches can cause pressure or tighten feeling around the forehead. As a result of this, severe pain behind the eyes can occur. Other symptoms related to this type of headache incorporate:
- scalp tenderness
- dull head pain
- neck and forehead pain
Cluster Headaches
A cluster headache is a progression of three or four short yet painful headaches. Unlike a tension headache, a cluster headache is uncommon to happen.
This type of headache can cause a burning or piercing painful sensation typically situated behind one eye. Other indications you may encounter with cluster headaches incorporate:
- swollen eyes
- red eyes
- too much tearing
Migraine Headaches
Chronic migraines cause pain or pressure behind the eyes. Sometimes, a migraine attack can occur due to wisdom tooth development, lack of sleep, depression, and so on.
In any case, migraine is considered more awful than regular headaches since the pain associated with migraine can last hours or days at a time. Additionally, migraine pain can become so extreme that it might influence your quality of life.
Other than debilitating pain, you may likewise encounter:
- eye pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- dizziness
- sensitivity to light
- impaired vision
- weakness
- mood changes
Sinus Headaches
A sinus headache can occur because of a sinus infection or sinusitis. This is the congestion or inflammation of tissues lining your sinuses. It can create headache-like pain as a side effect of nasal congestion. In addition to pain and pressure, other issues you may encounter include:
- stuffy nose
- fatigue
- aches in your upper teeth
- worsening pain when you lie down
Eyestrain
Uncorrected vision is one of the common causes of headaches and pain behind the eyes. If you think you have an undiagnosed vision problem, you can click on this link to schedule an eye appointment. In any case, eyestrain may also happen because of prolonged exposure to a computer screen or television.
Eye Conditions Associated With Headache Behind Eyes
Some eye conditions can cause pain behind the eyes. These incorporate:
Cataract
Eye issues like cataracts can cause headaches, especially as the condition progresses. Cataracts are the clouding of the lens of your eyes. Your eyes work harder as your vision becomes more restricted. So if you are having frequent headaches that have been more than a year, it is better to schedule an eye checkup with an eye specialist.
Glaucoma
This eye disease influences the optic nerve and creates blurred vision, peripheral vision loss, trouble adapting to darkness, and halos around lights.
A particular kind of glaucoma known as acute angle-closure glaucoma can cause extreme pain behind the eyes. If you have these symptoms, visit an eye specialist as soon as possible.
Scleritis
Scleritis is a severe inflammation of the sclera, the external covering of the eyeball. Typically, scleritis happens because of autoimmune disorders. If you have this kind of eye problem, you may encounter some of the following:
- Headache behind the eye
- Blurred vision
- Red or pink eye
- Light sensitivity
- Excessive tearing
Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is the inflammation of the optic nerve. This condition can cause eye pain or headache behind the eye, floaters, nausea, loss of color vision, blurred vision, and vision loss.
Potential Triggers
Different headache types have various triggers. Some of the common triggers incorporate:
- hunger
- alcohol use
- loud noises
- exposure to strong perfume odors
- fatigue
- bright lights
- lack of sleep
- infection
- hormonal changes
- emotional stress
If you encounter headaches behind the eyes much of the pain, it would be best to visit an ophthalmology clinic near you. They might recommend a complete eye examination and provide treatments that are not accessible over the counter.
Treatment
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen and aspirin can treat headaches and migraines. Nevertheless, remember that these painkillers should be used sparingly.
In more severe headache conditions, your physician may recommend muscle relaxants to stop muscle contractions. Another option is antidepressants. This helps stabilize serotonin levels in your brain.
Furthermore, other effective methods to improve pain symptoms from headaches incorporate:
- eliminating tobacco use
- exercising daily
- reducing the intake of processed foods
- limiting or avoiding caffeine intake
- limiting alcohol use
Suppose your condition worsens after following these treatments, or you begin having irregular symptoms combined with your headache pain. Then, in that case, look for immediate medical attention. This could indicate a more severe eye condition that requires correction or a medical issue needing treatment.
Takeaway
Headaches behind your eyes can happen for various reasons. However, once your headache, pain, and discomfort influence your vision or you have unusual symptoms, you might have a more severe condition.
Do not ignore your manifestation and avoid doing self-diagnoses. Instead, see a doctor and get a proper checkup. Getting an early diagnosis is essential to receive necessary treatment as early as possible, which can help prevent or reduce headache episodes. You can visit Eye Laser Specialists’ clinic in Melbourne if you need more help.
References:
Tension headache.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tension-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20353977
Sinus Infection (Sinusitis).
https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/sinus-infection.html
Optic Neuritis.
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/optic-neuritis
Acute Closed Angle Glaucoma.