Pressure or pain behind the eye is often temporary, linked to a headache or sinus pressure. However, there may be a more serious underlying cause, like an infection, inflammation, or tissue damage that needs treatment. Show
There are many different conditions with pressure or pain behind the eyes as a symptom, along with blurry vision, itching, redness, or bulging. The conditions range greatly in severity. If the problem persists more than a day or worsens, work with a doctor to get a diagnosis and treat the problem. Primarily, take prescription medication as directed after you get an appropriate diagnosis. You can also alleviate some of the pressure or pain with home treatments, like cold compresses, over-the-counter eye drops, or over-the-counter painkillers. Pressure or Pain Behind the Eyes: A Symptom Indicating Several ProblemsMany people experience eye pain or pressure at some point because of an infection, headache, allergies, or a similar cause. Often, temporary pain does not mean anything serious. If you experience frequent or constant pressure or pain behind your eyes, there may be a bigger health issue. Visiting an optometrist or ophthalmologist can help, but you may also need to see a physician or a specialist to determine the underlying cause. Eye strain is a common problem in the modern world. This is because more workers than ever before use computers and other screens. Chronic and untreated allergies, viruses and bacteria, corneal damage, inflammation of various parts of the eye, and even tumors can be underlying causes of pain or pressure behind the eyes, which need different approaches to treatment. Reviewing information on symptoms and treatments can help you understand a little of what is happening with your eyes, but it is best to work with medical professionals if you are concerned. Potential Causes of Pressure or Pain Behind the EyesEye pressure and eye pain go together in many conditions, but they are different sensations. Pressure will feel like something is pushing on your eye from the back. In contrast, pain can be described as gritty, dull, a shooting sensation, or feeling like something is stuck in your eye. There are many common causes of pressure or pain behind the eyes.
Is There a Difference Between Pain Behind Left Eye & Right Eye?Headaches, optic neuritis, and sinus issues can sometimes result in pain that is felt more acutely behind one eye or the other. Generally, whether the pain is behind the left eye, right eye, or both eyes doesn’t make a big difference. In some instances, sudden and intense pain behind one eye is the sign of a brain aneurysm. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. Home Remedies Ease Symptoms, but a Diagnosis Is CrucialYou will need a specific approach to treatment that depends on the cause of the pressure or pain behind the eye. Conditions caused by bacteria and viruses require prescription medication. Eye drops are often prescribed, but you may need to take antibiotic pills or antiviral medicines too. These reduce symptoms or eliminate the disease altogether, depending on your diagnosis. Bacterial infections usually take about one to two weeks to clear up. Some viral infections, like herpes simplex, are potentially chronic and recurrent, but symptoms can be managed. Outbreaks can be reduced with the right antiviral prescription. You can lessen pain by taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you take other prescription medicines, confirm with your doctor that you can mix over-the-counter painkillers with your medication. Some of these over-the-counter options also help to reduce swelling, which eases the sensation of pressure behind the eye. If you have an infection, putting a blindfold over your eyes can help reduce sensitivity to light. Do not put oil-based drops, like essential oils, into your eyes. You may use over-the-counter eye drops to reduce redness. If your doctor prescribes eye drops, confirm that it is safe to use over-the-counter eye drops as well. Generally, your doctor will recommend you stick to the prescription drops, but sometimes, over-the-counter drops can be combined with them to relieve itchiness or other symptoms. Some milder causes of pressure or pain behind the eye can go away on their own, but if the condition persists or gets worse, work with your doctor to get a diagnosis and start treatment. Some conditions that cause pain or pressure behind the eye can be serious, so it’s important to have the situation assessed. With severe cases, prompt treatment can mitigate long-term harm. Generally, whether the pain is behind the left eye, right eye, or both eyes doesn’t make a big difference. In some instances, sudden and intense pain behind one eye is the sign of a brain aneurysm. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. When You Should Call or See a DoctorWhile minor pain or pressure behind the eyes might pass on its own within a few hours, there are instances in which you should call or see a doctor. Reach out to your doctor if you experience any of these along with pain or pressure behind your eye:
If you have anything in your eye, or you suspect your eye pain is caused by an injury or accident, seek medical attention immediately. How to Avoid Pressure Behind the Eyes in the FutureIf the pressure behind your eyes is due to migraines, you can take steps to avoid migraine triggers, such as flashing lights or certain foods. If you frequently get tension headaches, you can lessen their frequency by avoiding eye strain and fatigue. If the pressure is due to sinus inflammation, you can manage the issue with over-the-counter sinus medication. Sleep with a humidifier at night to keep your sinuses moisturized and to alleviate swelling. Take steps to promote overall health to lessen the likelihood of experiencing pressure behind the eyes in the future.
ReferencesWhat Facts Should You Know About Eye Pain? (October 2019). eMedicineHealth. Eye Strain. (November 2019). MedicineNet. What Is a Black Eye? (May 2019). American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). What Is Scleritis? (November 2019). American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Uveitis. (July 2019). National Eye Institute (NEI). What Are the Symptoms of Glaucoma? (September 2019). Glaucoma Research Foundation. What Is Blepharitis? (August 2019). American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). What Are Chalazia and Styes? (August 2019). American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Persistent Iritis, With a Few Twists. (November 2008). American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO). Signs That You May Have a Brain Aneurysm and Need to Go to the ER. (November 2020). St. Luke’s Health. Migraine Before Rupture of Intracranial Aneurysms. (February 2013). The Journal of Headache and Pain. This Is When to See a Doctor About Eye Pain ASAP. (June 2018). SELF. The information provided on this page should not be used in place of information provided by a doctor or specialist. To learn more, read our Privacy Policy and Editorial Policy pages. How do you stop my eyes from hurting when I move them?Consider these tips to reduce or prevent eyestrain.. Adjust the lighting. When watching television, it may be easier on your eyes if you keep the room softly lit. ... . Take breaks. ... . Limit screen time. ... . Use artificial tears. ... . Improve the air quality of your space. ... . Choose the right eyewear for you.. Why do my eyes hurt when I look to the side?Optic neuritis: An inflammation of the nerve that travels from the back of the eyeball into your brain. Multiple sclerosis and other conditions or infections are often to blame. Symptoms include loss of vision and sometimes deep discomfort when you look from side to side.
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