Headache Behind The Eyes- Causes And Treatment

What Is Headache Behind The Eyes?

Pain behind the eyes is very common and can be triggered in many ways. They may result from several health issues ranging from eye strain to migraine. It’s not necessary that it would affect both sides, it can occur either on one side or both sides. It occurs with several kinds of discomfort, the most common one is light sensitivity. An eye ophthalmologist or a doctor can identify the root cause of the pain and can advise you with the best treatment for the same.

Causes Of Pain Behind The Eyes

Eye Strain

Focusing on a screen for too long can cause eye strain resulting in vision problems. Eye strain can occur in either one or both the eyes. The person affecting it may experience pain in the eyes as well as blurry visions.

Major causes of eye strain are:

• Optic neuritis- inflammation of the optic nerve
• Scleritis- inflammation in the white part of the eye
• Glaucoma- a disease affecting the optic nerve
• Graves’ disease- an autoimmune disease

Symptoms include:

• Itchy and burning eyes
• Watery eyes
• Blurry vision
• Eye strain is not very serious and generally goes away if you take proper rest and sleep.

Migraine

It often begins with headache and pain around the eye and the temple. The pain might even spread to the back of your head. People who are affected by migraine often complain about some visual signs such as Halo or flashlights before the pain starts.

You may also get running nose or congestion. You may have sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine headaches generally last up to several hours or days.

Causes of migraine are as follows:

• Stress or anxiety
• Lack of sleep or poor posture
• Menstruation
• Alcohol or strong smell of smoke

Major symptoms include:

• Eye pain
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Mood change
• Impaired vision

Sinusitis

It is a sinus infection which may cause headache around the eyes, nose and cheeks. You may also have a fever, congestion and nasal discharge. Sinus headaches are rare therefore; it is often mistaken for migraine and cluster headaches.

Common symptoms include:

• Nasal congestion
• Fatigue
• Aching in the upper teeth

Major causes are:

• It can result from bacteria and virus trapped in the sinuses because of congestion.
• Dental surgery can also lead to sinus pain and pressure

Cluster Headache

It causes severe pain around the eyes and generally around only one eye. It often comes in cycles; you may have regular cluster headache for weeks or months followed by some relief.

It can be extremely painful leading to red and flushed face. The attack lasts up to one hour and is so strong that you become restless and unable to stand still. These aren’t very common and commonly found in men.

Common symptoms include:

• Stuffy or runny nose
• Teary and red eyes
• Extreme sweat

The doctor is not sure about the major cause of cluster headaches as they are very uncommon. However, according to some researches, it is said to be a genetic component and some people may have a higher risk than others.

Tension Headache

It is the most common type of headache. It usually occurs on both sides, across the front of the head and behind the eyes. It is more common in females than in males. If it continues for 3 months or longer doctors classify it as chronic headache.

Tension headache may also cause tenderness in the scalp. The pain can be dully occurring in the forehead and can extend to the neck.

Some of the major causes are:

• Cold temperature
• Eye strain- staring at a screen for a long duration
• Driving long distances
• Muscle contractions in the neck

Treatment For Headache Behind The Eyes

Headache, if not severe, can be easily treated at home. But in case it is adversely affecting you and your work, you need to seek professional help.

Home Remedies For Headache Behind The Eyes

Caffeine and ice packs help to get rid of migraine headaches.

For a tension headache, you can try a warm shower and rest until the pain goes away. It also helps to get rid of stress. You should do some physical activity or yoga to keep your body fit. Do not miss your meals regular as it can weaken your body.

If you have a sinus infection, take steams i.e. breathe in warm and moist water from a vaporizer or a boiling pot as it helps to get rid of the nasal congestion.

If you have eye strain, take proper rest or you may also use artificial tears as it will refresh your eyes.

Also, make sure you visit a doctor for regular check-ups as your vision prescription should be up to date to avoid any further complications.

Medications For Headache Behind The Eyes

The doctor may give you antidepressants to regulate the level of the hormone and to relax the muscles.

For a sinus infection, you will be prescribed with some nasal spray to get rid of nasal congestion. Do not use the spray more than 3-4 times a day.

Your doctor may prescribe you antibiotics, depending on your situation.

Avoid the factors mentioned below to prevent pain in the back of the eye:

• Loud noises
• Strong perfumes
• Alcohol
• Bright lights
• Lack of sleep
• Hunger
• Stress

Headache behind the eyes can be quite uncomfortable and painful. It occurs with different symptoms and causes. Identifying the cause and its problem are the first step towards the treatment.

When To See A Doctor

If you experience pain behind the eyes frequently, you should consult a doctor. You may have to for several eye examinations and after finding the cause of the headache you will be prescribed the required treatment.

It can also disturb your daily patterns and can make you feel dizzy and nauseous. You must visit a doctor if this continues for more than a week. The doctor will conduct several eye examinations to find out the root cause and then proceed with the treatment.

For any issue associated with eyes do visit our website: www.eyemantra.in

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