Pressure Behind the Eye? Discover 6 Common Causes -

The complaint of ‘pressure behind the eyes’ has many causes, and some can be sight-threatening.

Experiencing pressure behind your eyes? The root cause might not lie within the eye itself, but in another area of your head or face. Always take this sensation seriously and consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

It’s crucial to distinguish eye pressure from eye pain. Eye pain, often described as sharp, burning, or stinging, demands immediate medical attention as it could indicate serious conditions like glaucoma or eye infections.

Let’s explore the most frequent reasons behind that feeling of pressure in your eyes:

1. Understanding Headaches and Eye Pressure

Headaches, whether tension-based or the more severe migraine variety, can often lead to the uncomfortable sensation of pressure behind your eyes. Tension headaches are incredibly common, affecting a vast majority of the population. Migraines, while less frequent overall, bring intense pain and sometimes visual disturbances like zigzag patterns or colorful lights. Migraine attacks can occur sporadically or might be linked to triggers like stress, dietary choices, or medications.

Beyond eye pressure, headaches may also include symptoms like:

Eyes that appear red or watery
A drooping eyelid
Discomfort in the neck and shoulder muscles
Facial swelling, typically on one side
Facial sweating or flushing
Head pain characterized as achy, tight, or severe

2. Sinus infection

Sinusitis, commonly known as a sinus infection, occurs when bacteria or viruses invade the spaces within your facial bones – located behind your nose, eyes, and cheeks. This infection leads to swelling in your sinuses and a buildup of mucus within your nasal passages. This can cause a feeling of pressure concentrated in your upper face, particularly behind your eyes and along your cheekbones.

Beyond facial pressure, here are other common signs of sinusitis:

Fever
Cough
Fatigue
Headache
Bad breath
Sore throat
Stuffy or runny nose
Reduced sense of smell
Post-nasal drip (mucus moving down the back of your throat)

If you are experiencing any pressure behind your eyes, contact an eye doctor near you.

3. Graves’ disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition stemming from an overactive thyroid gland. This overactivity can cause the tissues, muscles, and fat behind your eyes to become enlarged. As a result, the eyeball may protrude from the socket, sometimes leading to issues like dryness or difficulty moving the eyeball. This enlargement is often the source of the pressure sensation behind the eyes.

Eye-related symptoms of Graves’ disease can include:

Dryness in the eyes
Reduced or impaired vision
Seeing double (double vision)
Increased sensitivity to light
Eye ulcers
Eyelids or the eyeball itself appearing swollen
Difficulty moving the eye
Noticeable bulging of the eye from the socket
Irritated, gritty feeling in the eyes
Excessive tearing

4. Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis refers to the inflammation and swelling of your optic nerve, the crucial connection between your eyes and your brain. This condition frequently manifests as pain and temporary vision loss. Typically, symptoms worsen over a few days and may persist for 4-12 weeks.

Common signs of optic neuritis include:

Diminished vision, often affecting a single eye
Painful eye movement
Atypical pupil reactions to bright light
Colors appearing faded or less vibrant (color blindness)
Blurry vision

5. Toothache

A severe toothache, particularly one caused by an infection, can trigger throbbing pain and a feeling of pressure that extends beyond the tooth itself. This phenomenon is known as “referred pain,” where discomfort is perceived in a neighboring area of the face rather than directly at the source within the mouth.

6. Injury to the face

Injuries to your face, like those sustained during car accidents or sports activities, can lead to pressure and pain both behind and surrounding your eyes. Eye socket fractures can cause significant damage to eye muscles, nerves, and even the sinuses.

Potential consequences of eye socket fractures include:

Noticeable bruising around the eye (a black eye)
Swelling in and around the eye area
Seeing double, blurriness, or overall decreased vision
Numbness in areas of the face near the injury
The eye appearing either sunken or protruding abnormally
A flattened appearance to the cheek, potentially accompanied by severe pain when opening the mouth

Treatment

To successfully alleviate pressure behind your eyes, it’s essential to address the underlying reason for this discomfort. While over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can offer temporary relief for mild cases, it’s crucial to consult a doctor if the pressure is intense or comes with additional symptoms. Your doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Seeking professional help from an eye doctor will ensure they can pinpoint the specific cause of the pressure you’re experiencing.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s guidance and take any prescribed medications as directed. This approach offers the best opportunity to manage this potentially uncomfortable condition.

Wayne Joesbury

10:38 22 Jun 24

I would absolutely recommend Bains optical care, they are extremely professional, friendly and helpful.Rita is excellent, and a credit to the company.Thank you 😊

Rachel Smith

18:26 01 Jun 24

Absolutely brilliant x the optician is fantastic x makes u feel so relaxed x got on like a house on fire x u are lucky to have him x lots of choice x excellent service

Clive Robotham

17:13 14 May 24

Mom had issues with blood shot eyes was really worried.Staff where absolutely brilliant .Receptionist was wonderful very caring and showed concern for momThe Optician was excellent, gave mom good examination, took time to explain that it was nothing to worry about, explained how it had possibly happened . She felt very reassured.Was told any more concerns to dont hesitate to call them.Cannot praise the care and service enough !Thank you

Kate Freeman

14:20 11 May 24

Lovely customer service

Demi Howard

22:23 26 Apr 24

I have been to this optician’s many times. After moving away I went to a spec savers near my new location because where I was told my eyes were fine but somthing didn’t feel right. I went back to bains only for them to find my eyes had got worse since my last prescription. I wouldn’t go anywhere else. Lovely staff and the choice of glasses they offer are great!

L.J H

09:42 09 Apr 24

Absolute outstanding service at Baines Optical. The Optician and the lovely ladies in the store were fantastic. Absolutely no pressure to buy glasses from them and happy to let you browse whilst giving discrete support when required. I brought two very reasonably priced sets of glasses after my eye test. They will be my go to opticians from now. 5 star.

Sarah Bamford

16:59 18 Mar 24

I have been using Bains Optical Healthcare for myself and my children for around 3 years now after having very negative experiences elsewhere and they really are fantastic. My children are so comfortable there and actually look forward to their eye tests. The staff are accommodating, friendly and informative, and trust me when I say they are questioned alot by my youngest son. Thanks so much to the team for making our appointments so smooth and enjoyable for the children.

Abi Crockett

13:05 12 Feb 24

I broke my reading glasses whilst away, took them in To Bains and Cas was very helpful. She tried to fix them but unfortunately the arm was bent so they needed to get sent away to be repaired. Whilst there she also altered my sunglasses. Wonderful friendly service. Definitely recommend. Thanks Michelle

Pressure Behind the Eye? Discover 6 Common Causes

1. Understanding Headaches and Eye Pressure

2. Sinus infection

3. Graves’ disease

4. Optic neuritis

5. Toothache

6. Injury to the face

Treatment

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