Headache Behind Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, and Tips for Relief

Causes of a Headache Behind the Eyes

Headaches behind the eyes can be triggered by various causes.

• Sinusitis: Sinusitis, also known as sinus inflammation, occurs when the sinuses are inflamed and swollen. This can lead to a headache and pressure behind the eyes (commonly known as a sinus headache) especially when the frontal or maxillary sinuses are affected. The pain may worsen when you bend your head forward or lie down. A runny nose and a feeling of congestion are also common symptoms of sinusitis.

• Migraine: Migraine is a neurological disorder that often causes severe headaches, light sensitivity, nausea, and sometimes visual disturbances, including ocular migraines. Migraine attacks can last from minutes to days and are often accompanied by aura symptoms such as visual changes. The pain can concentrate behind one or both eyes, as well as in the forehead area, and can cause a severe headache behind the eyes.

• Eye Diseases: Eye diseases such as glaucoma can also cause a headache behind the eyes. Glaucoma is an eye condition characterised by increased intraocular pressure, which, if left untreated, can lead to vision loss. The increased pressure can cause sensations of pressure in the eye, which may manifest as headaches. Other eye diseases that can trigger headaches include ocular migraines or eye inflammation.

• Vision Disturbances: Vision disturbances can take various forms and lead to a headache behind the eyes. Hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, and other untreated refractive errors can cause strain in the visual system and trigger headaches, especially after prolonged activities that require intense use of the eyes. Additionally, a new pair of glasses may temporarily cause headaches as the eyes adjust to the new correction.

• Tension Headaches: Tension headaches are the most common type of headache and are often caused by stress, tension, or muscle strain in the neck and shoulder area. These pains can manifest at the back of the head and behind the eyes, perceived as a dull, pressing pain.

• Eye Strain and Fatigue: Eye strain occurs when the eyes are excessively burdened, often due to prolonged reading, working on a computer, driving, or staring at screens. These activities require intense concentration of the eye muscles, which can lead to tension and discomfort. Symptoms may include a headache behind the eyes, eye pain, dry eyes, blurred vision, or increased sensitivity to light.

• Cluster Headaches: These headaches typically occur unilaterally at the temple and can be accompanied by a sharp pain behind one eye. The pain attacks can be very intense and occur in short, recurring episodes known as clusters.

• Stress and Anxiety: Psychological stressors such as stress and anxiety can lead to tension headaches that may also manifest behind the eyes. The pain can be perceived as dull and pressing and may accompany other symptoms like neck stiffness, insomnia, and irritability. Additionally, excessive stress can trigger vision disturbances.

Symptoms of a Headache Behind the Eyes

The symptoms of headaches behind the eyes can vary depending on the underlying cause.

• Pressure Sensation: A common symptom is a feeling of pressure or heaviness behind the eyes, which can be uncomfortable and often worsens with certain movements or activities.

• Pulsating Pain: In migraines, the headache can be pulsating and concentrated behind one or both eyes. This pain can be strong and rhythmic, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity.

• Blurred Vision: Headaches behind the eyes can also be associated with temporary blurred vision or other visual disturbances, especially in migraines.

• Light Sensitivity: Many individuals with a headache behind the eyes find light uncomfortable or even painful. This is known as photophobia and is a common accompanying symptom of migraines and other types of headaches.

• Eye Irritation: The eyes may also feel irritated or dry with headaches behind the eyes, particularly when the headaches are caused by eye strain or prolonged screen time.

• Dizziness: Some experience dizziness or a feeling of unease along with headaches behind the eyes, mainly during migraines or sudden, intense headaches like cluster headaches.

• Neck Stiffness: Tension in the neck and shoulder area can lead to a headache behind the eyes and is often accompanied by neck stiffness or pain.

• Concentration Problems: Headaches and other symptoms can impair concentration and cognitive function, often leading to difficulties at work, in studies, or in daily life.

In conclusion, it’s important to note that not all symptoms need to occur simultaneously, and their severity can vary from person to person. Some may experience only a few symptoms, while others may have a wide range of complaints. The intensity of the symptoms can also vary, from mild discomfort to significant impairment of quality of life.

What to do When a Headache Behind the Eyes Won’t Go Away

There are various measures you can take to relieve headaches behind the eyes. Here are some tips.

Rest and Relaxation

Take regular time for relaxation techniques such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Create a calming environment by lighting candles, listening to soothing music, or taking a warm bath. Avoid excessive overexertion and look for ways to reduce stress in your life.

Take Eye Breaks

Take a short break from screen work or other activities that strain your eyes every 20 minutes. Close your eyes for a few minutes and gently massage your eyelids to relax the eye muscles. Look out the window and focus on distant objects to relieve your eyes and change the accommodation. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful method for this.

Eye Exercises

In addition to rest and relaxation, targeted eye exercises can help reduce strain on the eye muscles. Regular eye exercises such as shifting your gaze, focusing, rolling your eyes, and consciously blinking can help relax the eyes and prevent headaches. Perform these exercises regularly, especially during prolonged screen work or other activities requiring intense use of your eyes. This can reduce eye muscle strain and the occurrence of a headache behind the eyes.

Get Enough Sleep

Make sure you get enough sleep each night to promote your health and avoid headaches. Create a relaxing sleep environment by maintaining a regular sleep-wake rhythm and ensuring a comfortable room temperature, mattress, and pillows. Avoid caffeinated beverages and screen time shortly before bedtime, as these can disrupt your sleep.

Drink Water

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and avoid dehydration. Ensure you consume enough fluids, especially during hot weather or physical activity, to prevent headaches. Proper hydration is essential for maintaining your body's normal functions and can help prevent headaches caused by dehydration.

Healthy Diet

Pay attention to a healthy and balanced diet rich in nutrients that supports your overall health. Avoid highly processed foods, sugary snacks, and alcoholic beverages, as these can trigger or worsen headaches. Incorporate foods rich in magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin B into your diet, as they can reduce inflammation and alleviate headaches.

Pain Relief Medication as Needed

Use over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or aspirin to relieve headaches as needed. Be sure not to exceed the recommended dosage, and consult a doctor if you take them regularly to avoid side effects.

Eye Examination

Schedule regular eye examinations to check your vision and detect and treat eye problems early. Use appropriate glasses or contact lenses if needed to correct vision problems and prevent headaches. Remember that your existing vision aids may also need adjustment to ensure your eyes are optimally corrected, providing you with the best possible vision and comfort.

Stress Management

Find healthy ways to relieve stress, such as regular physical activity, relaxation techniques, or spending time with friends and family. Identify stressors in your life and seek ways to reduce or better manage them.

Alternative Therapies for Relief from a Headache Behind Eyes

Alternative therapies often offer holistic approaches to treating headaches behind the eyes. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment method that involves placing thin needles at specific points in the body to regulate energy flow and relieve pain. Many find that acupuncture is an effective method for reducing headaches and promoting relaxation.

Chiropractic care is another alternative therapy focused on spinal alignment. It aims to improve the function of the nervous system and relieve pain. Through gentle adjustments and manipulations, chiropractic treatments can relieve tension and blockages in the neck and back areas.

Massage therapy is a well-established method for relaxing muscles and relieving tension headaches that often manifest behind the eyes. Targeted massage of the neck, shoulders, and scalp can help relieve tension and alleviate pain.

Herbal medicine and natural supplements are also frequently used for headache relief. Certain herbs like ginger, chamomile, and lavender have anti-inflammatory and calming properties that can help reduce headaches. Additionally, supplements like magnesium, vitamin B, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and support the nervous system, contributing to headache prevention.

These alternative therapies can be a valuable complement to conventional treatment methods and provide a holistic approach to relieving headaches behind the eyes. However, before trying alternative therapies, it’s important to speak with a qualified professional. They can ensure that the therapies are suitable for your individual needs and that there are no contraindications.

When Should I See a Doctor for Headaches Behind the Eye?

It is advisable to consult a doctor if a headache behind the eyes occurs frequently, suddenly, or is severe, especially if they are accompanied by other symptoms. Here are some signs that a doctor's visit is recommended:

• Acute and Intense Headaches: If the headaches occur suddenly and are intense, particularly if they are accompanied by visual disturbances, dizziness, speech or movement disorders, this could be a sign of a serious condition such as a migraine with aura or even a stroke.

• Headaches with Other Unusual Symptoms: If the headaches are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, such as changes in vision, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs, loss of consciousness, severe neck stiffness, or fever, this could indicate a serious underlying condition that requires medical examination.

• Headaches That Do Not Relieve or Worsen: If the headaches do not subside or worsen despite rest, relaxation, and over-the-counter pain relief medications, this is a sign that a thorough medical examination is necessary to identify the cause of the headaches and initiate appropriate treatment.

• Known Eye Problems or Eye Symptoms: If you already have known eye problems or if your headaches are accompanied by visual disturbances, eye irritation, or other eye symptoms, an eye examination is also advisable to rule out or treat any eye issues.

• Stress-Related Headaches: If the headaches are related to stress or psychological burdens and do not improve with stress management techniques or lifestyle changes, medical advice or psychological support may be helpful in developing appropriate treatment strategies.

In general, if you are unsure or have concerns about your headaches behind the eye, you should not hesitate to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.