Migraines And Tension Headaches
Tension and migraine headaches are two types of headaches that can induce a sense of pressure behind the eyes.
Tension headaches are the most frequent type of headache, with over 80% of people suffering from them.
Migraine headaches are a form of severe headache that are often accompanied by visual irregularities, such as zig ag or colorful lines. You may experience migraine headaches randomly or due a trigger such as stress or certain foods or medications.
A headache can cause a variety of symptoms in addition to pressure behind the eyes, such as:
- Red, teary eyes
- Neck and shoulder muscle pain
- Swelling on one side of your face
- Sweating or redness of your face
- Pain in your head that feels aching, tight or intense
Home Remedies Ease Symptoms But A Diagnosis Is Crucial
You 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 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.
How To Do A Nasal Rinse
Nasal saline rinses are a good way to treat discomfort and congestion. They can help flush out mucus, debris, and irritants, and soothe nasal passages.
A neti pot can be used to do this. You fill a pot with a saline rinse that you can buy.
- Place the spout of the pot against one nostril.
- Tilt your head to the side.
- The saline will pour out of the lower nostrilthanks to gravity.
- Repeat steps with the other nostril.
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Tests To Diagnose Eye Pain
See your eye doctor if you have eye pain, especially if you have less vision, headache, or nausea and vomiting.
Eye doctors use a variety of tools to diagnose eye pain:
- A slit-lamp exam uses bright light to look at all the structures of your eye.
- Dilating drops expand your pupil to let the doctor see deep into your eye.
- A tonometer is a tool that measures eye pressure. The doctor uses it to diagnose glaucoma.
Damage To The Optic Nerve
Optic neuritis, or swelling in the optic nerve, has several causes and can lead to long-term damage and vision loss if not treated.
Autoimmune disorders like lupus, neuromyelitis optica, or multiple sclerosis can lead to the deterioration of the bodys nervous system, including the optic nerve. Other causes of optic neuritis include infections, ocular herpes, sinusitis, nutritional deficiency, and neurological disorders.
Symptoms:
- Vision loss in one eye
- Flashing lights
Proper diagnosis is essential for proper treatment of optic neuritis. Common tests to determine the condition and severity include a routine eye exam, ophthalmoscopy, and pupillary light reaction test. In some cases, your doctor might also recommend a magnetic resonance imaging scan, blood tests, optical coherence tomography , or a visual evoked response.
Treatment
In many cases, optic neuritis will improve on its own. In some cases, steroid therapy may be recommended to reduce swelling in the optic nerve. Other treatments are specific to the underlying condition that is causing the attack of the optic nerve. In rare cases, when steroid therapy fails, and severe vision loss continues, plasma exchange therapy might be recommended to help recover some of the vision lost.
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Is My Facial Pain Or Facial Pressure Caused By A Sinus Infection
Facial pain is linked with high levels of healthcare utilization and significant morbidity and continues to be a challenge in both diagnosis and therapeutic approaches for both doctors and patients. It’s often diagnosed on the basis of exclusion.
Those suffering from facial pain often undergo various repeated consultations with various specialists and end up receiving a number of treatments, including surgery. Many individuals and doctors mistakenly attribute facial pain and facial pressure as being caused by rhinosinusitis when, in fact, this isn’t the case.
Make The Sinus Pain And Mind
“Techniques that take advantage of the mind-body connection, such as deep breathing practices and relaxation exercises, can be very effective for relieving sinus pain,” notes Das. These practices rely on the mind’s ability to influence pain perception and are especially helpful with chronic or recurrent pain that is often seen with sinus pressure. Some examples include biofeedback, meditation, yoga, and hypnotherapy.
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Irrigate To Relieve Sinus Pressure
“Salt water irrigation is the best way to cleanse the nose and sinuses this can help prevent or relieve sinus pain. You can use an over-the-counter saline nasal spray, but I recommend using a sinus rinse bottle, neti pot, or bulb syringe irrigation kit that you can get at the drugstore,” advises Das.
Try this commonly-used, easy-to-make nasal irrigation solution with your own sinus irrigation kit: Fill a clean 8-ounce glass with distilled or sterilized lukewarm water. Do not use tap water unless it has been boiled for at least 1 minute . Add 1/2 teaspoon of non-iodized salt and a pinch of baking soda. And be sure to clean all equipment and make a fresh batch of solution each time you use your kit.
When To Seek Medical Advice
- a severe headache that is not relieved with painkillers or is getting worse
- a headache that feels worse when you lie down or bend over
- a headache that’s unusual for you and occurs with blurred vision, feeling or being sick, problems speaking, weakness, drowsiness or seizures
- eye pain or swelling of one or both eyes
- a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin
- shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal pain
While it’s highly unlikely to be caused by a cavernous sinus thrombosis, these symptoms need further investigation.
In very rare cases, these symptoms may appear from around 4 days to 4 weeks after being vaccinated with the coronavirus vaccine.
You should also contact a GP if you develop any of the eye symptoms described above.
Page last reviewed: 05 August 2021 Next review due: 05 August 2024
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What Causes Binocular Vision Dysfunction
The eyes are controlled by the extraocular muscles the muscles which enable our eyes to move up, down and all around. These muscles are directed by signals from the brain, which controls the eyes and directs them to focus the images the eyes see individually into one clear image. Binocular Vision Dysfunction occurs when the eyes move out of alignment with each other, making it impossible for them to form focused images. As a result of this misalignment, the eye muscles become sore and stressed as the brain works to correct this problem, leading to the previously mentioned symptoms of headaches, dizziness and blurred vision, among other things. The most common type of this condition is known as Vertical Heterophoria .
When You Should Call Or See A Doctor
While 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:
- Sudden, intense pain
- A burning sensation in the eye
- Blurry vision
- Nausea or vomiting
- Drooping eyelid
If you have anything in your eye, or you suspect your eye pain is caused by an injury or accident, seek medical attention immediately.
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How Long Does A Sinus Infection Last
There are a couple of primary forms of sinus infections or sinusitis acute and chronic.
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Acute sinusitis typically lasts between ten days and eight weeks, whereas, chronic sinusitis lasts longer than this.
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Chronic sinusitis is ongoing and might seem as if it’s improving, but then it recurs with symptoms that can be just as bad as they were initially. Chronic sinusitis can last for months. Both acute and chronic sinusitis can be bacterial or viral.
From a clinical standpoint, it’s important to distinguish between “sinogenic” and “non-sinogenic” facial pain to avoid the wrong treatment.
Treat Sinus Pain With Humidity
“Dry, thick mucus in your nose and sinus passages can form crusts that block sinus drainage and trap viruses and other particles. Increasing humidity and getting more fluid into your body can help your mucus thin out and get moving again,” says Dr. Das. Some natural ways to get your sinuses draining and relieve sinus pressure include drinking plenty of fluids using a humidifier avoiding cold, dry air taking plenty of steamy showers and drinking a cup of hot tea or soup.
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Sinus Trouble: Consider The Causes
Not only can seasonal allergies or chronic allergies impact the sinuses, but humid air can cause a clogged or stuffy feeling in the nose. An infectioneither brief or long-lastingcan also take hold.
Sinusitis ailments are not only a burden for allergy sufferers, they can be a challenge for doctors, too, especially as patients and doctors alike are on high alert for warning signs of a possible COVID-19 infection. Three of the most common causes of sinus symptoms are allergies, viral infections and bacterial infections. But these can be tough to tell apart because of overlapping symptoms.
Eye Pressure From Sinus Infection
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Optic Neuritis And Eye Pressure
If the optic nerve becomes swollen or inflamed, you can experience eye pressure. Infections and diseases like multiple sclerosis are often associated with optic neuritis. Other symptoms include blurred vision, vision loss, color blindness, and reactions to bright light. See a doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Nasal Congestion And Sore Or Burning Eyes
- Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Reviewed on 10/15/2020
Your symptoms can be related to different conditions. Conditions that can cause nasal congestion and sore eyes can include sinus infections, exposures to smoke or other toxins, viral infections, or allergic reactions. Be sure to keep a record of your symptoms and contact your doctor if you are concerned.
While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:
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Where Does It Hurt
Sometimes discomfort or pain results from a problem in your eye or the parts around it, such as:
- Cornea: The clear window in the front of your eye that focuses light
- Sclera: The whites of your eyes
- Conjunctiva: The ultra-thin covering of your sclera and the inside of your eyelid
- Iris: The colored part of your eye, with the pupil in the middle
- Orbit: A bony cave in your skull where the eye and its muscles are located.
- Extraocular muscles: They rotate your eye.
- Nerves: They carry visual information from your eyes to your brain.
- Eyelids: Outside coverings that protect and spread moisture over your eyes.
Home Remedies To Relieve Pressure Behind Your Eye
Feeling pressure behind your eye is uncomfortable, no matter the cause. There are a couple of ways you can relieve the pressure at home easily.
- Over-the-counter medications: Anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen can help reduce the pain and the inflammation thats causing it.
- Eye drops: Very often, you need a prescription for eye drops. Ask your pharmacist what options you have. You may find over-the-counter eye drops that reduce swelling or itchiness. Do not put essential oils in your eye to relieve the pressure.
- Cold compress: Putting a cold compress on your eye can be a welcome remedy if youre feeling heat and pain around your eye. Its especially helpful when youve experienced a face injury.
- Blindfold: If youre experiencing sensitivity to light, a blindfold or eye patch can help temporarily.
If you feel pressure behind your eye because of an infection, you may need antibiotics or antiviral medication. You can get a prescription for these from a doctor.
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Hum Your Way To Sinus Pain Relief
“Some people report that humming for one hour improves sinus pain,” says Das. Researchers in Sweden have found that humming can keep your sinuses clear. How could that be possible? Humming may increase both airflow through your sinuses and the level of nitric oxide in your sinuses. The combination of nitric oxide and airflow may reduce your risk of sinusitis. So if you have a common cold or allergies, want to prevent a sinus infection, and know a happy tune that you don’t mind hearing for an hour, you may want to try a little humming.
Sinusitis Causing Floaters In My Eye
avictor159979038 over a year ago
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bowie43479037 over a year ago
Guest over a year ago
Good day! Floaters in your eyes can mean vision problems in the first place, but it can also just be a sign of some other illness, such as sinus trouble or a migraine as well. But also, this can occur if you were at some dark place for a while, and after that, you just step out into a sunlight, and then you went again to the dark place. That can affect you a lot. I had a problem with it as well, but I remember that when I went to see my doctor about this, he told me that I need to learn how to relieve internal sinus swelling first and I will feel much better.
Still, don’t know what this means…
Guest over a year ago
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What Causes Sinus Pain & Pressure
In order to determine what may be causing your sinus pain, its important to first understand how the sinuses work. The sinuses themselves are just hollow pockets of air found behind your forehead, eyes, and cheekbones. Their function is to produce mucus, which helps keep your nasal cavity moist and traps pollutants, dust, and other allergens before they can make their way into your respiratory system.
Sometimes, however, the tissue in your nose can swell, whether due to a cold, allergies or some other environmental factor. When this happens, the sinuses become blocked, preventing mucus from draining and causing a backup. It is at this point that you can start feeling sinus pain and pressure. In addition to the previously mentioned causes, other culprits of sinus blockage and swelling include having a deviated nasal septum, an extra sinus or narrow sinuses.
When Sinus Pain Is Actually Eye Muscle Pain
If you are one of those who have been treated for a sinus condition but havent responded well or at all to the prescribed medications, what you thought was sinus pain may actually be caused by a binocular vision dysfunction known as vertical heterophoria that originates from a misalignment of the eyes. As the eye muscles constantly strive to correct this problem by realigning the eyes, an aching pain can arise from these strained, overworked muscles that can feel just like sinus pain and pressure.
A simple way to determine if your sinus pain is in fact from VH or some other binocular vision disorder is to perform the 5-minute cover test. First, rate your pain on a scale of zero to 10, zero being no pain and 10 being the worst youve ever felt. Then set a timer for five minutes and cover one eye it doesnt matter which one. When the five minutes are up, rate your pain again. If you feel significantly better after the five minutes with one eye covered, then you know its coming from your eyes!
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How Does Sinus Affect Your Eyes
As we move from winter into spring, many who suffer from seasonal sinusitis or allergies maybe a little hesitant to embrace the warmer weather and change of season.
Severe headaches, fever, nasal congestion, pressure or facial tenderness, a blocked nose, a sore and itchy throat and an uncomfortable cough are common symptoms that indicate that your sinuses or allergies are acting up. But, did you know swelling eyelids, bulging and red eyes, impaired eye movement and double vision can also be signs that you are suffering from the seasonal change?