Sarcoidosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Causes, Treatments, And More For Pain Behind The Eye
Pain behind the eye can result from eyestrain, migraine, dental problems, glaucoma, giant cell arteritis, and other causes. Treatment will depend on the cause, but applying cool or warm compresses may help.
Pain behind the eye is a nonspecific symptom as it can be associated with many different health conditions.
Common types of pain behind the eye vary from dull aches to sharp and intense pains. Some people experience a sharp pain behind, while others have a deeper pain inside the head. Symptoms can also include tearing, sensitivity to light, redness, vision changes, or pain during eye movement.
This article examines the possible causes of pain behind the eye, treatments, alternative therapies, and when to consult a doctor if the pain persists.
Reviewing the possible causes for pain behind the eye may provide people with a better sense of the signs of discomfort and when to seek medical help.
There are as many as 300 types of headaches, including those that may cause pain behind the eye. The specific causes are known for only about 10% of headaches. Where a person feels pain does not necessarily correspond to what is causing it.
Many different health issues can cause pain behind the eye, including the following:
Straining the eyes can leave them feeling dry, tired, and blurry.
If a person stares at something for an extended time, they tend to blink less, so their eyes become less moist. People should keep screens at a comfortable distance and take breaks from digital devices to reduce eyestrain.
The following may put people at risk of eyestrain:
TreatmentGiving the eyes a chance to rest and recover can do a lot to relieve pain behind the eye due to eyestrain. People can use the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking away to a distance of at least 20 feet for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
People may also try over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears to help relieve dry, tired eyes.
Migraine is a common condition related to the brain that can often cause headaches along with extreme pain behind the eye. Migraine affects roughly 2 in 10 people, occurs in females more than males, and tends to run families.
Other symptomsMigraine symptoms may also include visual disturbances, such as:
These disturbances may occur on only one side of the head and worsen with movement and exposure to sound, light, or strong smells.
Migraine headaches may also cause people to feel nauseated or experience vomiting.
TreatmentDoctors may recommend nonprescription medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
However, people with migraine often need prescription medications. These medications balance the chemical changes leading to a migraine and include:
If migraine attacks are severe or happen frequently, a doctor may recommend taking daily medication like beta-blockers.
The best remedy to prevent migraine is to avoid triggers where possible. Common triggers include:
Doctors often misdiagnose sinus infections as migraine due to the overlap in symptoms and triggers, such as weather changes. A person must consult a medical professional to determine the cause of any headache.
Other symptomsThick, discolored nasal discharge is a common symptom of a viral or bacterial infection in the sinuses.
Other symptoms may include:
Doctors may prescribe antibiotics to treat this type of infection if it is bacterial.
In some cases, doctors will use a CT scan to determine whether sinus disease or migraine is causing the pain.
This very rare condition occurs when a potentially life threatening or a septic blood clot develops in the cavernous sinus. The cavernous sinus is a vein running between the bottom of the brain to the back of the eye sockets. A bacterial infection often causes CST.
Septic CST can occur due to the following conditions:
People with uncontrolled diabetes or receiving treatment for cancer may be at risk of developing CST.
Other symptomsSymptoms may include:
Doctors tend to treat this condition with antibiotics and antimicrobial therapies, typically for 3–4 weeks. They should monitor patients' conditions closely, even after the discontinuation of antibiotics.
Other experts recommend anticoagulants to thin blood and prevent further blood clots. Doctors typically prescribe these for several weeks to several months.
Doctors consider anticoagulants effective in slowing down the progression of blood clots and reducing mortality. However, there is also some controversy surrounding them, as they can result in hemorrhage or bleeding.
Sometimes, doctors might prescribe corticosteroids, as there is a potential benefit of reducing inflammation. Doctors do not recommend surgical interventions for the cavernous sinuses themselves.
Three nerve branches run through the jaw and eye areas, meaning that issues with the jaw could potentially lead to pain behind and around the eye.
Dental and bite problems that can cause pain behind the eye include tooth infections and temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder, which is dysfunction in the jaw joint.
Other symptomsIf TMJ causes orbital eye pain, people may also experience:
TreatmentIf doctors have ruled out other medical conditions causing pain behind the eye, they may recommend consulting an orthodontist to check jaw joints and bite.
Realigning the bite with custom-made aligners for the teeth through orthodontic treatment can reduce the stress put on the muscles and joints in the head and neck. This treatment may alleviate nerve pain and pain behind the eye.
The two types of glaucoma are primary open-angle and angle-closure.
Risk factors include a family history of the condition and other eye-related injuries or surgeries.
Primary open-angle glaucoma is where eye fluid does not drain correctly, causing damage to the optic nerve. However, this type of glaucoma is painless.
Angle-closure glaucoma occurs when a person's iris blocks the drainage angle, where eye fluid leaves the eye. When this is blocked, pressure builds up quickly, and immediate medical attention is necessary to protect the vision. This type of glaucoma can cause severe pain around the eyes.
Other symptomsSymptoms include:
Medical treatment for angle-closure glaucoma may include eye drop medications or laser surgery.
A person must use daily eye drops to reduce eye pressure. While this treatment will help maintain the vision, there will be several side effects associated with this medication, including:
The type of surgery used for angle-closure glaucoma is an iridotomy. An ophthalmologist will create a hole in the iris using a laser to help eye fluid flow through the drainage angle.
This condition is a type of vasculitis, a group of rare diseases causing inflammation of the blood vessels. Giant cell arteritis (GCA), also called temporal arteritis, may cause the arteries in the scalp, head, and temples to swell.
GCA can also occur alongside a joint pain disorder known as polymyalgia rheumatica. This condition is a cause of widespread aches and stiffness in people over 50.
Other symptomsSymptoms of GCA include:
In some cases, permanent vision loss can occur, but appropriate treatment can prevent this.
TreatmentGCA requires immediate medical treatment to reduce the risk of loss of vision. The treatment usually involves high doses of corticosteroids, typically 40–60 milligrams (mg) per day of prednisone for a month.
In most cases, doctors reduce the dose to about 5–10 mg daily for a few months or up to a year. GCA rarely returns after treatment.
In 2017, doctors approved tocilizumab (Actemra) as an effective treatment for GCA as more people are in remission. Medical professionals can administer this drug intravenously on a monthly basis, or patients can self-administer an injection every 1–2 weeks.
The following complementary practices may help people find relief for headaches, which could include pain behind the eye:
Home remediesThere are also some common home remedies to prevent or help relieve pain behind the eye, including:
While some conditions improve with home care and OTC medications, other symptoms require prompt medical attention.
Signs that it is time to see a doctor include pain that:
The outlook for pain behind the eye depends on the cause. Doctors can use several treatments to treat the cause of the pain.
Specific causes of pain behind the eye, such as migraine, may be more likely if people have a family history of the condition. It is important to have frequent check-ups with medical professionals to discuss the risks and the signs to look out for.
Other causes, such as eyestrain, may resolve with home remedies, including adequate rest and drinking enough water. Doctors may also recommend nonprescription drugs, such as ibuprofen. Alternative therapies may improve the outlook for certain eye conditions.
Some causes of eye pain could require a course of prescription drugs, including steroids, and in some cases, medical treatment and long-term care.
The location of the eye pain may not be related to the cause. A person should keep track of triggers and other symptoms accompanying the pain. This information will help a doctor make an informed diagnosis and provide suitable recommendations for treatment.
Pain behind the eye is a nonspecific symptom and can have a wide range of potential causes. They can include eyestrain, migraine, sinus infection, cavernous sinus thrombosis, dental issues, glaucoma, and others.
While some conditions improve with home care and OTC medications, other symptoms require prompt medical attention. Consult a doctor if the pain is severe, worsens, or accompanies other symptoms like visual disturbances.
Optician Warns Common Eye Symptom Could Be A Sign Of Serious Illness
Sensitivity to light is usually a symptom of another problem, not a condition on its own, according to an expert. Here's what you should do if there is a problem
Google searches for 'photophobia' have shot up in the last year (Image: Getty Images/Image Source)
Ever walked out of a dark cinema into the bright afternoon sun and been momentarily blinded?
That's your eyes adjusting to the light, but if they're overly sensitive it could be a sign of something more serious. In fact, UK Google searches for 'photophobia', or fear of light, have shot up by 23 per cent in the last year, says one expert. Roshni Patel, an optometrist at Lenstore, explains that sensitivity to light is usually a symptom of another issue, not a condition in itself. It can even be linked to some serious illnesses, reports Bristol Live.
She's shared what might be causing this problem and what you should do if you're finding light hard to handle.
Migraines
Roshni said: "Migraines are intense headaches, often accompanied by nausea, temporary light sensitivity and at times, visual disturbance. The pain typically centres behind the eyes, with a pulsating pressure."
"There is no treatment for migraines, except painkillers and, they usually disappear after several hours. Other home remedies you can try include cooling down with an ice pack on your forehead and sitting in a dark, quiet room."
Eye infections/inflammation
Roshni explained: "Iritis is an inflammation of the coloured part of your eye (iris), typically not caused by any catalyst, but may follow autoimmune diseases or infections. In addition to light sensitivity and headaches, it causes a deep eye pain. This condition is very serious and needs medical attention asap."
"Viral conjunctivitis can also cause light sensitivity, as well as redness, excessively watery eyes and discomfort. Your eyelids may be slightly swollen and if the infection has reached your cornea, you might be noticing blurred vision."
"Viruses don't respond well to treatment, and in most cases, they generally resolve untreated. However, you can relieve symptoms by using eye drops and ointments. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so it is very important to take precautions to prevent passing it on to others, such as washing hands regularly, and avoid sharing things like hand towels and pillows."
On the topic of Corneal ulcers, Roshni stated: "Corneal ulcers are open sores on the outer layer of the cornea and are often caused by infection due to poor compliance in contact lens handling. Sleeping or napping with contact lenses that haven't been specially designed to let enough oxygen through can also be another reason."
Here's what you need to know about light sensitivity:
Signs and symptoms to look out for:
Corneal ulcers are serious and can cause permanent damage or even blindness if they're not treated. If you think you have a corneal ulcer, see a doctor right away.
Glaucoma
Roshni says: "Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can be passed on through genetics and causes fluid to build up in the eye, leading to increased pressure. While the ways in which glaucoma affects your vision can vary, seeing halos around lights at night, especially with rainbow rings, is one of the early warning signs of an acute form of glaucoma which requires quick medical attention."
"If left untreated, any type of glaucoma can lead to vision loss, so contact your optometrist immediately if you feel intense pressure or pain in your eyes alongside the symptoms of halos and rainbow rings around lights."
Photokeratitis (sunburned eyes)
Roshni says: "This is a highly painful (but usually temporary) burn to the cornea. It's most commonly associated with not wearing sunglasses in locations with a lot of reflected sunlight such as the beach or snowy regions. The sun burns leave corneal nerves exposed and damaged, causing symptoms of intense pain and light sensitivity."
**What to do if you experience light sensitivity**Roshni advised: "Because light sensitivity usually occurs in conjunction with another issue, the best way to deal with it is to identify the underlying cause. In most cases, light sensitivity disappears once the triggering effect is treated. For those inherently sensitive to bright light or have lighter-toned eyes. Follow the regularly advised outdoor safety precautions against harsh sunlight with hats and UV protective sunglasses."
"If you notice that you are experiencing photophobia after starting a new medication regime, consult with your GP about alternatives. In all instances, if light sensitivity has a sudden onset, and is associated with pain, contact a medical professional for advice."
How Do You Get Rid Of Puffy Eyes?
Puffy eyes, or periorbital edema, refers to swelling around the eyes. The puffiness may occur above or below the eyes and can have many causes. Treatment depends on the cause.
When a person has periorbital edema, inflammation around the eye causes fluid to build up. This buildup of fluid gives the eye orbit a puffy appearance. People can have periorbital edema in one or both eyes.
This article explores the various causes and treatments for periorbital edema.
Periorbital edema is not the same as having bags under the eyes, which is a natural part of aging. Instead, it is a health condition and is normally temporary.
Numerous causes may lead to inflammation around the eyes, resulting in a fluid buildup. It is the fluid buildup that gives the eye orbit a swollen appearance.
For some people, periorbital edema may come on slowly. This type of periorbital edema is chronic. For others, it may come on quickly, and doctors refer to this as acute.
Below are some possible causes of periorbital edema.
Allergic reactionsAllergic reactions can cause skin inflammation around the eyes, and red and watery eyes.
In this case, taking antihistamines may reduce the symptoms.
If swelling around the eye is accompanied by other facial swelling or difficulty breathing, this may be anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic shock is an extreme allergic reaction and is a medical emergency. A person experiencing anaphylactic shock needs emergency medical treatment.
If a person thinks this may be the case, they should call emergency services without delay.
AgingAs a person ages, their body expels more water throughout the day. This can lead to the body trying to retain more fluid, causing swelling around the eyes.
Acute infectionAn acute infection may cause periorbital edema. If a person has an acute infection, they may experience additional symptoms. These include:
Conjunctivitis or periorbital cellulitisConjunctivitis, or pinkeye, is when the thin membrane covering the eye becomes inflamed.
The eye can appear red or pink, swollen, and irritated. This could be due to an infection or irritation.
Causes include viruses or bacteria, and conjunctivitis can be highly contagious. Treatment will depend on the cause but may include antibiotics.
A similar infection, periorbital cellulitis, affects the skin around the eyes and the eyelid, which can also cause periorbital edema.
CryingWhen a person cries, their tears may irritate around the eyes. This may lead to swelling.
Diet and lifestyleLifestyle causes of periorbital edema include:
These lifestyle changes may cause a person's body to retain fluid.
Eye injuryInjuries to the eye or eye area, such as a black eye, may cause swelling and bruising.
Thyroid diseasesAutoimmune thyroid disease may cause eye problems such as impaired vision and periorbital edema.
It is more common in Graves' disease but can also occur in people with hypothyroidism.
Other causesOther possible causes of periorbital edema include:
Symptoms associated with periorbital edema include:
Whatever the cause of periorbital edema, the following treatments may help reduce swelling:
Other treatments available for periorbital edema are specific to the cause. These include:
If a person thinks they may have periorbital edema, they can speak with a doctor. A doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause.
Tests that a doctor may carry out include:
The doctor will examine the affected area. They may also ask general health and lifestyle questions to establish a cause. Depending on the suspected cause, the doctor may carry out a series of tests.
Often, home remedies or over-the-counter treatments help reduce symptoms of periorbital edema.
However, periorbital edema can have a more serious underlying cause in some cases. A doctor can help diagnose this and recommend appropriate treatment.
If a person suspects an anaphylactic shock has caused swelling around the eyes, they should seek emergency medical treatment.
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