Headache Behind Eye: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

A sharp pain behind your eye and a throbbing headache can be an uncomfortable sensation. Headache behind the eye can be quite distressing. Many people suffer from this type of headache. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and relief strategies for headaches behind the eye is crucial for those seeking effective management and treatment. In this article, we'll explore the various factors that can lead to headaches behind the eyes, including potential triggers of headaches on the left side of the head behind the eye. 

What are the Headaches Behind the Eye?

Headaches behind the eyes are not a specific medical condition but a symptom associated with different types of headaches or underlying health issues. The pain may be dull or sharp, and it can be accompanied by sensitivity to light, eye discomfort, and other sensations.

Causes of Headache Behind Eye

Headache pain behind the eye can stem from different factors, ranging from mild conditions to more serious underlying issues. Some of the causes are:

• Migraine: Migraines can be instigated by lack of sleep, weather changes, stress, bright lights, strong smells, or certain foods and drinks.
• Tension Headaches: They are the most common type and usually cause a dull pain sensation on both sides of the head or across the forehead, behind the eyes. These can result from stress, eyestrain, poor posture, or fatigue. 
• Cluster Headaches: They are less common headaches, cause intense pain around one eye, and tend to occur at the same time each day, often triggered by alcohol or smoking. 
• Sinus Infections: They can also lead to headaches behind the eyes, accompanied by congestion and nasal discharge. 
• Eyestrain: Strain from the eyes, particularly from prolonged screen time or uncorrected vision issues, can cause discomfort behind the eyes.
• Other Potential Causes: They may be scleritis (inflammation of the eye's outer coating), optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve), Graves' disease, and glaucoma. These conditions can result in eye pain, pressure, and sensitivity, often accompanied by headaches behind the eyes.

Symptoms of Headache Behind the Eye

Headaches behind the eye can manifest in various ways, causing discomfort and affecting daily life. 

• The pain may be felt behind one eye (unilateral) or both eyes (bilateral), ranging from a dull ache to a sharp, throbbing sensation
• In some cases, the pain may seem to originate from the eye area, sinuses, or inside the head
• Pain around the eye and temple can spread to other parts of the head
• Redness and swelling of the affected eye
• Pressure or tightness across the forehead and behind the eyes
• Scalp tenderness and increased sensitivity to light
• Soreness, itching, or burning in the eyes
• Blurred vision

Diagnosis

• Medical History & Physical Exam: During the examination, your doctor will assess your headache's signs & symptoms and look for signs of underlying conditions. They may ask you to keep a symptom diary in the days or weeks following your appointment, which can help them identify patterns and potential triggers. They'll also check for medical conditions like sinusitis, migraines, or cluster headaches.
• Eye Examination: To rule out eye strain, glaucoma, or other eye-related issues.
• Imaging Tests: An MRI or a CT scan of the head helps check for other causes of the headaches. 
• Neurological Tests: These tests may be done to check for nerve or brain function abnormalities.

Treatment for Headache Behind Eye

Treating a headache behind the eye involves various approaches, depending on the underlying cause. These include:

• For mild to moderate pain, over-the-counter (OTC) painkiller tablets or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can provide relief. 
• For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe:
  • Triptans 
  • Beta-blockers
  • Antidepressants
  • Anti-seizure drugs 
• Home remedies can also be effective for managing headaches behind the eyes. These may include:
  • Resting in a dark and quiet room can decrease migraine pain. 
  • A cold compress or ice pack may provide relief. 
  • For tension headaches, a heating pad or warm shower can be beneficial.
  • For headaches caused by sinus infections, treatment typically involves clearing the infection. 
  • In cases of eye strain, following the '20-20-20' rule can help: every 20 minutes, focus on an object twenty feet away for twenty seconds.

When to See a Doctor

While occasional headaches behind the eye are common, certain situations warrant medical attention. Seek urgent medical care:

• If you experience headaches that keep coming back or worsen over time 
• If you have a throbbing pain at the front or side of your head
• If you have a severe headache accompanied by jaw pain when eating, blurred or double vision, or numbness in your arms or legs. 
• For children under 12, if they have headaches that wake them at night, worsen progressively, or are triggered by coughing or sneezing. 
• If you have headaches accompanied by vomiting or difficulty looking upward 

Prevention

Preventing headaches behind the eye involves adopting various lifestyle changes and avoiding known triggers, such as:

• Keep a symptom diary to identify patterns & potential triggers. 
• Exercise regularly
• Establish a consistent sleep schedule 
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques. 
• Staying hydrated 
• Maintaining a balanced diet (avoiding or reducing the intake of processed foods, alcohol, and caffeine)
• Avoid common triggers (if you have migraines) such as loud noises, strong odours, bright lights, and lack of sleep. 
• Avoid excessive screen time.
• Follow the 20-20-20 (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away)

Conclusion

Taking steps to prevent headaches behind the eye is crucial for long-term well-being. This means keeping track of triggers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and good sleep habits, and managing stress effectively. While occasional headaches are common, it's essential to pay attention to warning signs that may indicate a need for medical attention. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can take control of their health and minimise the impact of headaches behind the eye on their quality of life.

FAQs

1. How to get rid of a headache behind your eyes?

Try over-the-counter pain relievers to alleviate a headache behind your eyes. Resting in a dark, quiet room can help, especially for migraines. An ice pack for the affected area may provide relief. Identifying & avoiding triggers, such as certain foods, lack of sleep, or prolonged screen time, is crucial. Making lifestyle adjustments and managing stress through relaxation techniques (yoga or deep breathing) can also help prevent recurring pain.

2. Is pain behind one eye serious?

Pain behind one eye can be a symptom of various ailments, ranging from minor to serious medical conditions. While it's often due to eye strain or tension headaches, it can also indicate more severe issues like glaucoma or optic neuritis. If you experience sudden, severe pain behind the eye, especially if accompanied by vision changes, redness, or swelling, seek immediate medical attention. 

3. What is a one-sided headache with eye pain?

A one-sided headache with eye pain is often associated with migraine or cluster headaches. Migraines typically cause intense pain on one side of the head, sometimes behind one eye, and may be accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound. Cluster headaches, though less common, cause severe pain around one eye and tend to occur at the same time each day. These headaches can be excruciating and may require medical intervention for proper management.

4. Can lack of sleep cause headaches behind the eyes?

Yes, lack of sleep can indeed cause headaches behind the eyes. Sleep deprivation has been linked to various types of headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. 

5. How do I stop getting headaches behind my eyes?

To prevent headaches behind your eyes, maintain a consistent sleep schedule and try for seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Manage stress through relaxation techniques & regular exercise. If you spend long periods looking at screens, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Stay hydrated & maintain a balanced diet, avoiding known triggers like processed foods, alcohol, and excessive caffeine.