Experiencing pain behind the eye can be both alarming and uncomfortable, making you wonder "Why does my eye hurt?".
This type of pain can manifest in various ways and may be indicative of several different health conditions, some are harmless and others require immediate medical attention.
We'll explore the nature of pain behind eyes, its common symptoms, and what typically triggers this condition.
Do You Have Pain Behind The Eye?
Pain behind the eye, often described as a deep, aching sensation, can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that interferes with daily activities.
It's a symptom rather than a condition in itself, reflecting an underlying issue that could be originating from the eye itself or from surrounding structures. Whether it's pain behind the left eye or pain behind the right eye, this symptom can disrupt daily life.
Symptoms Accompanying Pain Behind Eye
The experience of pain behind the eye can be accompanied by various symptoms, depending on its cause. Commonly reported symptoms include:
Headache: Often, the pain can extend to or emanate from other parts of the head.
Visual Disturbances: Blurry vision, seeing floaters, or sensitivity to light are often linked to eye pressure pain or eyeball pain.
Physical Discomfort: Swelling, redness, or a feeling of pressure in or around the eye.
Other Sensations: Nausea or vomiting, especially with migraines, might accompany the pain behind eyes.
Understanding these signs is crucial to answer the question of why my eye hurts, whether it's due to pressure behind the eye, an eyelid piercing irritation, or something more severe like sharp pain in the eye.
Causes of Pain Behind the Eye
Eye-Related Causes
Eyestrain: Our modern lives often involve long hours in front of computer screens, which can strain the delicate muscles around the eyes. This continuous focus can lead to eye socket pain in one eye or both, manifesting as discomfort or pain behind the eye.
Refractive Error / Glasses: People with untreated myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism frequently experience eyestrain or headaches as a result of the extra effort required by their eyes to focus on objects. These symptoms are especially noticeable after prolonged reading, driving or computer use and can be treated with a simple pair of glasses or contact lenses.
Glaucoma: This condition, marked by increased pressure inside the eye, can cause a deep, throbbing pain in the eyeball, sometimes accompanied by visual disturbances and, if glaucoma is left untreated, can lead to vision loss.
Dry Eye Syndrome: Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can cause dry eyes, leading to a scratchy sensation or pain behind eye, especially in environments prone to drying, like air-conditioned or heated rooms.
Optic Neuritis: This inflammation of the optic nerve can result in pain behind the eye or pain in eye socket, often accompanied by vision loss or colour vision changes. Optic neuritis may signal an autoimmune disorder or other underlying health issues.
Non-Eye-Related Causes
Sinus Infections: The sinuses are located close to the eye cavities; thus, inflammation can cause pressure behind left eye or pressure behind right eye, which can lead to pain around eye socket and cheekbone.
Migraines and Cluster Headaches: These headache types often include intense, localised pain over left eye or right, with a pulsating or piercing nature, leading to sharp pain behind eye.
Giant Cell Arteritis: A less common but serious condition which can lead to pain behind eyes is the inflammation of the arteries in the head. And this is among other symptoms like scalp tenderness and vision problems.
Dental Issues: Surprisingly, dental problems such as TMJ disorders or sinus-related tooth infections can manifest as pain behind the eye, demonstrating the interconnectedness of facial and ocular health.
Treatment Options
Addressing the pain behind eyes starts with identifying its cause. Treatment can range from simple home remedies to more advanced medical interventions:
For Eye Strain: Regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule, ensuring proper lighting, and possibly updating eyewear can ease eyes hurting from overuse.
For Glaucoma: Prescription eye drops or surgery can reduce eye pressure and the associated pain.
Eye Drops: Sore eye socket and discomfort from dryness can be relieved with artificial tears or specialised drops, helping those whose eyeball hurts.
For Sinus Infections: Treatments like decongestants or nasal sprays reduce inflammation, easing the pain in the eye socket often confused with cavernous sinus issues.
For Headaches: Over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription medications, or lifestyle changes can be effective depending on the type and cause of the headache.
The Role of Nutrition in Managing Eye Pain
Nutrition plays a pivotal role in overall eye health, potentially influencing conditions that lead to pain behind eye.
Essential nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E can potentially ease dry eyes and inflammation which are common causes of eye pain. Adequate hydration maintains eye moisture, crucial for those experiencing tired eyes symptoms.
Incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can potentially mitigate right or left eyeball pain or stabbing eye pain.
Addressing Pain Behind the Eye in the Digital Age
The digital era, with all its advantages like instant information access and connectivity, has its drawbacks, particularly for our ocular health.
Eye strain from extended screen time is a major contributor to pain behind the eye, with causes of eye pressure pain often linked to poor lighting, infrequent blinking, and sitting too close or too far from screens.
Mitigating these effects involves adopting healthier screen habits. This includes following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away), ensuring adequate lighting to reduce glare, and adjusting screen settings for comfort.
Additionally, incorporating regular eye exercises can strengthen eye muscles, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of pain.
When to See a Doctor
While many cases of pain behind the eye can be alleviated with adjustments to our digital lifestyles and nutrition, certain symptoms should prompt an immediate consultation with an eye care professional. If you experience any of the following, it's time to book an eye test online:
- Pain doesn't improve with home care measures or worsens over time.
- Changes in vision, such as blurriness, floaters, or sensitivity to light.
- Additional signs like redness, swelling, or discharge from the eye.
- Headaches that do not respond to over-the-counter pain relief.
Schedule Your Eye Checkup Today
Maintaining regular eye checkups is vital, especially as we age.
Lynbrook Optical offers comprehensive eye exams tailored to the needs of our patients, whether you are a young adult or a senior citizen.
Our team of experienced professionals uses the latest in eye disease treatment and diagnostic technology to ensure you receive the best care possible.
Book an eye test with Lynbrook Optical now and ensure your vision is at its best.
With our team of experts and state-of-the-art testing equipment, we're here to provide the thorough care your eyes deserve.
Your eyes, after all, are your window to the world, and taking care of them is key to enjoying all the beautiful details life has to offer.
If you're looking to book your next eye test, do it now with us at Lynbrook Optical, because your vision is our focus.
