Are you experiencing pain behind your eyes? There are several possible causes of this discomfort. Read on to discover what might be causing your eye pain, and how to deal with it.
Sinus Infections
Your sinuses take up a lot of the space behind your eyes. When they become infected, they fill with fluid and mucous, and this pressure can translate into pain. Often, the behind-the-eye pain associated with sinus infections is dull and aching. You'll also notice symptoms like a stuffy nose, grogginess, and headaches.
If you think you may have a sinus infection, try sitting in the bathroom with the shower on to create steam. This may help loosen mucous, reducing the pressure. If the symptoms don't improve within a few days or you are very uncomfortable, visit your doctor. You may need an antibiotic to help your body fight off the bacteria that are causing the infection.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious condition in which the pressure inside the eye rises. This leads to a range of symptoms, which include pain behind the eyes, blurring of the vision, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Often, these symptoms begin as rather minor and become progressively worse over time.
If you think you may have glaucoma, call your eye doctor immediately. They may tell you to go to emergency services, or they may schedule an appointment with you within the next day or two. By the time glaucoma progresses to the point that it is causing blurred vision and eye pain, it is rather serious and surgery is usually needed to preserve your vision.
Migraines
If the pain behind your eyes is accompanied by sensitivity to light and a headache, chances are good that you're suffering from a migraine. Most people find that migraine pain has a throbbing quality. They may also experience feelings of lightheadedness.
If you think you may be suffering from a migraine, retreat to a dark place. Take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or aspirin. A caffeinated beverage may help, too. Some people have migraines that only last an hour or two, while others find that they last for the majority of the day. If you begin having migraines regularly, contact your doctor. He or she will need to conduct tests to rule out the possibility of more serious issues, such as brain tumor and neurological conditions. You may also be prescribed medications to reduce the severity and frequency of your migraines.
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