Key Takeaways
- Pain behind the eyes can come from several headache types, not just migraines.
- Digital eye strain and an outdated prescription can contribute to recurring head pain in some individuals.
- New or unusual visual symptoms, such as flashing lights or temporary vision loss, warrant prompt professional assessment.
- There are simple tips you can follow to help ease migraine pain at home.
- An eye exam can help identify whether your eyes are playing a role.
If you’ve ever experienced a headache behind your eyes, your first thought may have been that you’re having a migraine. It’s a reasonable guess, but pain in that area doesn’t immediately mean you’re experiencing a migraine. At Beyond 20/20 Optometry, we see families every day looking for answers about unexplained headaches, and we’re here to help.
A headache behind the eyes isn’t always a migraine. It can occur with different types of headaches or sometimes alongside a vision-related issue. A comprehensive eye exam can help determine whether an eye or vision problem may be contributing.
Types of Headaches That Can Cause Eye Pain
Migraine
Everyone experiences migraines differently. That being said, migraine pain often starts around the eye or temple area. If you’re having a migraine, you might also experience nausea or sensitivity to light, sound, or smell. These episodes can last from a few hours to a couple of days and can be very disruptive, which is why our team wants to help you find relief.
Tension Headache
Tension headaches may feel like a dull, squeezing pressure across the head or behind the eyes. Stress, fatigue, and poor posture often contribute to tension headaches.
Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches can bring intense pain around 1 eye, and they often occur in bouts, with attacks happening regularly for a period of time before a remission period. They’re less common than other headache types, but it’s worth mentioning to your eye doctor or family practitioner if they sound familiar.
How to Tell If Your Eyes Could Be Contributing to Your Headaches
Signs of Digital Eye Strain
If you spend long stretches looking at a screen, your eyes may be doing more work than you realize. Burning or tired eyes after screen use, blurred vision, or sore shoulders alongside head pain can all point to digital eye strain as a factor. If digital eye strain sounds right, your optometrist can work with you to determine a solution, from computer-specific lenses to lifestyle habits that can help.
When Prescription Changes Play a Role
When your vision isn’t fully corrected, your eyes work harder to focus, and that extra effort can contribute to recurring headaches. Keeping your prescription current is a straightforward step that can help reduce headaches for some people.
Visual Symptoms That May Come with a Migraine
Migraine Aura
Some people experience what’s called a migraine aura around the same time as head pain. This can often look like flashing lights or zigzag patterns in your vision. For many people, this aura fades, but if you notice symptoms that persist or worsen, seek prompt eye care.
Relief Options for a Headache Behind the Eyes
At-Home Comfort Measures
For a mild headache, a few simple steps can help ease the pain. Here are a few recommendations to help you feel better while the headache passes:
- Apply a cold or warm compress to your eyes or the back of your neck.
- Rest in a dim, quiet space until the pain passes.
- Drink water, since dehydration can be a contributing factor for some people.
Book Your Eye Exam
If your headaches keep coming back or affect your vision at any point, it’s worth having your eyes evaluated. Eye care in Moncton can help identify whether a vision-related issue is contributing to what you’re feeling. Ready to find relief? Book your appointment today and help your family find some answers.
