Headache Behind Eye: Causes, Triggers, and Treatment

Causes of headache behind the eye

There are many different causes of headaches behind the eye. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Eyestrain: Eyestrain is a common cause of headaches behind the eye. Eyestrain can be caused by staring at a computer screen for too long, reading in low light, or having uncorrected vision problems.
  • Tension headaches: Tension headaches are another common cause of headaches behind the eye. Tension headaches are caused by muscle tension in the head and neck.
  • Migraines: Migraines are a type of severe headache that can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches are a rare type of headache that is characterized by sudden, intense pain behind one eye.
  • Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses, which are air-filled cavities in the skull. Sinusitis can cause headaches behind the eyes, as well as other symptoms such as facial pain, nasal congestion, and a fever.

Triggers of headache behind the eye

Some common triggers of headaches behind the eye include:

  • Stress: Stress is a common trigger of all types of headaches, including headaches behind the eye.
  • Lack of sleep: Lack of sleep can also trigger headaches behind the eye.
  • Caffeine and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can also trigger headaches behind the eye.
  • Certain foods: Some foods, such as chocolate, cheese, and MSG, can trigger headaches behind the eye in some people.
  • Bright lights and loud noises: Bright lights and loud noises can also trigger headaches behind the eye in some people.

Treatment of headache behind the eye

The treatment for headaches behind the eye depends on the underlying cause. If the headaches are caused by eyestrain, treatment may include resting the eyes, wearing corrective lenses, and taking breaks from computer screens. If the headaches are caused by tension headaches, treatment may include over-the-counter pain relievers, relaxation techniques, and physical therapy. If the headaches are caused by migraines, treatment may include prescription pain relievers, anti-nausea medications, and triptans. If the headaches are caused by cluster headaches, treatment may include oxygen therapy and sumatriptan injections. If the headaches are caused by sinusitis, treatment may include antibiotics and over-the-counter pain relievers.

If you have headaches behind the eye, it is important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment.