Pressure behind the eye can be caused by glaucoma, sinusitis, ocular hypertension, or headaches. Ocular hypertension is a serious cause and can lead to glaucoma and blindness. Sinusitis can cause temporary pressure, while headaches usually go away with pain medication. A doctor should be consulted for persistent pain.
Pressure behind the eye can be the result of glaucoma, sinusitis, or ocular hypertension. Headaches, like migraines, can also cause this pressure. In most cases, only a doctor can determine the exact cause of eye pressure. Pain that doesn’t subside after a few days should most likely be evaluated by a doctor, who may refer the patient to an eye doctor if he determines that the cause is related to a problem with the eyes rather than allergy problems or headaches.
Ocular hypertension is one of the more serious causes of pressure behind the eye and is a side effect of glaucoma. People who have glaucoma often have problems with the drainage of a fluid called aqueous humor that builds up behind the lens of the eye. When this fluid is not drained properly, pressure can build up and this leads to ocular hypertension. Over time, this problem can develop into glaucoma, which can ultimately lead to blindness if left untreated. A person with this problem should see an eye doctor to determine what treatment might be best for them.
Some people experience pressure behind the eyes due to headaches, most commonly migraines. When this is the cause of the eye pressure, the problem usually goes away once the headache has subsided. If it’s a migraine, a person may also see flashing lights or colored streaks when they close their eyes, and they may also feel sick to their stomach. Migraines are typically treated with over-the-counter pain medications and are often a recurring problem. Anyone who experiences these headaches on a regular basis should seek the advice of a doctor for further treatment options.
Sinusitis is another common cause of pressure behind the eye. There are sinus cavities located behind the eyes which get filled with mucus when a person has a cold or suffers from allergy problems. This can cause the sinus cavity to swell and put pressure on the eye. In some cases, a person may not even realize that their sinuses are inflamed because they may not have any symptoms other than eye pressure. The pressure is usually temporary when the sinuses are to blame and should decrease as soon as the sinuses are able to drain properly.
Regardless of the cause, it may be possible to temporarily relieve the condition with pain medicine. It may also help to use an ice pack or heating pad on the affected eye. If a person strongly suspects that their sinuses are causing the pressure, they can try using a humidifier to add more moisture to the air, which could help the sinuses drain freely.
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