Eye Headache | Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention | Batal Eye Specialist Center

Eye headache is a common condition in which the patient experiences pain or pressure behind or around the eye, and the pain may extend to the forehead or one side of the head. The causes vary from person to person, ranging from simple visual strain to medical conditions such as sinusitis, migraine, or uncorrected vision problems. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment and reducing the recurrence of pain.

In this article, we discuss the causes of eye headache, its symptoms, types, treatment options, and key prevention tips, in addition to how the condition is accurately diagnosed at Batal Eye Specialist Center in Jeddah.

What Is an Eye Headache?

It is a type of headache that appears as pain behind or around the eye, which may be throbbing or pressing in nature.
It may be accompanied by:

• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty concentrating
• Blurred vision
• Tightness in the neck and shoulder muscles

The cause often depends on lifestyle factors or the patient’s underlying medical condition.

Symptoms of Eye Headache

Symptoms vary, but the most common include:

• Pain behind or around the eye
• Headache in the forehead or one side of the head
• Sensitivity to bright light or digital screens
• Blurry or heavy vision
• Excessive tearing or dryness
• Neck or shoulder pain

If the headache is accompanied by sudden vision loss or severe dizziness, seek medical attention immediately.

Causes of Eye Headache

1) Neurological Causes

Stress and emotional tension
Daily stress can cause muscle tension in the forehead and neck, which leads to pain behind the eye.

2) Medical Causes

Sinusitis

Sinus congestion leads to pressure behind the eyes and forehead, often worsening when lying down.

Eye Strain

Eye strain occurs due to:

• Prolonged screen use
• Uncorrected refractive errors
• Poor or harsh lighting

3) Eye-Related Causes

• Scleritis (inflammation of the white part of the eye)
• Corneal dryness
• Elevated eye pressure (Glaucoma)
• Imbalance of eye muscles

4) Relationship Between Eye Headache and Vision Problems

If the eye exerts excessive effort to focus due to uncorrected refractive errors, this can lead to:

• Pain behind the eye
• Persistent visual fatigue
• Difficulty reading or using screens

In many cases, vision correction or refractive surgery (LASIK) can significantly reduce headaches related to eye strain.

Types of Eye Headache

Migraine

A pulsating pain behind the eye, accompanied by sensitivity to light and noise, and may last for hours or days.

Tension Headache

Feels like a tight band around the forehead, commonly associated with stress or neck muscle tension.

Cluster Headache

Severe and sharp pain affecting one eye, often accompanied by tearing and redness, and occurs in repeated short episodes.

When Is Eye Headache Considered Serious?

Seek medical evaluation if the headache is accompanied by:

• Sudden vision changes
• Severe pain that does not improve with pain relief
• Dizziness or facial weakness
• Family history of glaucoma or high eye pressure

Treatment of Eye Headache

Home Remedies

• Reduce screen exposure
• Warm compresses for sinus pressure
• Cool compresses around the eyes
• Drink enough water
• Take frequent rest breaks during work

Medications

• Mild pain relievers as needed
• Sinusitis or migraine medications depending on the cause
• Moisturizing eye drops for dryness

Treating the Underlying Cause

• Wearing the correct eyeglass prescription
• Adjusting refractive error
• Refractive surgery if appropriate for the condition

Batal Eye Specialist Center Recommendations for Preventing Eye Headache

Making small changes in daily habits can significantly reduce eye headache, especially when related to visual strain or muscle tension.

Key recommendations:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using screens
• Correct your vision when needed; avoid delaying eyeglass use
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule (7–8 hours per night)
• Drink water regularly to avoid dehydration
• Use comfortable lighting while reading or working
• Practice relaxation and deep breathing exercises
• Quit smoking to improve blood flow around the eye
• Monitor headache frequency—if weekly, seek medical evaluation

Important Note:
Pain relievers only reduce symptoms, but do not treat the underlying cause.

Eye Headache Evaluation and Diagnosis at Batal Eye Specialist Center

If you are experiencing frequent eye headache, concentration difficulty, or changes in vision, the cause may be related to:

• Uncorrected refractive errors
• Corneal dryness
• Elevated eye pressure (Glaucoma)
• Corneal sensitivity or eye muscle imbalance
• Or sinus-related issues

At Batal Eye Specialist Center in Jeddah, we provide:

• Comprehensive examination of vision, cornea, and retina
• Accurate eye pressure measurement
• Assessment of eye muscle function
• Analysis of the relationship between eye condition and headache
• Customized treatment plans for each case

We focus on identifying and treating the root cause, not just temporary symptom relief.

Request a Consultation or Schedule an Eye Examination

If you frequently experience pain behind or around your eye, we recommend not delaying evaluation.

Book Your Eye Examination Now at Batal Eye Specialist Center