Headache Above the Right Eye – Causes and Treatment

Do you often feel a throbbing or sharp pain above your right eye?
This type of headache is among the most common conditions affecting millions of people worldwide. Its cause may vary from mild eye strain to neurological disorders that require accurate medical evaluation.

In this article from the Eye Center at Batal Specialized Medical Complex in Saudi Arabia, we explain the main causes of headaches above the right eye, their common types, and the most effective treatments to relieve pain and prevent recurrence

Overview of Headache Above the Right Eye

• Unilateral headaches affect more than 50% of adults at least once a year.
• Pain may appear behind the eye, across the forehead, temples, or even the neck.
• It can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vision disturbances, or light sensitivity.
• Identifying the underlying cause helps your doctor determine the most appropriate medical or behavioral treatment.

At Batal Eye Center, each case is evaluated individually through advanced eye and neurological examinations to determine the precise source of pain.

Possible Causes of Headache Above the Right Eye

Several factors can trigger pain in or around one eye. The most common causes include the following:

Neurological Causes

Occipital Neuralgia

This headache occurs when the nerves extending from the upper spine to the scalp become inflamed or irritated.
Symptoms include:

• Sharp or stabbing pain at the back of the head and behind the eye.
• Light sensitivity.
• Muscle tension in the neck.

Temporal Arteritis

An inflammatory condition that affects the arteries in the head and neck, most common among older adults.
Typical symptoms:

• Throbbing pain on one side of the head.
• Jaw pain while chewing.
• Fatigue and general weakness.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A chronic condition that causes intense facial and eye pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve.
Patients may feel burning or electric-shock-like pain on one side of the face, which worsens with touch, talking, or exposure to cold air.

Medication-Related Causes

Sometimes headaches occur due to the overuse of pain relievers or certain long-term medications — a condition known as rebound headache.
Common drugs that may cause this include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

This headache often appears in the morning and worsens after medication withdrawal. Therefore, painkillers should not be taken more than twice a week without medical advice.

Other Common Causes

• Sinus infections causing pressure and pain behind the eyes.
• Seasonal allergies and weather changes.
• Eye strain from prolonged use of digital screens.
• Lack of sleep or dehydration.
• Low blood sugar due to skipping meals.
• Emotional stress or neck muscle tension.
• Brain or eye tumors (rare but should be ruled out in chronic cases).

Common Types of Headaches Above the Right Eye

There are over 300 types of headaches, but the following are the most closely associated with pain around one eye:

Migraine Headache

One of the most common types, characterized by a throbbing, pulsating pain on one side of the head or around the eye.
Common symptoms:

• Nausea and vomiting.
• Severe sensitivity to light or sound.
• Blurred vision or seeing flashing lights before pain starts.

At Batal Eye Center:
Doctors perform eye examinations, including corneal and intraocular pressure testing, to rule out visual causes before determining whether the headache is neurological or ocular.

Tension Headache

The most widespread form of headache worldwide, usually caused by stress or muscle strain.
Typical signs:

• A sensation of pressure or tightness across the forehead and behind the eyes.
• Mild to moderate pain.
• Stiffness in the neck and shoulder muscles.

At Batal Eye Center, posture and neck muscle balance are evaluated to identify physical stressors and design a personalized treatment plan.

Cluster Headache

Known as the most painful headache type despite its rarity, it occurs in short, intense episodes (clusters).
Main symptoms:

• Burning or stabbing pain around one eye.
• Redness and swelling of the affected eye.
• Nasal congestion or runny nose.
• Nighttime sweating and insomnia.

Who is at risk?
Men, especially smokers or those with a family history of cluster headaches. The condition often starts between the ages of 30 and 40 and tends to appear seasonally.

Comparison Table – Common Headache Types

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention immediately if:

• The headache occurs more than twice a week.
• It is accompanied by vision disturbances or severe dizziness.
• Painkillers no longer provide relief.
• The headache wakes you up at night.
• The pain is sudden and severe (“the worst headache ever”).

At Batal Eye Center, comprehensive tests — including corneal, retinal, and optic nerve imaging — help identify the underlying cause accurately.

Treatment Options for Headache Above the Right Eye

Home Remedies

You can relieve mild or occasional headaches by following these steps:

• Apply cold or warm compresses to the head and neck.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily.
• Get enough sleep and avoid fatigue.
• Stay away from bright lights and loud noises.
• Gently massage the neck and shoulders.
• Practice deep breathing or relaxation exercises.

Medical Treatment

If the headache persists or recurs frequently, doctors may recommend:

• Mild analgesics in controlled doses.
• Antidepressants or anticonvulsants to prevent migraines.
• Muscle relaxants for tension-related pain.
• Magnesium supplements shown to reduce migraine attacks.
• Physical therapy to improve neck flexibility and reduce strain.

In certain cases, a comprehensive eye examination may reveal a refractive error or eye strain that requires corrective lenses.

Preventive Tips

• Maintain a regular sleep schedule (7–8 hours daily).
• Limit caffeine and processed foods.
• Ensure proper lighting while working or reading.
• Practice yoga or relaxation techniques.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Take short screen breaks every hour.

How Doctors at Batal Eye Center Diagnose Headache Causes

At Batal Eye Center, our ophthalmologists follow an integrated diagnostic approach that includes:

1. Reviewing the patient’s medical history and headache frequency.
2. Conducting a comprehensive eye examination (intraocular pressure, retina, cornea).
3. Assessing posture and neck muscle tension in stress-related cases.
4. Analyzing neurological symptoms to determine whether the origin is visual or nerve-based.

This detailed evaluation helps create a personalized treatment plan for every patient.

When to Visit Batal Eye Center

If you suffer from frequent headaches above your right eye or persistent pain that disrupts your daily life, don’t wait until it worsens.
Book your eye examination today at Batal Specialized Medical Complex in Saudi Arabia — where our expert team provides accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments to relieve pain and restore visual comfort safely and effectively.