Headache Behind Eyes

Headache behind eyes is a very common problem that is encountered by many people. However, the causes of such discomfort can be myriad. The main physiological reason for headache behind the eyes is failure of the lens and cornea to function properly. The result is that the image formed by the eyes can't be focused on the retina. This puts extra pressure on eye muscles and what one experiences is a bad headache behind eyes. Most commonly, people complain of pain behind only one eye. However, this kind of headache can also be double-sided. Other causes could be problem in the nerves and blood vessels of the eyes.

Causes of Headache Behind Eyes

Tension Headaches
One of the most common headaches that occur behind the eyes is tension headaches. The pain is dull, throbbing and feels like a tight band is pulled across the forehead. Such headaches are caused due to stress, lack of sleep and excess eye strain. Tension headaches are usually cured, after one has taken enough rest.

Eye Problems
Headaches behind eyes can also be due to some eye problems. Some of the most common eye problems that can cause such headaches are:

Astigmatism: People suffering from astigmatism have retina of an irregular shape. Due to this reason, objects seen from certain angle, appear hazy. In order to have a clearer view, people squint and that causes strain on the muscles of the eyes. This leads to severe headache.

Presbyopia: With age, our eye lens lose their flexibility. It is because of this reason, that old people have difficulty in viewing close objects. Other problems due to presbyopia include, sore eyes, close focusing of images and headaches.

Hyperopia or Long Sightedness: In this disorder, image of an object is focused behind the retina, instead of being focused on it. As one strains his eyes to be able to view the image properly, the eye muscles are weakened. This, in turn can trigger headaches.

Migraine
There are different types of migraine that cause headache behind eyes. Ophthalmoplegic migraine causes headache that can last from days to a few months. Retinal migraine causes extreme stress on eye muscles, that may lead to partial and sometimes complete loss of vision. Symptoms of migraine also include nausea, vomiting, confusion, numbness and sensitivity to light and/or sound.

Sinusitis
People who suffer from sinusitis might also experience extreme pain behind the eyes. A sinus infection or inflammation in your sinuses can cause a dull, throbbing pain behind your eyes which can radiate to the front of your face, especially on the cheekbones. Sinus headaches are usually accompanied by mild fever, swollen and blocked nasal passages and sore throat.

Cluster Headaches
Apart from those discussed above, there is a different type of headache that causes extreme pain on one side of the head behind the eye. It may also be accompanied by a burning sensation on one side of the nose. These headaches occur as excruciating, stabbing pain behind the eyes, that appear in episodes over a period of many weeks and are known as cluster headaches. The pain peaks in less than 5 minutes and can last for an hour. This is less common, yet more severe than any other kind of headache. The exact cause of this ailment is not known. However, according to some experts the cause lies in the trigeminal nerve, whereas, others believe that cluster headaches are caused due to problems in the deep vascular channels of the head.

How to Deal with Headache Behind the Eyes?

To deal with headache behind the eyes, one needs to ascertain the cause behind such headaches. Tension headaches usually vanish after a period of rest or by simple manual therapy. The following exercise can also bring relief. For carrying out this exercise, lie down on a hard surface. With the thumbs, find the base of the skull. Now lean back on your thumb and press hard. Hold this position for as long as you can. In case, the headache is behind one eye, do this exercise with one thumb tracing the base of that side of the skull, that lies on the same side as the eye that hurts. Breathe deep while doing this exercise.

Massage therapy, acupuncture and prescription medicines ensure headache relief for those suffering from migraine. In some cases, correction of visual abnormalities can also help in curing headaches. In case of cluster headaches, seeking medical help is the best option. If the headache behind eyes is due to sinusitis, then steam inhalation and taking prescribed medications for reducing inflammation can help in relieving such headaches.

There are a number of over-the-counter as well as prescribed medication available, that help in dealing with headache behind eyes. However, as they say 'Prevention is better than cure', a proper diet, good rest and eye care is the best way to deal with such discomforts. One can even look for exercises for the eyes that improve vision and strengthen eye muscles. If one is suffering from frequent headaches behind eyes, then it is best to seek professional help to rule out any potentially serious ailments.