Congestion, the swelling and inflammation of the nasal and sinus passages, can affect your eyes. The discomforts of a stuffy nose and facial pressure are often accompanied by eye symptoms because of the close physical relationship between these structures. Inflammation in one area can quickly translate into problems in the other.
The Anatomical Connection Between Sinuses and Eyes
The paranasal sinuses are air-filled cavities within the skull that surround the eyes. The ethmoid sinuses are positioned directly between the eye sockets and the nasal cavity, separated by a thin layer of bone called the lamina papyracea. The maxillary sinuses are located just below the eye sockets. Inflammation and fluid buildup in these areas can exert upward pressure on the orbital cavity, causing eye discomfort as the swollen sinus lining presses on the bony walls.
The other major link is the nasolacrimal duct, the drainage pathway for tears. This duct begins at the inner corner of the eye and travels down to empty into the nasal cavity. Swelling of the nasal lining, which occurs during congestion, can compress or block the opening of the duct. When the duct is obstructed, tears cannot drain properly, leading to a backup of fluid on the eye’s surface.
Common Eye Symptoms Caused by Congestion
Congestion and pressure within the sinuses commonly lead to mild eye pressure or a dull ache, particularly around or behind the eyes. This discomfort often feels more intense when bending over or when waking up in the morning, as fluid shifts within the inflamed cavities. This is often described as referred pain, where nerve irritation in the sinuses is perceived as pain in the surrounding facial areas, including the eye region.
Tear backup, known medically as epiphora, is caused by the blockage of the nasolacrimal duct. Since the tear drainage system is compromised, the eye may become excessively watery or teary. This persistent moisture on the eye’s surface can lead to secondary irritation or mild redness.
Puffiness or swelling around the eyes, known as periorbital edema, is a visible sign of this inflammation. The proximity of the ethmoid and maxillary sinuses allows fluid retention and swelling to spread to the soft tissues of the eyelids and under the eyes. These symptoms are generally temporary and improve as the underlying nasal or sinus congestion resolves.
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention
While mild eye symptoms from congestion are common, certain signs may indicate a rare but serious complication that requires immediate medical consultation. Sudden, significant changes in vision, such as blurriness or the onset of double vision, are serious warning signs. These changes suggest that the infection or inflammation may be affecting the optic nerve or the muscles controlling eye movement.
A severe complication is orbital cellulitis, which is a bacterial infection that has spread into the tissues of the eye socket. Key indicators of this condition include the inability to move the eye normally or experiencing intense pain when attempting to move the eye. Another urgent sign is proptosis, which is the noticeable bulging or forward protrusion of the eyeball.
A high fever accompanying eye symptoms, especially if combined with rapidly worsening swelling or intense, throbbing eye pain, signals an urgent situation. If the eyelid swelling is so severe that it is difficult or impossible to open the eye, or if you feel generally unwell with a severe headache, you must seek immediate professional care. These severe symptoms represent a serious infection that can quickly lead to vision loss or the spread of infection to the brain if left untreated.