Discomfort underneath the eye is common, ranging from mild annoyance to significant concern. This article explores common causes of under-eye pain, their symptoms, and when to seek medical advice. It also outlines practical strategies for relief and prevention.
Common Reasons for Pain
Pain underneath the eye can stem from various sources, often related to the eye or surrounding facial structures. Understanding the cause is the first step toward relief.
One frequent contributor to discomfort beneath the eye is eye strain and fatigue, also known as digital eye strain. This condition arises when eyes are overused, particularly during prolonged periods of focusing on digital screens or visually intensive tasks. Symptoms can include sore, tired, or burning eyes, sometimes accompanied by blurred vision or a headache. Eye muscles can become overworked, leading to aching or soreness.
Sinus issues are another common cause, as maxillary sinuses are located directly beneath the eyes. When these hollow spaces become inflamed or infected (sinusitis), pressure can build up. This pressure can manifest as a dull ache or fullness behind the eyes, in the cheeks, or across the forehead. Pain may intensify when bending over or moving the head suddenly, and nasal congestion or discharge might be present.
Allergies can also induce pain and discomfort in the eye area. Allergic reactions cause inflammation and swelling in the delicate tissues around the eyes, leading to itching, redness, and watery eyes. Allergic reactions trigger histamine release, causing irritation and pressure. This inflammation can extend to the under-eye area, causing pain or tenderness.
Dry eye syndrome occurs when eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leading to insufficient lubrication. Lack of moisture causes a gritty sensation, burning, stinging, and discomfort. The unstable tear film, which protects the eye, results in irritation and a strained feeling.
Localized bumps on the eyelid, such as styes or chalazia, can cause pain that radiates to the area beneath the eye. A stye is a tender, red bump caused by an infected oil gland at the base of an eyelash. A chalazion is a usually painless, slow-growing lump from a blocked oil gland. Although styes are generally more painful, both can create localized pressure and tenderness extending to the surrounding eyelid and under-eye region.
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, involves inflammation of the conjunctiva. This clear membrane lines the inside of the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye. Inflammation can result from viral or bacterial infections, or allergies, leading to redness, itching, and discharge. Widespread inflammation and irritation can cause discomfort and pain around the entire eye, including the area beneath it.
Headaches and migraines frequently present with pain localized around or behind the eyes. Tension headaches can cause pressure or a dull ache behind the eyes and in the forehead. Migraines are often characterized by intense, throbbing pain, which can be unilateral and focused around one eye. They may be accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea, or visual disturbances. Cluster headaches, a severe type, typically cause sharp, piercing pain around one eye.
Referred pain from dental problems can sometimes be felt underneath the eye. Issues with upper teeth, such as infections or cavities, can transmit pain signals along nerve pathways to adjacent facial areas, including the region below the eye. This pain might be a dull ache and may not always be immediately recognized as originating from a dental source.
Minor trauma or injury to the eye or surrounding area can directly cause localized pain and tenderness. A direct bump, scratch, or impact can result in bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Even minor incidents can lead to noticeable pain under the eye due to the sensitivity of facial tissues.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of under-eye pain resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation. Recognizing these signs ensures timely diagnosis and treatment for serious conditions.
Medical attention is advised if pain is severe, persistent, or worsens progressively. A sudden change in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or vision loss, accompanying the pain, warrants an immediate visit to a healthcare professional.
Accompanying symptoms like a severe headache, fever, or chills along with eye pain can signal an infection or other systemic condition needing medical assessment. Noticeable swelling, redness, or tenderness that spreads rapidly around the eye or face could indicate a developing infection or inflammation requiring intervention.
Other concerning signs include eyeball protrusion, inability to move the eye normally, or pain when moving the eye. If pain follows an eye injury, especially with a foreign object sensation, seek professional help to rule out corneal abrasions or other damage. Any yellow or green discharge suggests an infection needing medical treatment.
Relief and Prevention Strategies
Many common causes of under-eye pain can be managed with simple home strategies and preventive measures. These approaches reduce strain, alleviate discomfort, and promote overall eye health.
For discomfort related to eye strain, regular breaks from screens and visually demanding tasks are beneficial. The 20-20-20 rule suggests that every 20 minutes, you look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice helps eye muscles relax, reduces fatigue, and promotes natural blinking, keeping the eye surface hydrated.
Applying a warm or cold compress can provide symptomatic relief. A warm compress soothes conditions like styes or blocked glands, encouraging drainage and reducing tenderness. A cold compress reduces swelling and inflammation from allergies, puffiness, or minor trauma. Cold temperatures constrict blood vessels, alleviating pain and redness.
Over-the-counter remedies, such as lubricating eye drops, offer relief for dry eyes by supplementing natural tear production and moisturizing the eye surface. For allergy-related discomfort, antihistamine eye drops or oral antihistamines may reduce itching and swelling. Consult a healthcare provider for long-term use.
Maintaining good hydration and nutrition contributes to overall eye health. Drinking sufficient water helps maintain tear production and ensures proper eye lubrication, preventing dry eye symptoms. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants also supports ocular function.
Proper lighting and ergonomic workspace setup can significantly reduce eye strain. Position your computer monitor an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. Ensure adequate, non-glare lighting. Adjusting chair height and posture can also alleviate related neck and shoulder tension that might contribute to eye discomfort.
Wearing protective eyewear is important for preventing injuries, especially in environments with potential hazards like flying debris, chemicals, or excessive UV exposure. This measure safeguards eyes from direct trauma that could lead to pain and more serious complications.