What Causes Pain Behind the Eye and Headache?

Experiencing pain behind the eye along with a headache can be alarming. For some, the discomfort is occasional and mild, while for others, it can become frequent and disruptive to daily life. Because there are many possible causes, ranging from simple eyestrain to more serious health conditions, it’s important to understand what might be behind your symptoms and when to seek professional care.
 

Outdated Prescriptions

Wearing an outdated or incorrect eyeglass or contact lens prescription can also lead to significant eye discomfort and headaches. When your eyes are constantly working harder to focus through lenses that no longer match your vision needs, the eye muscles strain to compensate. This ongoing effort can cause blurred vision, fatigue, and a persistent ache behind the eyes that often develops into headaches. Updating your prescription regularly ensures that your eyes aren’t overworked and helps prevent unnecessary discomfort.
 

Eye Strain and Digital Eye Fatigue

Today, many people spend hours each day working on computers, scrolling through smartphones, or watching television. This constant near-focus can cause the muscles inside the eye to become overworked. Over time, this strain can lead to a condition known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), sometimes called digital eye strain. Without regular breaks and proper vision correction, these symptoms can become more frequent and interfere with productivity and comfort.
 

Dry Eye Syndrome

Chronic dryness can make the eyes feel gritty, irritated, or painful. In some cases, the discomfort presents as pressure or pain behind the eyes, which can contribute to headaches. Causes of dry eyes include aging, certain medications, autoimmune conditions, or environmental factors like dry air.
 

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye condition characterized by increased pressure inside the eye. While it can develop slowly and without symptoms, some forms, such as acute angle-closure glaucoma, can cause sudden and intense pain behind the eye, blurred vision, halos around lights, nausea, and headaches. This condition is an emergency and requires immediate attention to prevent vision loss.
 

When to See an Eye Doctor

While occasional mild headaches and eye discomfort may not be a cause for alarm, it’s important to pay attention to frequency and intensity. If your symptoms interfere with your daily life, worsen over time, or appear suddenly and severely, schedule a comprehensive eye exam. Dr. Della Porta can determine whether the issue is eye-related and recommend the best treatment options.
 

Get Expert Care at Della Porta EyeCare

Pain behind the eyes and recurring headaches are signals your body should not be ignored. While the cause may be as simple as digital eye strain, it could also point to more serious conditions like glaucoma. The only way to know for certain is through a professional evaluation. By addressing the root cause early, you can find relief from discomfort, protect your vision, and prevent potential long-term complications.

If you’re struggling with recurring eye pain or headaches, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Della Porta EyeCare for personalized treatment. Visit our office in Bristol, Connecticut, or call (860) 807-1500 to book an appointment today.