Headache behind the eyes: frequent causes

Headache behind the eyes or in the frontal area is very common and in most cases has benign causes related to lifestyle.

Frequent causes

Eye strain: Spending many hours in front of screens without rest generates visual fatigue that manifests as pressure behind the eyes. The most common cause in young adults.

Sinusitis: Inflammation of the paranasal sinuses produces facial pressure and pain felt behind the eyes and in the forehead. Usually accompanied by nasal congestion.

Migraine: Migrainous pain frequently starts behind one eye and spreads. May be accompanied by light sensitivity, nausea and blurred vision.

Cluster headache: Intense, pulsating pain around one eye, usually nocturnal.

Warning signs

When to act?

For mild screen-related pain: rest your eyes every 20 minutes, stay hydrated and ventilate the space. If pain is recurrent, consult your doctor.