Headache behind the eyes: frequent causes
What can cause eye and frontal pressure or pain, and how to differentiate it from a migraine.
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.