Pressure Behind the Eye: What is it, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

Published on June 16th, 2023

Updated on September 26th, 2024

Pressure behind the eye is a symptom of different conditions that cause a feeling of fullness, stretching and pain behind the eye. Pressure behind the eye or eyes may be caused by sinusitis, an infection in the sinuses, headaches and Graves’ disease which is an autoimmune disease. The symptom of pressure behind eyes may be diagnosed by an eye care professional or a medical doctor. Treatments for pressure behind the eye will treat the root cause and can be done with pain medication and antihistamines.

Pressure behind the eye is different to eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure, as eye pressure is caused by the fluid inside the eye not draining properly. Keep reading to learn more about the causes and treatment for pressure behind the eye.

What does Pressure Behind the Eye mean?

Pressure behind the eye can mean many things that may be harmless or indicate a more serious problem. Pressure behind the eye may be caused by sinusitis which is an infection that affects the sinuses, headaches and optic neuritis which occurs when swelling in the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. Pressure behind the eye can feel different depending on the condition and for each person. Some people may experience pain as well as pressure. The pressure has been described as a stretching sensation in and around the eye and a feeling of fullness. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention.

Pressure behind the eye is often confused with pressure inside the eye, or intraocular pressure, but these are two different conditions. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye pressure occurs in the eye due to fluid known as aqueous humour failing to drain properly which can lead to optic nerve damage.

What are the Causes of Pressure Behind the Eye?

There are many eye conditions and diseases which may cause the symptoms of pressure behind the eye. The causes of pressure behind the eye include sinusitis, optic neuritis, Graves’ disease, tooth pain, tension headaches and facial injury. These causes and their definitions are listed below.

Sinusitis: Sinusitis is an infection that causes an inflammation of the sinuses which are hollow spaces found in the bones in the face. One of the symptoms of sinusitis is a feeling of pressure behind the eyes.
Optic neuritis: Optic neuritis is an eye condition that occurs when swelling in the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. This eye condition can cause temporary blindness in one eye.
Graves’ disease: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones known as hypothyroidism. Graves’ ophthalmopathy is a type of Graves’ disease that causes pressure behind the eye among other symptoms.
Tooth pain: Tooth pain is typically an uncommon cause of pressure behind the eye. Pressure behind the eye may be caused by a tooth infection and will likely be accompanied by pain.
Tension headaches: A common symptom of a tension headache is a feeling of pressure that may be concentrated behind the eye. A tension headache is the most common type of headache and other symptoms include a steady ache and dull pain.
Facial injury: An injury to the face may cause pressure behind the eye as the eye’s muscles, sinuses and nerves may sustain damage leading to a feeling of pain and pressure.

1. Sinusitis

Sinusitis is an infection that causes an inflammation of the sinuses which are the air-filled spaces found in the bones in the face. According to the Better Health Channel, the symptoms of sinusitis, other than sinus pressure behind the eyes, includes a blocked nose, facial pain and swelling of the face. Sinusitis, as discussed by HealthDirect, is often experienced after a person has had a cold or the flu and the symptoms can be managed by staying well hydrated by drinking plenty of water, using decongestant medicines, avoiding heavy activity and resting to recover from the infection.

2. Optic Neuritis

Optic Neuritis is an eye condition that occurs when swelling in the eye causes damage to the optic nerve. According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of optic neuritis include pain and pressure behind the eye which is increased through eye movement, loss of colour vision, seeing flashing lights and temporary vision loss in one eye. Optic neuritis can also lead to certain complications such as optic nerve damage and decreased visual acuity. If you suspect you have optic neuritis or are showing any of the symptoms, book an eye test with an optometrist so they can diagnose and treat the condition.

3. Graves’ Disease

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that causes an overproduction of thyroid hormones known as hypothyroidism. Graves’ ophthalmopathy is a type of Graves’ disease that causes pressure behind the eye. According to the Mayo Clinic, Grave’s ophthalmopathy occurs when inflammation affects the eye’s muscles and tissues. Other symptoms associated with Grave’s ophthalmopathy include puffy eyes, bulging eyes, light sensitivity, double vision, retracted eyelids and vision loss. According to HealthDirect, Graves’ disease which affects the eyes should be assessed by an ophthalmologist who may prescribe eye drops or sunglasses to treat this condition. In more serious cases, they may also suggest surgery or steroid treatment.

4. Tooth Pain

Tooth pains may cause pressure behind the eye although it is not very common. According to Medica News Today, a toothache caused by an infection can cause a throbbing pain sensation as well as pressure which may spread to other parts of the face such as behind the eye. If you are experiencing toothaches or pains, it is best to book an appointment with a dentist so they can assess if you have an infection and provide the necessary treatment.

5. Tension Headaches

A tension headache is the most common type of headache according to John Hopkins Medicine, and the cause is unknown but contributing factors such as your environment and genetics may be involved. A common symptom of a tension headache is a feeling of pressure that may be concentrated behind the eye. Other symptoms of a tension headache include a steady ache and dull pain. A pressure behind the eyes headache can be diagnosed through its symptoms and when and how long it occurs. They may be treated through pain medication, rest and regular exercise.

6. Facial Injury

A facial injury can cause pressure behind the eye as the eye’s muscles, sinuses and nerves may sustain damage leading to a feeling of pain and pressure. According to Medical News Today, an injury to the face such as a black eye or a hit in the head may lead to an eye socket fracture which can cause swelling, double vision and numbness in parts of the face. Depending on the severity of a facial injury, treatment varies but the injury should be assessed by a medical professional.

What are the Risks of Untreated Eye Pressure?

Eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure, is different from pressure behind the eye and has certain risks if the high eye pressure is not treated. One of the risks of untreated high eye pressure includes glaucoma. According to HealthDirect, untreated glaucoma can lead to partial or complete vision loss and the two most common types of glaucoma are open-angle and closed-angle glaucoma.

Does Glaucoma Cause Pressure Behind the Eyes?

No. The eye condition glaucoma, a group of eye problems that can cause irreversible vision loss, is associated with intraocular pressure which is pressure inside the eye, not behind the eye. According to the National Eye Institute, a person’s risk of glaucoma may be increased due to high eye pressure. If the pressure inside the eye is too high, it can damage the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. Therefore, lowering intraocular pressure may prevent vision loss caused by glaucoma. Although, according to the National Eye Institute, not every patient with high eye pressure will develop glaucoma.

Can Pressure Behind the Eye Be a Symptom of Other Underlying Health Conditions?

Yes, pressure behind the eye may be a symptom of other underlying health conditions that should be monitored or treated by an eye care professional. According to Medical News Today, while pressure behind the eye can be caused by headaches which will typically go away after a short period of time, it may also be a symptom of a more serious health condition such as Graves’ disease or optic neuritis.

If you are experiencing pressure behind the eye, it is best to have your health assessed by a health care or eye care professional.

Can Dry Eyes Cause Pressure Behind the Eyes?

Yes, dry eyes may cause pressure behind the eyes, although it is not very common. Dry eyes is a condition in which the eyes do not have a sufficient amount of moisture in the eyes to maintain their health. Symptoms related to dry eyes include a gritty feeling in the eyes, a sensitivity to light and headaches, which may be felt as pressure behind the eyes. Dry eyes can be treated with eye drops as they add moisture to the eye's surface, relieving discomfort.

How is Pressure Behind the Eye Diagnosed

Pressure behind the eyes can be diagnosed through an eye test performed by an eye care professional, typically an optometrist. You may be referred to other health specialists for further assessment if the condition falls outside the daily duties of an optometrist.

What are the Eye Exams Done to Diagnose the Pressure Behind the Eye?

Some eye exams can be performed to diagnose pressure behind the eye but it is not limited to specific eye-related tests. The exams done to diagnose pressure behind the eyes include an eye test, a blood test, and an endoscopy. These exams and their definitions are listed below.

Eye test: A comprehensive eye test can be used to diagnose the cause of pressure behind the eye. Eye tests are also crucial in maintaining the overall health of the eye and detecting and monitoring eye diseases.
Blood test: A blood test is used to check a person’s thyroid hormone level to assess if the patient may have an autoimmune disease. Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease that can cause pressure behind the eyes.
Endoscopy: An endoscopy is a procedure that allows a doctor to see inside a person’s body. To diagnose pressure behind the eye, the endoscope will be inserted through the nose so the doctor can look for swelling and inflammation.

How Long Does Pressure Behind the Eye last?

How long pressure behind the eye lasts can be difficult to determine as this symptom is caused by many different eye-related or non-eye-related conditions. If pressure behind the eye is caused by sinusitis, the pressure may last until the infection is treated. If you are experiencing prolonged pressure behind the eyes, seek attention from a medical professional.

Is Pressure Behind the Eye Manageable?

Yes, pressure behind the eye is manageable in certain cases. For example, if pressure behind the eye is caused by headaches, it can be managed with pain medication or rest. Pressure behind the eye is a symptom of other eye conditions such as optic neuritis and Graves’ disease and can be managed as part of treatment for these eye conditions.

What are the Treatments for Pressure Behind the Eye?

The treatments for pressure behind the eye can vary depending on the causes. Common treatments for pressure behind the eye include pain medication, antibiotics, antihistamines, and steroid nasal sprays which help to treat the root cause of pressure behind the eye. These treatments and their definitions are listed below.

Pain medication: Pain medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol, can be used to treat headaches that may be causing pressure behind the eyes.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics are a type of medication that may be used to help treat pressure behind the eye, by helping to address the root cause of this pressure, which can include tooth infections.
Antihistamines: Antihistamines are a type of medication that are used to treat allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, which may cause pressure behind the eye.
Steroid nasal drops: Steroid nasal sprays may help relieve pressure behind the eye as they are used as a treatment for sinusitis, which is a cause of pressure behind the eye.

1. Pain Medication

Pain medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin and paracetamol, can be used to treat headaches which may be causing pressure behind the eyes. It is important that you consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any pain medication for pressure behind the eyes. Pain medication such as ibuprofen can be over the counter, meaning it is readily available at a pharmacy or at a supermarket. Pain medication can also be prescribed, meaning a doctor or other healthcare professional will assess your condition, and present you with a prescription for certain medications. The aim of pain medication in treating pressure behind the eye, is to help relieve the pain that this pressure causes, including headaches. Pain medication will not solve the root cause of pressure behind the eyes, but may help to manage symptoms until the issue is resolved.

2. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are a type of medication that may be used to help treat pressure behind the eye, by helping to address the root cause of this pressure, which can include acute rhinosinusitis and tooth infections. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any antibiotic medication. Antibiotics are a type of medication that helps to treat bacterial infections by stopping the growth of bacteria in the body. Antibiotics are a prescribed medicine, meaning they can only be purchased with a script from a doctor or healthcare professional. Antibiotics may help to treat pressure behind the eyes by addressing and attempting to solve bacterial infection that is causing the pressure. Bacterial infections that may cause pressure behind the eyes include acute rhinosinusitis and tooth infections. Antibiotics can help to treat bacterial infections and help in resolving pressure behind the eyes.

3. Antihistamines

Antihistamines are a type of medication that are used to treat allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, which may cause pressure behind the eye. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any antibiotic medication. Antihistamines are a type of medication that aim to treat allergies, including allergic conjunctivitis, by stopping the histamine response in the body. The histamine response is deployed to fight inflammation in the body when it comes into contact with irritants such as pollen or pet dander, leading to allergy symptoms such as red and watery eyes, and headaches or pressure behind the eyes. Antihistamines may help relieve pressure behind the eye by treating the root cause, which may be allergies.

4. Steroid Nasal Sprays

Steroid nasal sprays may help relieve pressure behind the eye as they are used as a treatment for sinusitis, which is a cause of pressure behind the eye. According to the NHS, Steroid nasal sprays, also known as corticosteroid nasal sprays, are medicines that work by reducing inflammation when it is sprayed into a person’s nose. Steroid nasal sprays are used to treat a variety of conditions including hay fever and non-allergic rhinitis. Steroid nasal sprays should only be used when it has been prescribed by a doctor or healthcare professional. The side effects of steroid nasal sprays include an irritated throat, a stinging sensation in the nose and a bad taste in the mouth.

Can Eye Drops Treat the Pressure Behind the Eye?

No, eye drops are not typically used to treat pressure behind the eye, rather they are commonly used to treat intraocular pressure in relation to glaucoma which occurs in the eye, not behind it. According to the National Eye Institute, certain types of eye drops are used in glaucoma treatment which can be prescribed by a medical professional to help drain fluid from the eye, lowering eye pressure. If pressure behind the eye is caused by an infection, eye drops may be useful to relieve the discomfort of related symptoms such as red or dry eyes.

What can Prevent Pressure Behind the Eye?

Pressure behind the eye is not necessarily prevented as it is a symptom of different causes, conditions and diseases. But there are certain ways to prevent the specific causes of pressure behind the eye. For example, facial injuries may be prevented by wearing a helmet when playing contact sports as well as safety gear when at dangerous work sites. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sinusitis can be prevented by practising good hygiene such as washing your hands, avoiding smoking and limiting contact with people who are sick with a cold or an upper respiratory infection.

Can Wearing Eyeglasses Prevent Pressure Behind the Eye?

Yes, if pressure behind the eye is related to headaches that are caused by visual issues then wearing eyeglasses may prevent pressure behind the eye. The main purpose of eyeglasses is to correct a person’s vision, typically a refractive error. A refractive error affects the clarity and sharpness of a person’s vision and includes astigmatism, hyperopia, myopia and presbyopia. If you are experiencing, pressure behind the eye, you should seek medical attention from a healthcare or eye care professional.

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