Pain above the right eye is a common problem with many possible causes from headaches to eye strain. Of course, there are other causes including sinus infections, digital eye strain, and serious conditions like glaucoma and temporal arteritis.
As you can see, studies show that 45% of the cases are due to tension headaches. Generally, your daily habits are the primary culprit behind these headaches.
This article will help you figure out what’s causing your pain above right eye and how to treat it.
Common Causes of Pain Above Right Eye
Pain above the right eye can come from various sources each with its own set of symptoms and triggers.
Tension headaches, sinus infections, digital eye strain, headache disorders are often the culprits of pain above the right eye.
Thus, according to the American Optometric Association study, 58% of the people who fix their posture experience fewer symptoms. Moreover, taking regular breaks from screens reduces eye strain by 70%, as per the Digital Eye Strain Journal.
1. Tension Headaches
Tension headaches cause a feeling of tightness or pressure that can extend across the forehead sometimes above the eyes. Many people describe the pain as a constant dull ache that feels like a tight band around the head which leads to a tension headache.
Stress, bad posture and lack of sleep are common risk factors for tension headaches.
2. Sinus Infections
Sinus infections can cause pain above the eye due to inflammation in the sinuses. This pain is often accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the face, nasal congestion and a runny nose. A sinus infection can also exacerbate these symptoms.
The combination of these symptoms can make sinus headaches very uncomfortable.
3. Digital Eye Strain
Digital eye strain is a modern condition caused by prolonged screen use. Prolonged screen time can cause symptoms of digital eye strain which include discomfort above the eyes and difficulty focusing.
Managing screen time and taking regular breaks is crucial to prevent eye strain and related pain.
4. Temporal Arteritis (Giant Cell Arteritis)
Temporal arteritis also known as giant cell arteritis is inflammation of the arteries in the temple area often related to an autoimmune condition. Symptoms include throbbing pain above the eye, scalp tenderness, jaw pain and vision problems.
This needs to be treated urgently to avoid complications.
5. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by increased pressure in the eye due to fluid buildup. Symptoms include pain above the eye, blurred vision, halos around lights and nausea in acute cases.
Cluster Headaches and Episodic Cluster Headache
Cluster headaches are characterized by intense pain usually focused around one eye. These headaches, called Chronic Cluster Headache, often occur in recurrent episodes known as cluster headache attacks and can be very debilitating.
Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches are known for causing pain behind the eyes. This headache behind the eyes is often described as sharp and stabbing and can be very inconvenient. Other symptoms may include tearing, redness of the eye and nasal congestion on the affected side.
Triggers and Risk Factors
Various triggers can exacerbate the severity and frequency of cluster headaches. Common triggers include sleep deprivation and certain medications. Knowing these triggers helps in managing cluster headaches and reducing the frequency of episodes.
Treatment Options
Acute treatment for cluster headaches may include inhaling pure oxygen and specific medications to relieve pain during attacks. Oxygen therapy is a common treatment and works for many patients within minutes.
Also you can check our eye chart & snellen eye chart for specific problem.
Migraine Headaches and Visual Symptoms
Migraine headaches are a common neurological condition that can cause pain above the right eye.
Visual disturbances known as migraine aura often accompany these headaches and affect many migraine sufferers.
Migraine Aura
Migraine aura is a neurological phenomenon that occurs in about 25% of people with migraines.
Visual symptoms can include flickering lights, zigzag patterns and temporary vision loss. These symptoms occur before the headache phase and can be very distressing.
Other Symptoms
In addition to visual symptoms migraines can cause nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Common additional symptoms include sensitivity to light and sound which gets worse with headache pain.
Pain Relievers and Other Treatments
Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can provide fast and temporary relief for pain above the right eye. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are often recommended for headache relief.
Preventive measures including certain medications can help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks.
Neurological Problems and Headache Behind Eyes
Neurological problems can cause pain above the right eye due to nerve inflammation or damage to the optic nerve and blood vessels.
This section will cover specific neurological problems that can cause such pain.
Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the optic nerve and causes pain and often vision loss. Multiple sclerosis is linked to optic nerve pain with about half of those with optic neuritis developing MS later in life.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis can cause optic nerve inflammation and eye pain and vision disturbances. It can affect the optic nerve and overall neurological health.
Trigeminal Nerve Problems
Trigeminal nerve problems can cause sharp and stabbing pain above the right eye. The trigeminal nerve transmits sensations from the face to the brain and any dysfunction can cause facial pain.
Eye Conditions and Pain Above Right Eye
Unfortunately, the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that 35% of adults experience right-sided eye pain annually. As mentioned, this includes tension headaches, sinus infections, digital eye strain and serious conditions like glaucoma.
Certain eye conditions can cause localized pain above the right eye. This section will cover specific eye related conditions that can cause such discomfort.
Thyroid Eye Disease
Thyroid eye disease associated with hyperthyroidism can cause eye symptoms including pain above the right eye. Symptoms include bulging eyes which can cause pain.
Glaucoma
Increased intraocular pressure in glaucoma can cause intense pain above the eye. Acute glaucoma can cause sudden and intense headache and pain above the right eye due to rapid increase in eye pressure.
Eye Strain
Prolonged screen time or reading can cause eye strain and a dull ache above the right eye. Prolonged activities like reading or screen time can cause a dull ache above the right eye due to eye strain.
Bear in mind, you shouldn’t ignore severe eye pain or vision changes. In fact, studies from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society reveal that 20% of MS cases first present with eye-related symptoms. Therefore, rush to your doctor immediately for these symptoms, as they can signal optic neuritis or multiple sclerosis.
When to See a Doctor
Sudden intense pain with vision changes is a serious issue that needs immediate attention.
Here are the guidelines when to see a doctor for pain above the right eye.
Severe Pain and Vision Loss
Severe pain with vision loss is a serious medical condition that needs immediate attention. Optic neuritis and multiple sclerosis may present with optic pain and vision loss.
Persistent Symptoms
If symptoms persist for more than a few days despite home treatments, see a doctor. Persistent symptoms can indicate a serious condition that needs medical attention.
Associated Risks
Pain above the right eye can be a sign of serious neurological disorders that need immediate attention. Trigeminal nerve problems can cause intense and excruciating pain above the right eye.
Home Remedies and Over-the-Counter Solutions
Take breaks from screens and practice the 20-20-20 rule to mitigate digital eye strain.
This section will cover ways to manage pain above the right eye at home.
Cold Compress and Warm Compress
Apply cold compress to reduce inflammation and numb sharp pain. Warm compress can relax tense muscles and improve blood flow.
Saline Nasal Spray
Saline nasal spray can moisten and clear nasal passages and relieve sinus related pain. Use saline nasal spray by tilting your head slightly forward, insert the nozzle into one nostril and spray while breathing in gently. This can relieve pressure and discomfort associated with sinus headaches.
Consult a doctor before using saline nasal spray especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications. This ensures the treatment is suitable for your health needs.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter pain medicine relievers are commonly used for temporary relief of headache related discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are also recommended for headache relief.
Follow recommended dosages and see a doctor if pain persists. Overuse of pain relievers can cause medication overuse headaches so use them responsibly.
Wrap Up
As mentioned, pain above your right or headache behind your eyes could be due to sinus issues, such as a sinus infection, which often causes throbbing pain and pressure in that area. It’s best to check in with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and relief.
