Key Takeaways A headache behind the eyes can be caused by migraine, sinusitis, tension headache, cluster headache, eye strain, dehydration, illness or medication overuse. Pain behind the eyes with nausea, light sensitivity, sound sensitivity or one-sided throbbing pain may point towards migraine. A headache behind the eyes and forehead with a blocked nose, thick nasal discharge, facial pressure or reduced sense of smell may be linked to sinusitis. A severe headache behind one eye with restlessness, tearing, a blocked nostril, or a drooping eyelid can suggest a cluster headache and should be assessed. Seek urgent help if a headache is sudden and extremely painful, accompanied by vision loss, weakness, numbness, confusion, a seizure, a stiff neck, a rash, or difficulty speaking. Healthwords offers headache and migraine treatment resources, including guidance on pain relief, migraine treatments and sumatriptan. A headache behind the eyes can feel like pressure, a throbbing, aching, or stabbing pain, or a tight sensation around the eye sockets and forehead. Some people describe it as pain behind the eyes, while others notice a headache behind one eye or behind both eyes and across the forehead at the same time. The reassuring news is that most headaches are not serious and can often be managed with rest, fluids and suitable pain relief. However, headaches behind the eyes can sometimes be linked to migraine, sinusitis, cluster headaches, potential eye problems, or a more urgent medical issue or infection. Therefore, it is always advised that you get medically assessed if you are suffering from severe pain or chronic, recurring headaches. When being assessed by healthword.ai, the pattern of the pain, how quickly it started, and any other symptoms are just some of the factors that will be taken into account. Every case is handled individually, and advice and care are tailored to your needs. This guide explains common causes of headaches behind the eyes, how migraines can differ from sinus headaches, what may help, and when to seek medical advice. What Does a Headache Behind The Eyes Mean? A headache behind the eyes is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The pain may feel as though it is coming from the eyes, but it can also come from nearby parts of the facial region or head, such as the sinuses, nerves, scalp muscles, or blood vessels. Common patterns include: Pressure around both eyes and the forehead. Throbbing pain behind one eye. A tight band-like ache across the forehead. Sharp or stabbing pain around one eye. Pain that worsens with movement, light or screens. Pain with nasal congestion, blocked sinuses or facial tenderness. Pain with vision changes, eye redness or nausea. Official NHS guidance lists common headache causes as: stress, alcohol, bad posture, eyesight problems, dehydration, missed meals, taking too many painkillers, and periods and menopause. The guidance also notes that severe headaches can sometimes be caused by migraine or cluster headaches. Headache Behind Eyes and Forehead: Common Patterns A headache behind the eyes and forehead is often described as a pressure-type pain. It may be linked to sinus congestion, a tension headache, eye strain, migraine or be an indication of general illness. Sinusitis Sinusitis is one possible cause, especially if the pain sits around the cheeks, eyes and forehead. Sinusitis can cause a blocked nose, green or yellow nasal discharge, pain and tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead, fever, toothache, reduced sense of smell and bad breath. Migraines Migraines can also cause pain around or behind the eye. Migraine attacks can cause a severe throbbing headache, often on one side, and may come with nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound. Some people also get aura symptoms, including visual changes, tingling, dizziness or difficulty speaking. Distinguishing between the two conditions A useful clue is what comes with the pain.  Blocked nose and thick discharge may point more towards sinusitis. Whereas, light sensitivity, nausea and throbbing pain may point more towards migraine.  Sudden severe pain, eye redness, new vision changes or neurological symptoms should be treated more urgently. If ever seriously in doubt, call or get someone to call 111 on your behalf.

Uveitis is when part of the eye suddenly becomes inflamed, giving you a very painful, red eye. You might also experience discomfort in bright light (photophobia), blurring or reduced vision. It's important to seek help and get this treated promptly, as in severe cases it can lead to a loss of vision.

You know when the pollen season has arrived if you suffer from itchy, streaming eyes and they look red and puffy. For those with hay fever, it can be really uncomfortable, and you feel desperate for some relief. Our pharmacist has put together some remedies to help soothe your eyes and heal your eye symptoms.

Symptoms of dry eyes may include: Dryness: A sensation of dryness or grittiness in the eyes is a hallmark symptom of dry eyes. This can be accompanied by a feeling of irritation or discomfort. Redness: The eyes may appear red or bloodshot, particularly when they become irritated due to dryness. Burning or stinging: Some individuals with dry eyes may experience a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes, especially in environments with low humidity or when exposed to irritants such as smoke or wind. Blurry vision: Dry eyes can cause temporary fluctuations in vision, leading to blurry or fluctuating vision, particularly during activities that require prolonged visual concentration, such as reading or using a computer. Sensitivity to light: Dry eyes may increase sensitivity to light, making it uncomfortable to be in brightly lit environments. Watery eyes: Paradoxically, some people with dry eyes may experience excessive tearing as the eyes attempt to compensate for the lack of adequate lubrication. Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes, including: Ageing: Dry eyes are more common as people age, as tear production tends to decrease with age. Environmental factors: Exposure to dry or windy climates, air conditioning, heating, and smoke can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis), hormonal changes (e.g., menopause), and eyelid abnormalities, can increase the risk of dry eyes. Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and hormonal therapies, can reduce tear production or affect tear composition, leading to dry eyes. Prolonged screen time: Extended use of digital devices can contribute to dry eyes due to reduced blinking and increased tear evaporation. Contact lens wear: Contact lens use can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, particularly if lenses are worn for extended periods or if proper hygiene practices are not followed.

If you have dark brown or black lumps, tiny in size and multiple in number, sitting on the cheekbones and under the eyes, it’s likely you have dermatosis papulosa nigra. Despite the grand title, these are completely harmless. These usually feel smooth and soft and are each only 1 to 5mm wide, and you may have a few or many, of differing sizes. They appear from the teenage years onwards and don't usually cause any symptoms, but some find them unsightly, especially with their prominence on the face.