Headache felt in or around the eyes

Long screen sessions, an outdated prescription, dry eyes or glare may cause aching, burning or difficulty focusing. Migraine can cause one-sided or front-of-head pain with light sensitivity, nausea or visual changes. Congestion and facial pressure may accompany a cold, allergy or sinus inflammation.

Eye-area pain does not by itself identify the cause. Ask whether the pain is in the eye or behind it, whether one or both eyes are affected, and whether redness, discharge, light sensitivity or reduced vision are present.

Take regular breaks from close work, blink often, reduce glare and use comfortable lighting. Rest in a quiet room if light or noise worsens the pain, and drink fluids. Do not use someone else’s eye drops. Arrange an optometrist or clinician review when pain keeps returning, affects focus, or continues despite rest.

Seek emergency care for sudden vision loss, a painful red eye, halos around lights, severe eye pain with nausea or vomiting, a new unequal pupil, double vision, weakness, confusion, or a sudden severe headache. Eye pain after chemical exposure or injury needs immediate help; rinse as directed by emergency services and do not rub the eye.

Ask whether you need a vision check, eye-pressure assessment or neurological review. Tell the clinician about contact lens use, recent eye injury, screens, headaches, medicines and every change in vision.