Headache near eyes: what should you know?

Aching after reading, driving or screen use can be related to visual effort, dry eyes or neck tension. Throbbing pain with nausea or sensitivity to light or sound can occur with migraine. Blocked nose, sneezing, facial pressure or reduced smell can accompany Allergic Rhinitis, a Common Cold or Chronic Sinusitis. Fever, cough, body aches or recent exposure may occur with COVID-19. Light-headedness, thirst or reduced urination can accompany Dehydration. Eye pain is not always a simple headache, particularly when the eye is red or vision changes.

Pause close work and look into the distance regularly. Rest with comfortable lighting, drink fluids and try a cool compress. Keep the neck supported and avoid rubbing the eyes. If you use contact lenses, remove them when the eye feels painful or irritated. Do not borrow someone else’s prescription eye drops. A pharmacist can help you choose an over-the-counter pain option that fits your medicines and health conditions; follow the label directions.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, vision loss or double vision, a red painful eye, halos around lights, new weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, stiff neck with fever or persistent vomiting. Arrange prompt assessment after an eye injury or chemical exposure. Book a medical review when episodes recur, vision is repeatedly blurred, pain wakes you, or symptoms continue despite rest and hydration.

Ask whether you need an eye examination, how to distinguish migraine from sinus-related pain, and which medicine is safe with your current conditions and treatments.