What should you know about stress headache behind eyes?

Long periods of reading or screen use can leave the focusing muscles tired and the forehead, temples, and eye area tense. Stress can also disturb sleep and trigger a migraine, which may include light sensitivity, nausea, or throbbing pain. Nasal blockage and facial pressure from [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/) or [Chronic Sinusitis](/conditions/chronic-sinusitis/) can feel close to the eyes. Pain location cannot identify the cause by itself.

Take regular distance-viewing breaks, lower glare, and make sure your screen is at a comfortable height. Rest in a dim, quiet room if light worsens the pain. Drink water, eat regularly, and avoid rubbing the eyes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them if the eye feels painful or irritated. Record whether the pain follows screen work, congestion, poor sleep, or stress, and use any pain medicine only as directed.

Seek urgent help for sudden vision loss, a painful red eye, halos around lights, severe eye pain, a new drooping eyelid, weakness, confusion, or a sudden severe headache. Arrange prompt review when pain keeps returning, affects one eye, follows an injury, or comes with vomiting or fever. An optometrist or doctor can check vision, eye movement, and other causes.

Ask whether your symptoms suggest eye strain, migraine, allergy, sinus disease, or an eye condition, and whether your vision should be tested. Mention contact-lens use, visual symptoms, nasal discharge, light sensitivity, nausea, and any recent infection.