Health & Wellness

Focusing and refocusing on a screen for long periods can cause eye strain, which can also result from problems with vision.

Fatigue from eye strain can cause pain behind one or both eyes. A person may also experience pain in their eyes or blurry vision.

Causes

Some underlying health issues that cause eye strain include:

• optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve.
• scleritis, which is severe inflammation of the white part of the eye
• glaucoma, a disease that affects the optic nerve
• Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder

Staring at a computer, TV, or phone screen for long periods can also cause eye strain.

Migraine is a very common condition, affecting about 12% of people in the United States.

A migraine headache can cause extreme pain behind the eyes, and it can last for up to 72 hours.

In addition to a migraine headache, a person may experience:

• eye pain
• dizziness
• weakness
• nausea
• sensitivity to light and sound
• mood changes
• vomiting
• impaired vision

Causes

While doctors are unsure what, precisely, causes migraine, they recognize several common triggers. These are not the same for everyone.

Migraine triggers may be:

• emotional, such as stress or anxiety
• dietary, such as chocolate or alcohol
• physical, such as a lack of sleep or poor posture
• hormonal, such as menstruation
• environmental, such as strong smells, smoke, or flickering lights
• medication-related, involving sleeping pills or hormone therapies, for example

Sinusitis is inflammation or congestion of the sinuses. This can create pressure, causing pain behind the eyes.

It can also cause pain and pressure in other parts of the face, such as the forehead and cheeks.

Some common symptoms of sinusitis include:

• nasal congestion
• fatigue
• pain that worsens when the person is lying down
• aching in the upper teeth

Causes

Sinusitis could result from bacteria, fungi, or a virus becoming trapped in the sinuses because of congestion. The congestion may have stemmed from allergies or a respiratory infection, for example.

Nasal polyps and dental surgery can also cause sinus pain and pressure.

Learn about some remedies for sinusitis here.

When a person experiences between one and eight short, very painful headaches over the course of a day, they have had a cluster headache.

Cluster headaches often occur in cycles — a person may experience regular cluster headaches for a few weeks or months, followed by a period of relief.

These headaches are extremely painful and occur on one side of the head. Often, additional symptoms develop on the same side as the headache. These symptoms can include:

• a stuffy or runny nostril
• a teary or red eye
• flushing
• sweating

Causes

Doctors are unsure of the cause of cluster headaches, and there has not been extensive research, though these headaches are not uncommon.

Researchers generally believe that more males than females experience cluster headaches. There may also be a genetic component, and some people may have a higher risk than others.

Learn more about cluster headaches here.

Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, and they are more common in females than males.

Some people experience tension headaches one or two times per month, while others experience them more often. If this continues for 3 months or longer, doctors classify these headaches as chronic.

Tension headaches usually cause pain behind the eyes and a feeling of pressure around the forehead.

Also, a tension headache may cause tenderness in the scalp. The pain of a tension headache may be dull, occur in the forehead, and extend to the neck.

Causes

Tension headaches develop for a variety of reasons, including:

• cold temperatures
• staring at a screen for a long time
• driving long distances
• muscle contractions in the neck or head

Avoiding the various factors below can often help relieve or prevent pain behind the eyes:

• loud noises
• strong perfume and other odors
• infections
• alcohol use
• hunger
• stress
• changes in hormones
• fatigue
• bright lights
• a lack of sleep

Over-the-counter pain medication can often relieve mild or moderate headaches, but when the pain is severe, prescription medication may be necessary.

A doctor may prescribe antidepressants, to help regulate hormone levels, or muscle relaxants, when another issue is responsible for the pain.

Trying the following things at home can also help:

• limiting or avoiding caffeine
• avoiding alcohol
• refraining from using tobacco products
• exercising regularly
• avoiding processed foods

A person may find relief from a migraine episode by resting in a darkened room. Placing a cool, damp towel over the eyes may help, as well.

Meanwhile, antibiotics are a fairly standard treatment for sinusitis when bacteria are responsible. Nasal decongestant sprays can also help. Do not use these sprays for more than 3–4 days at a time, however, or there is a risk that the nasal passages may swell shut.

People can often relieve eye strain by using the 20-20-20 rule.

Read more about the 20-20-20 rule here.

If a person experiences headaches behind the eyes frequently, they should see a doctor. The doctor may recommend an eye examination and prescribe treatments that are not available over the counter.

Making lifestyle adjustments may also prevent the pain from recurring.

Headaches behind the eyes can be quite painful and occur with other symptoms. They can stem from a variety of health issues, and identifying the cause is the first step toward treatment.

It may also help to avoid certain triggers, such as alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products, and make other lifestyle adjustments.

A doctor can identify the underlying cause and provide additional support, including medication.

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The dilated eye exam is a medical exam that checks for eye conditions and diseases in their early stages.

Before the eye dilation test begins, the eye doctor — either an ophthalmologist or an optometrist — will administer the dilating eye drops. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, eye dilation then takes effect within 20–30 minutes. However, people with blue or green eyes will experience dilation faster than people with brown eyes.

The dilated eye exam may include a few additional tests, such as:

• Pupil response test: The doctor shines a small flashlight into the eyes to see how the pupils react to the light.
• Eye muscle function test: The doctor asks the person to follow a moving object with their eyes. This movement allows the doctor to check for problems with the muscles surrounding the eyes.
• Visual acuity test: The doctor asks the person to read letters up close and at a distance. The results indicate how clearly a person can see.
• Visual field test: The person holds their eyes still while reporting how well they can see objects in their periphery. This test assesses a person's peripheral vision.
• Tonometry test: A special machine quickly puffs a small amount of air into the eye. This technique measures the pressure within the eye.

While the dilated eye exam may be over rather quickly, the dilation itself continues. During this time, a person may experience the following effects of eye dilation:

• blurred vision
• sensitivity to bright lights, such as sunlight
• difficulty focusing on nearby objects

The duration of eye dilation can vary widely. According to the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus, the average dilation lasts from 4 to 24 hours.

However, several different factors affect how long the eyes remain dilated. These include:

• Eye color: People with lighter colored eyes tend to experience the effects of eye dilation for longer than those with darker colored eyes.
• Age: Younger children tend to have a very strong focus mechanism in the eye. Therefore, they require stronger drugs to dilate the pupils. As a result, a child's eyes may stay dilated for 24 hours or longer.
• Type of drug: The type of drug that a doctor uses to dilate the pupils will affect how long the eyes remain dilated. For example, a doctor may use weaker eye dilation drops when treating a person with nearsightedness because this helps limit side effects.

Some people feel comfortable enough to drive immediately after their eye exam.

However, doctors may recommend avoiding driving while the eyes remain dilated, especially if the person has not experienced the effects before.

Where possible, people should arrange for a friend or family member to drive them home after their eye exam.

Eye dilation can cause several side effects. The most immediate effect is stinging, which generally occurs when the eye dilation drops come into contact with the eyes. In some cases, doctors may apply numbing drops to the eye beforehand to prevent the stinging sensation.

Once the dilation drops take effect, the person may experience one or more of the following:

• blurred vision
• difficulty focusing on nearby objects
• light sensitivity

In very rare cases, a person may experience an allergic reaction to the eye dilation drops, which may result in red and swollen eyes. More severe allergic reactions could produce the following symptoms:

Managing side effects

People can take some steps to manage the effects of eye dilation. These include:

Wearing sunglasses: People can take a pair of sunglasses along to their eye appointment to wear after the eye exam. Wearing these will help protect eyes that are light-sensitive due to pupil dilation. Most eye doctors provide temporary sunglasses for their patients.

Avoiding close work: Close work, such as reading and focusing on a computer screen, can be difficult during eye dilation. People whose jobs involve these tasks should arrange a few extra hours off work, where possible.

Eye dilation can sometimes result in a temporary condition called cycloplegia. Cycloplegia is paralysis of the eye muscle that allows a person to focus.

For most people, cycloplegia occurs only while the eye dilation drops are taking effect. In rare cases, eye dilation may cause cycloplegia to last for several days. Although this can be very concerning, the condition is temporary and will go away with time.

Having certain preexisting eye conditions may also complicate the effects of eye dilation. Conditions such as a lazy eye, glaucoma, and cataracts can affect a person's vision. In some cases, these visual problems may worsen while the eye dilation drops are taking effect.

Eye dilation is necessary for several types of eye test. These tests are important for detecting various eye conditions and diseases in their early stages.

While the effects of eye dilation drops can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, they are temporary.

Most people can expect eye dilation to last somewhere between 4 and 24 hours. Generally, the effects last the longest in people with lighter colored eyes and in children who require stronger doses of eye dilation drops.

People who are concerned about the effects of eye dilation should speak with their eye doctor.

People who wish to protect the health of their eyes should try to include sufficient amounts of the following vitamins in their diet.

1. Vitamin A and beta carotene

Vitamin A is essential for good vision. It is a component of the protein rhodopsin, which allows the eye to see in low-light conditions. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness.

Vitamin A also supports the function of the cornea, which is the protective outer layer of the eye. A person who is deficient in vitamin A may find that their eyes produce too little moisture to stay lubricated.

Beta carotene is the primary source of vitamin A in the human diet. Beta carotene is a type of plant pigment called a carotenoid that exists in many colorful fruits and vegetables. When a person consumes carotenoids, their body converts the pigments into vitamin A.

2. Vitamin E

Alpha tocopherol is a form of vitamin E that has particularly powerful antioxidant properties.

Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which damage tissues throughout the body. Sometimes, free radicals may damage proteins within the eye. This damage can result in the development of cloudy areas called cataracts on the lens of the eye.

A 2014 review looked at studies linking vitamin E to the prevention of cataracts. Some of the research found that lens clarity was better in people who took vitamin E supplements.

However, the authors note that a separate study showed that vitamin E supplements had no effect on the progression of cataracts. They conclude that further research is necessary to determine the effectiveness of vitamin E supplements in preventing and slowing cataract development.

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative damage.

Oxidative damage is a key factor in two of the most common age-related cataracts: cortical and nuclear cataracts. Cortical cataracts develop on the edges of the lens, while nuclear cataracts occur deep in its center or "nucleus."

A 2016 longitudinal study investigated different factors that may help prevent nuclear cataract development. The study involved more than 1,000 pairs of female twins.

At the start of the study, the researchers measured the participants' cataracts. They then tracked each participant's intake of vitamin C and other nutrients over 10 years.

At the end of the study period, the researchers remeasured the cataracts in 324 pairs of twins. The participants who reported consuming more vitamin C showed a 33% reduction in the risk of cataract progression. They also had clearer lenses overall.

4. B vitamins

A 2009 study suggests that daily supplementation with a combination of vitamins B-6, B-9, and B-12 may reduce the risk of AMD. AMD is a degenerative eye disease that affects the vision.

However, this particular study only included women. Further research is, therefore, necessary to support the use of B-vitamins in preventing AMD in both women and men.

An older study looked at nutrient intake and eye health in 2,900 people between the ages of 49 and 97 years. The findings revealed that higher intakes of protein, vitamin A, and the B-vitamins riboflavin, thiamine, and niacin had an association with a lower rate of nuclear cataracts.

A 2018 nationwide study in South Korea found a link between a reduced intake of vitamin B-3, or niacin, and glaucoma. In people with glaucoma, a buildup of fluid within the eye puts pressure on the optic nerve. Over time, this can damage the nerve, resulting in vision loss.

Research suggests that the following nutrients are also beneficial for the eyes.

1. Lutein and zeaxanthin

Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids that exist in high quantities in green leafy vegetables. They are also present in the lens and retina of the eye.

As antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin may help reduce oxidative damage in the retina. Some research suggests that taking approximately 6 milligrams (mg) a day of lutein and zeaxanthin may lower a person's risk of developing AMD.

2. Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that helps maintain the health of the retina, cell membranes, and protein structure of the eye.

Zinc allows vitamin A to travel from the liver to the retina to produce melanin. Melanin is a pigment that protects the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) light.

According to the American Optometric Association, zinc supplementation may help people who have AMD or are at risk of developing the condition. Taking 40–80 mg of zinc each day, alongside certain antioxidants, could slow the progression of advanced AMD by 25%. It could also reduce visual acuity loss by 19%.

3. Omega-3 fatty acids

The retina of the eye contains a particularly high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s). These fatty acids help protect the retina from damage and degeneration.

Specifically, omega-3s reduce the buildup of fatty deposits in the blood vessels, including those that supply blood to the retina. Some scientists believe that fatty deposits in these blood vessels could contribute to AMD.

Additionally, a small amount of research suggests that increasing the intake of omega-3s may lower the risk of dry eye syndrome. A person with dry eye syndrome does not produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated. However, research in this area is limited, and further studies are necessary to support this claim.

A balanced, healthful diet containing a range of the following foods should provide enough vitamins and nutrients to promote good eye health. Research suggests that these nutrients work together to protect the eye, so eating a wide variety of healthful foods is the best approach.

People who take medications or have an existing health condition should check with their doctor before taking dietary supplements. In some cases, certain supplements may be harmful to health. For example, high dosages of zinc can affect how the body absorbs copper.

Additionally, it seems that very high dosages of beta carotene can increase the risk of lung cancer in people who smoke.

Below, we list the dietary sources of the vitamins that we mention in this article.

Vitamin A and beta carotene:

Vitamin E:

Vitamin C:

Vitamin B-1, or thiamine:

• beans
• lentils
• pork
• fish
• green peas
• yogurt

Vitamin B-2, or riboflavin:

Vitamin B-3, or niacin:

Vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine:

• chickpeas
• dark leafy greens
• poultry
• beef liver
• salmon and tuna

Vitamin B-9, or folic acid:

• dark leafy greens
• peanuts
• beans
• seafood
• sunflower seeds
• eggs

Vitamin B-12, or cobalamin:

People can only get vitamin B-12 from animal sources. As such, people who do not consume animal products will need to take vitamin B-12 supplements or consume products that manufacturers have fortified with vitamin B-12.

Lutein and zeaxanthin:

Zinc:

• seafood, such as oysters, crab, and lobster
• turkey
• beans
• chickpeas
• nuts
• pumpkin seeds
• whole grains
• milk
• fortified cereals

Vegetarians may need to double their intake of zinc-rich foods because a vegetarian diet provides less zinc than an omnivorous diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids:

Specific vitamins and nutrients are essential for maintaining good eye health. Some may even help prevent certain eye diseases from developing or progressing.

A balanced, healthful diet will provide people with the necessary range of nutrients. The diet should include whole grains, legumes, and plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables.