Why do I experience headaches behind my eyes and how can I alleviate them?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Headaches behind the eyes are often caused by eye strain, sinus infections, migraines, tension headaches, or cluster headaches. Common triggers include prolonged screen time, uncorrected vision problems, allergies, and stress. Resting your eyes, staying hydrated, and applying a warm compress may provide relief. If pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by vision changes, fever, or nausea, consult a doctor promptly.

Because the causes vary widely, identifying what's actually driving your pain is the critical first step. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to get personalized insights into your symptoms and clear guidance on your next steps—no signup, no cost, just answers.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Headaches behind the eyes can happen for a few reasons. Sometimes, they are caused by eye strain, especially if you spend a lot of time looking at screens or reading. Other times, issues like sinus problems or even eye disorders can lead to these headaches.

To help alleviate headaches behind the eyes, you can try the following:

Rest Your Eyes: Take breaks from screens and reading every 20 minutes.
Check Your Vision: Make sure your glasses or contact lens prescription is up to date.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water.
Use Good Lighting: Ensure your workspace is well-lit to avoid eye strain.
Consult a Doctor: If headaches persist or are severe, it's important to see a healthcare professional.

Understanding the cause of your headache is key to finding the right solution. If you're experiencing persistent symptoms, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine if you should seek medical care.

(References)

Tomsak RL. (1991). Ophthalmologic aspects of headache. The Medical clinics of North America, 2020223.
Friedman DI. (2008). Headache and the eye. Current pain and headache reports, 18625108.
Friedman DI, Gordon LK, & Quiros PA. (2010). Headache attributable to disorders of the eye. Current pain and headache reports, 20425216.

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