5 Possible Causes of Pressure Sensation in the Eyes

The sensation of feeling pressure in the eyes may be a sign of glaucoma, but not always. In glaucoma, the pressure of the intra-ocular fluid within the eyeball increases and can cause significant damage to the optic nerve. If you are experiencing symptoms of eye pain or pressure, it is important to have the eye pressure checked to rule out glaucoma. However, here are 5 causes of the sensation of pressure which may be unrelated to glaucoma:

• Sinusitis
  Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinus) can be caused by a number of things including allergies or infections. The most common infectious cause is viruses, and the symptoms of sinusitis include a plugged up nose, thick mucous secretions, facial pain, and the feeling of pressure on your eyes.
• Headaches
  There are numerous types of headaches, including cluster, migraine, and tension headaches, all of which can cause one to feel the sensation of pressure on ones eyes.
• Grave’s Disease
  This autoimmune disease which affects the thyroid gland, can cause inflammation of the muscles and fatty tissue behind and around the eyes, leading to eye strain when attempting to move the eyes in certain directions.
• Optic Neuritis
  Inflammation of the optic nerve, which is the nerve that connects the eye to the brain, can lead to symptoms of pain and pressure sensation in the eye and can cause permanent damage to your vision if left untreated.
• Presbyopia
  Stiffening of the intra-ocular lens, usually around the age of 40, makes reading and near work very difficult. For this reason, people often hold reading material further away from themselves in order to see better. Presbyopia can cause pain and eye strain/pressure sensation, if not corrected with reading glasses.

If you are concerned about any of the above issues, you should see our Optometrist for a thorough eye examination.