Pain around the eye socket is a problem that many of us will have experienced at some time or other and that can have many causes. While this can often be just a minor irritation that will go away if left to its own devices, in other instances it can be a more serious chronic condition. Here we will look at the possible causes of eye socket pain, but if the pain continues you should always make sure to see a doctor for a professional opinion.
Bruising
The bone around the eye socket is protected by very little flesh and has only a thin layer of skin to pad it against bruising, thus it is fairly easy to bruise this area and that would make it very sore to touch even lightly. The pain might be accompanied by swelling. If it doesn’t die down after a few days though then you should see a doctor in case of fracture.
Sinusitis
The eye socket just below the eyebrow is where some of the ethmoid sinuses are located, and thus sinusitis (infection or inflammation of the sinuses) can cause pain in this area due to the building up of ethmoid mucosa. A doctor may recommend a steroid spray or other treatment. Hot showers may also temporarily relieve some of the discomfort by liquefying and breaking up the mucus allowing it to drain.
Cold/Allergy
Similarly a cold, allergy, or any other condition that cause the sinuses to become blocked may cause pressure on the head and a slight headache around the eye socket.
Esophoria
Esophoria is an eye problem characterized by an inward deviation of the eye as a result of ocular muscle imbalance. This can cause pain above the eye socket as can some other eye problems.
Migraine
Migraine can take place in any part of the head, and this includes around the eye sockets. If you are suffering from a migraine the pain will likely be acute and the best course of action is to close your eyes in a darkened room.
13 comments
Anonymous
January 28, 2013 at 4:36 amEven though it's common sense, it really does help to be reminded sometimes!
Jacque Armendariz
February 27, 2015 at 3:52 pmI have been suffering all day with sinus/allergy headache pain… and the headache is in my left eye socket under the eyebrow. It's painful to the touch and you were right. I'm glad I looked you up and that my gentle rubbing of the area (sucks) but helps. Thank you very much.
thandi
September 21, 2015 at 12:46 amThanks for the information I received!
Rusty
November 15, 2015 at 2:16 pmThank you for helping me understand what may be happening to me. I will go to a doctor a little more informed and asking the correct questions.
Anonymous
December 20, 2015 at 5:46 pmThanks to everyone who made it… n
Anonymous
January 13, 2016 at 11:18 amHelpful concise and written clearly.
Anonymous
March 25, 2016 at 11:32 amI'm not alone!!
Melissa
November 17, 2016 at 12:37 amThis was very helpful!
Marion Morrissey
May 13, 2018 at 3:56 amWhy is my eye socket sore and painful. And for the past week and headache just above the eye. Hurts that most when I look side ways or look up. Eye ball sore on touch.
Julian Martini
June 24, 2018 at 11:26 pmAround my right eye I have a heat sensation and a burning sensation, what can cause it?
Anita
July 26, 2018 at 9:13 pmI always have pain around my eye socket which gets worse when I’m stressed (like studying) I usually get relieved when I massage the area. However the pain keeps coming. Don’t know what to do.
Stanislav Modrak
August 22, 2018 at 9:30 amSame here! 🙁 How old are you?
Dani
May 12, 2019 at 7:17 pmThis addresses eye pain underneath the eyebrow. What about the bone underneath the eye? The whole underneath of the bone feels bruised. It hurts when I blink. When my eyes are open it aches. I’ve had no trauma. I’m not sick. I’ve got no clue.