Pain Around Eye Socket

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.