Why Do You Have Migraine Eye Pain?

Migraine eye pain is one of the most troubling symptoms for many people living with migraines. It can feel sharp, deep, or like constant pressure inside or behind the eye. Understanding why it happens, what it means, and how to treat it can give you control over these disabling attacks.

Migraine And Eye Pain: Common Causes

Migraines are more than headaches. They involve changes in the brain’s nerves and blood vessels. The trigeminal system plays a central role. This network of nerves controls sensation in the face and around the eyes. When overactive, the trigeminal nerve sends pain signals that make the eyes hurt.

Central sensitization is another factor. During a migraine, the brain becomes more sensitive to normal signals. This makes pain feel stronger than it normally would. The result is migraine and eye pain that can feel piercing, throbbing, or heavy.

Migraine Pain Behind The Eye

One of the most reported symptoms is migraine pain behind the eye. This pain is usually one-sided and intense. It often feels like a deep, throbbing ache in the socket. Some people describe it as if the eye is being pushed out from inside.

This type of pain is closely linked with blood vessel changes and nerve activation. It often comes with nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound or light. Eye strain from long screen use or optic nerve strain may worsen the feeling.

Migraine With Eye Pressure

A common complaint is migraine with eye pressure. Patients often describe it as a squeezing or pushing sensation in and around the eyes. It can feel similar to pressure behind the eyes seen in sinus infections, but it is usually not related to actual sinus disease.

This pressure may be caused by swelling of blood vessels around the eye and irritation of trigeminal nerve endings. It may also worsen with bright lights or bending forward.

Ocular Migraine Symptoms And Visual Disturbances

When migraine affects vision, doctors use the term ocular migraine symptoms. The most striking features are visual disturbances in migraine, which include:

• Scintillations: flashing lights
• Scotoma: blind spots
• Zig-zag lines across the vision
• Spots that move in the field of sight
• Blurry vision
• Short episodes of temporary blindness

These symptoms usually last 20 to 60 minutes. They may come before the headache (aura phase) or occur without any pain. This type of attack is linked with migraine aura vision changes. Bright screens, stress, or certain foods can make these symptoms appear.

Symptoms Of Ocular Migraine Vs. Other Eye Conditions

The symptoms of ocular migraine are not always unique. Other conditions can mimic them, such as retinal detachment, optic neuritis, or even stroke. The main differences:

Rarely, Recurrent painful ophthalmoplegic neuropathy (ophthalmoplegic migraine) occurs. This affects the nerves controlling eye movement, leading to drooping eyelids or double vision. Because the symptoms overlap with other eye diseases, a full eye exam is important.

What Other Headache Types May Cause Eye Pain?

Not all eye pain is due to migraine. Other headache types can cause discomfort around the eyes.

Cluster Headaches And Eye Pain

Cluster headaches are known as “suicide headaches” due to their severity. They cause stabbing pain around one eye. Attacks come in groups (clusters) for weeks. Symptoms often include tearing, red eye, and nasal congestion. Unlike migraine, cluster headaches are short but extremely painful.

Sinus Headaches And Pain Around The Eyes

Sinus headaches occur with infections or allergies. They cause swelling in the sinus cavities, leading to a heavy, dull ache around the eyes and forehead. This is often confused with migraine. However, sinus headaches usually come with fever, thick nasal discharge, and facial tenderness. Migraines may cause a fake “sinus feel” with headache around the eyes but lack the infection signs.

What Is The Treatment For Migraine Eye Pain?

Treatments aim to stop attacks and prevent future ones. The best plan is often a mix of home remedies, medicines, and lifestyle changes.

Home Remedies For Migraine Eye Pain Relief

• Rest in a dark, quiet room
• Apply a cold compress on the eyes or forehead
• Use lubricating drops if there is eye dryness
• Wear FL-41 lenses to filter light if you have light sensitivity and eye pain
• Keep a diary to track triggers like foods and beverages (dietary triggers), stress, or poor sleep
• Treat underlying issues like sleep apnea

These steps reduce migraine-related eye discomfort and lower the chance of attacks.

Medications For Migraine With Eye Symptoms

Treatment depends on how severe and frequent the attacks are. Options include:

• Pain relief medications (OTC pain relievers, triptans, gepants) for acute relief
• Preventive medicines like Antiepileptics, Beta-blockers, and Antidepressants
• New therapies such as CGRP monoclonal antibodies (eptinezumab, erenumab, fremanezumab, galcanezumab)
• Onabotulinumtoxin A (Botox) for chronic cases

Neuromodulation devices are also effective. These include Cefaly, gammaCore, Nerivio, and SpringTMS. Devices by Cefaly Technology, electroCore, Theranica, and eNeura provide non-drug solutions.

Lifestyle Changes To Prevent Migraine Eye Pain

• Sleep at regular hours
• Drink enough water
• Eat balanced meals
• Limit screen time to prevent eye strain
• Manage stress with relaxation methods
• Use correct lighting to reduce migraine-related eye discomfort

These simple steps help cut the number of migraine days each month.

The Bottom Line

Migraine eye pain is more than just discomfort. It reflects the brain’s nerve and blood vessel changes. Sometimes it signals a more serious condition, so it should not be ignored. With the right mix of lifestyle changes, medical care, and in some cases new devices, people can find real relief. If you notice sudden vision loss, severe pain, or unusual symptoms, always seek urgent medical help.

FAQs

Why do migraines cause eye pain?
Because the trigeminal nerve becomes overactive during attacks, sending pain signals that create migraine and eye pain around or behind the eyes.

How to stop eye pain from migraine?
Use triptans, rest in a dark room, apply a cold compress, and avoid triggers. This stops migraine pain behind eye faster and reduces discomfort.

What is the permanent cure for migraine?
There is no cure, but preventives like CGRP monoclonal antibodies and lifestyle changes lower attacks. Many patients find long-term relief with a tailored plan.

What are the early warning signs of a migraine?
Warning signs include aura, mood changes, food cravings, or tingling sensations. These appear before the headache and signal a migraine is starting.

What vitamin deficiency causes migraines?
Vitamin D and riboflavin (B2) deficiency may increase risk. Supplementing under medical guidance helps lower migraine-related eye discomfort and frequency.

What are the symptoms of a migraine in the eye?
The symptoms of ocular migraine include flashing lights, blind spots, zig-zags, blurry vision, and temporary blindness that fade within an hour.

How do you stop an eye migraine?
Treat early with triptans or gepants, rest in a dark space, and avoid triggers. Long-term prevention may include medicines or neuromodulation devices.