Does Sinus Pain And Pressure Cause Eye Pain?

Posted on Thu, 29 Jan 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 29 Jan 2015 Answered on

Fri, 27 Feb 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Can sinus pain & pressure cause eye pain/eye fatigue? My eye exam is normal

Answered by Dr. Naveen (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Sinusitis can cause eye pain...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

There are few sinuses located around the eye, such as frontal, ethmoidal and maxillary sinuses.

Any infection affecting the above sinuses (particularly the ethmoidal sinuses), can produce inflammation of the soft tissue around the sinuses. The eye being in close proximity to the sinuses can get affected because of the sinus inflammation and soft tissue swelling.

With appropriate medicines and steam inhalation the eye pain can be alleviated.

Hope I have answered the query; I'll be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Naveen (5 minutes later)

I notice increased sinus pain during my period although my sinuses are clear when dr examines. Can hormones affect sinus pain

Answered by Dr. Naveen (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, altered hormone level can aggravate sinusitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

Yes, hormones do play a major role in causing headache. During periods, altered hormone levels can cause congestion in the face, nose and the sinuses, thus, worsening the sinusitis, if any.

Also, migraine can mimic sinusitis and any associated stress related conditions such as menstruation can cause headache and eye pain.

Sinusitis can be confirmed with an X-Ray
or CT Scan of the paranasal sinuses.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad