Why do I get headaches behind my eye?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Pain behind one eye is usually eye strain, migraine, or sinus pressure - but the severe, same-side, same-time-of-day version is cluster headache and needs a doctor. The bend-forward test hints at sinuses; throbbing with nausea and light sensitivity points to migraine. Pymander is a free AI doctor, 24/7 by text, and can help you tell them apart.
What to do
- Bend forward: pain that surges suggests sinus pressure.
- Screen-check: ache after long screen days means rest your focusing muscles hourly.
- Log the attacks: time of day, side, duration, and eye or nostril symptoms.
- Severe, same-side, daily attacks - or any red-flag symptom? See a doctor promptly.
Related questions
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