Can Sinus Problems Cause Blurred Vision - HealthySinus.net (2023)

Types Of Sinus Infections: Chronic Vs Acute

Can persistent Sinusitis lead to blocked vision? – Dr. Satish Babu K

There are four types of sinus infections. These classifications depend on the length and frequency of the infection:

  • Acute sinusitis.This type of sinus infection lasts only for a short time, defined by the American Academy of Otolaryngology as less than 4 weeks. This short-term infection is usually part of a cold or other respiratory illness. It may also be caused by a bacterial infection .
  • Subacute sinusitis. A subacute sinus infection lasts between 4 and 12 weeks .
  • Recurrent acute sinusitis. An acute sinus infection is considered recurrent if the infection returns four or more times within a year, with each infection lasting 7 days or more.
  • Chronic sinusitis.Chronic sinus infections last for more than 12 weeks or continue to recur.

Many sinus infection symptoms are common in both acute and chronic forms. Seeing a doctor is the best way to learn if you have an infection, find the cause, and get treatment.

  • nasal congestion

For cases of acute bacterial sinus infections, these symptoms last at least 10 days without improving, or they worsen within 10 days after seeming to improve. In this case, its important to talk with a doctor, such as a general practitioner or an ear, nose, and throat doctor , to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Learn more about the symptoms of a sinus infection below.

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When To Contact A Doctor

People who think they have had a migraine headache for the first time should contact a doctor. It is important to treat the condition as soon as possible, and a doctor can help a person learn the warning signs of migraine and know when to take medications.

If a person thinks their symptoms result from mild hypoglycemia, they can try eating a carbohydrate-rich snack. People experiencing signs of moderate or severely low blood sugar should contact a doctor.

Anyone experiencing signs or symptoms of a stroke, carbon monoxide poisoning, or TBI should also contact a doctor right away.

Recommended Reading: Best Over The Counter Sinus Relief Medicine

Orbital Abscess Subperiosteal Abscess

Abscesses, or pockets of pus, around the eye caused by bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections in the sinuses or eyes can be opened and drained through the nose using an endoscope and minimally invasive surgical instrumentation. The natural nasal opening allows surgeons to address these vision-threatening diseases with simple, minimally invasive approaches, which eliminate disfiguring scars.

  • Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Reviewed on 8/31/2020

Eye problems are common symptoms of upper respiratory conditions including allergic reactions like hay fever or reactions to indoor allergens. Conditions that cause sinus infections may also affect the eyes. If these symptoms do not go away or you are concerned, seek the advice of your doctor.

While the list below can be considered as a guide to educate yourself about these conditions, this is not a substitute for a diagnosis from a health care provider. There are many other medical conditions that also can be associated with your symptoms and signs. Here are a number of those from MedicineNet:

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Can Having A Cold Cause Blurry Vision

Can Sinus Problems Cause Blurred Vision - HealthySinus.net (1)

Cold season seems like its always right around the corner. When those symptoms hit you, it’s no secret that you just don’t feel your best–which can affect your productivity, mood and stamina. Depending on how severe the strain of the virus is, a cold virus can affect your health in more ways than just a runny nose. This can include symptoms likeswollen nasal passages, headaches, sometemporary hearing loss, muscle aches and even impacted visiondue to sinus pressure!

The Why

Adenovirusesare responsible for common head colds and tend to attack the sensitive areas in our upper body. This includes the sinuses, front of the throat, and even the eyes ! Once infected, these areas can become irritated, inflamed, swollen and subject to pressures caused by congestion.

The How

Sometimes an infection can develop into pink eye which is often called, “a cold in the eye.” Considering the virus that causes this is the same that causes a cold, its not surprising that they share similar symptoms. Symptoms include red/watery eyes, discharge, and swollen eye lids. Blurred vision is uncommon but can certainly happen because of these factors. When the infection spreads into the eye, blurry visionmay result as well as seeing halos around lights in some cases.

The Cure

Fight off colds as best you can by washing your hands oftenand getting lots of vitamin C!

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Sinus Infection Complications Affecting The Brain

An even more rare, and more serious, complication of sinus infection would be the infection spreading to the brain. The brain is protected by the blood-brain barrier, whose function is to separate circulating blood from the brain and the fluid of the central nervous system. Its very difficult for sinus infection to be able to cross this border, despite the proximity of the sinuses to the brain.

The blood-brain barrier is semipermeable, however, and it is possible on rare occasions for an infection to get through from the sinuses to the brain. If a sinus infection spreads to the brain, it can be a life-threatening condition, leading to swelling of the brain, meningitis, or brain abscess.

Symptoms might include:

  • Severe headache, and
  • Swelling in the face.

Most of these symptoms would require an emergency visit to the doctor, even without an association with a sinus infection.

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Sinus Infection And Blurry Vision

Sinus infections can cause more than just pain in the area of the eyes. In fact, sinus infections can cause problems even if you dont feel pain.

Sinus pressure can impact blood circulation to the eyes. Disruption in blood circulation to the eyes causes sudden, patchy blurred vision. A warm compress across the forehead can ease pressure and reduce the swelling. This restores proper circulation of blood to the eyes and the blurry vision is cleared.

Sudden blurry vision can be a symptom of a serious condition and your doctor should always be consulted. It is extremely unlikely but a sinus infection could actually spread into the eye socket, causing an infection that could cause blindness. Dont risk it. See your doctor.

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Related Advise For How Do You Know If A Sinus Infection Has Spread To Your Eye

Can a sinus infection affect the optic nerve?

Sinusitis is a rare but treatable cause of optic nerve injury and vision loss. One must consider optic neuropathy due to sinusitis in patients who have clinical evidence of optic neuritis with atypical features such as a history, any symptoms of sinus disease, and vision loss progression beyond 23 weeks.

Can sinus make your eyes hurt?

Problems with the sinuses often include feelings of pain in and around the face. One of the main symptoms of a sinus infection is throbbing pain and pressure around the eyeballs. At least one type of sinus infection sphenoid sinusitis is linked to an ache behind the eyes.

Can a sinus headache make your vision blurry?

When this happens, certain symptoms can appear, such as blurred or double vision, headaches and dizziness just to name a few. Sometimes people with headache symptoms mistakenly believe they have sinus headaches, when what they really have is a binocular vision problem.

How do you get rid of a sinus headache behind your eye?

  • Apply a warm compress to painful areas of the face.
  • Use a decongestant to reduce sinus swelling and allow mucus to drain.
  • Try a saline nasal spray or drops to thin mucus.
  • Use a vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan of boiled water. Warm, moist air may help relieve sinus congestion.
  • What are the symptoms of a bacterial sinus infection?

    What are the symptoms of acute bacterial rhinosinusitis?

  • Face pain or pressure thatâs worse when leaning forward.
  • Can Spinal Problems Cause Blurred Vision

    Can sinus infection cause blurred vision and dizziness ? | Health and Life

    Some spinal problems can impair vision, although this is dependent upon where along the spine the injury has occurred. Most frequently, blurry or patchy vision can be the result of a nerve ending that has become pinched, especially in the cervical spinal area. Tumors and cysts along the spine can also contribute to this condition, and may require surgery for alleviation of the vision issues.

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    Also Check: What Do They Give You For A Sinus Infection

    How Do You Unclog A Sphenoid Sinus

    3. Sphenoid/ethmoid sinus massage

  • Place your index fingers on the bridge of your nose.
  • Find the area between your nasal bone and the corner of the eyes.
  • Hold a firm pressure in that spot with your fingers for about 15 seconds.
  • Then, using your index fingers, stroke downward along the side of the bridge of your nose.
  • Can you have sphenoid sinusitis for years?

    Because there is no clear definition for chronic sphenoid rhinosinusitis, in this article, we define chronic sphenoid rhinosinusitis as a spectrum of either infective or inflammatory diseases occurring exclusively in sphenoid sinus, either in one or both sides, persisting for more than 12 weeks.

    Will sphenoid sinusitis go away on its own?

    About 70 percent of sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics. Consider these other forms of treatments instead of antibiotics: Decongestants. These medications are available for over-the-counter purchase.

    Blurred Peripheral Vision And Sudden Ocular Occlusion

    When there is no area pain during an incident of sudden patchy vision, the causes for the issue may be internal rather than external irritants. Some systemic problems that lead to the onset of blurred vision can include:

    Some of these conditions such as diabetes, vascular issues, and thyroid problems will require medical interventions, since the underlying causes can result in other health problems. Blurry vision that is the result of sinus pressure or tiredness may require rest in order to alleviate the symptoms. Pressure in the head responds positively to heat, and in many cases, a hot compress across the forehead, eyes, and bridge of the nose can offer relief and restore normal vision.

    Read Also: Sinus Infection Loss Of Smell

    Can Chronic Sinusitis Cause Dementia

    Memory Loss or dementia are not often associated with sinus infections. However, when proper testing is completed, a correlation might be found and a unique treatment plan that addresses sinus disease may be the only way to improve memory loss.

    Can a sinus infection affect your eyes?

    Serious complications of chronic sinusitis complications are rare, but may include: Vision problems. If your sinus infection spreads to your eye socket, it can cause reduced vision or possibly blindness that can be permanent.

    How To Treat Bvd

    Can Sinus Problems Cause Blurred Vision - HealthySinus.net (2)

    Your eye doctor will perform a neurovisual exam to examine you for mild visual misalignments linked with BVD as part of the treatment for BVD.

    Your eye doctor may prescribe prisms to be inserted onto the lenses of your glasses if a misalignment is discovered.

    The two pictures received by the eyes are adjusted by prismatic glasses, allowing fusion to occur without overworking the extraocular muscles. Blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, and other symptoms should disappear or be significantly reduced once prismatic glasses are applied.

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    How Does Sinus Affect Your Eyes

    As we move from winter into spring, many who suffer from seasonal sinusitis or allergies maybe a little hesitant to embrace the warmer weather and change of season.

    Severe headaches, fever, nasal congestion, pressure or facial tenderness, a blocked nose, a sore and itchy throat and an uncomfortable cough are common symptoms that indicate that your sinuses or allergies are acting up. But, did you know swelling eyelids, bulging and red eyes, impaired eye movement and double vision can also be signs that you are suffering from the seasonal change?

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    When To Seek Medical Advice

    • a severe headache that is not relieved with painkillers or is getting worse
    • a headache that feels worse when you lie down or bend over
    • a headache that’s unusual for you and occurs with blurred vision, feeling or being sick, problems speaking, weakness, drowsiness or seizures
    • eye pain or swelling of one or both eyes
    • a rash that looks like small bruises or bleeding under the skin
    • shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling or persistent abdominal pain

    While it’s highly unlikely to be caused by a cavernous sinus thrombosis, these symptoms need further investigation.

    In very rare cases, these symptoms may appear from around 4 days to 4 weeks after being vaccinated with the coronavirus vaccine.

    You should also contact a GP if you develop any of the eye symptoms described above.

    Page last reviewed: 05 August 2021 Next review due: 05 August 2024

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    Anxiety And Blurred Vision

    States of extreme tension and stress can also be the cause of blurred vision. In some cases, this is the result of prolonged exposure to a highly stressful state, and the blurred vision results due to constriction to circulation as well as a response to the high levels of hormones that are present during stress. Breathing exercises and relaxation can frequently aid in alleviating the problem, and will also present as good coping mechanisms for anxiety.

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    Pain In The Quiet Eye

    What causes sudden blurred vision?

    DAVID C. FIORE, MD, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, Nevada

    ANDREW V. PASTERNAK, MD, Silver Sage Center for Family Medicine, Reno, Nevada

    RABAB M. RADWAN, MD, Mercy Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program, Redding, California

    Am Fam Physician. 2010 Jul 1 82:69-73.

    Although eye pain is often accompanied by redness or injection, pain can also occur with a quiet eye. Pain in a quiet eye can be the first sign of a vision-threatening condition, a more benign ophthalmologic condition, or a nonophthalmologic condition. Acute narrow-angle glaucoma is an emergent vision-threatening condition that requires immediate treatment and referral to an ophthalmologist. Although most nonophthalmologic conditions that cause eye pain do not need immediate treatment, giant cell arteritis requires urgent treatment with corticosteroids. Other vascular conditions, such as carotid artery disease, thrombosis of the cavernous sinus, and transient ischemic attack or stroke, rarely cause eye pain but must be considered. Pain may also be referred from the sinuses or from neurologic conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia, migraine and cluster headaches, and increased intracranial pressure. The differential diagnosis of eye pain in the quiet eye is extensive, necessitating a systematic and thorough approach.

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    Sinus Infection In Eye

    If you think it might be allergies, Wyndly can help you. You can order a test kit today to get started. If its not allergies then it could be a sinus infection. Sinus infections are a common cause of illnesses in patients. SmartDocMD features information on sinus infection symptoms and causes frequently. Many patients that experience sinus infections describe symptoms that involve their eyes, or around their eyes. In fact, many questions they have revolve around sinus infection in eye, and watery eyes sinus infections. If you believe that you have any infection in your eye, you should consult a doctor. Read more about sinus infection in eye and related symptoms.

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    Conditions Requiring Immediate Evaluation

    • Detached or torn retina. This requires emergency surgical repair to avoid irreversible vision loss.
    • Stroke. Prompt and appropriate treatment for the type of stroke youâre having is critical to prevent the death of your brain cells.
    • Transient ischemic attack. Although symptoms resolve within 24 hours on their own, a TIA is a serious warning sign for stroke. You may be given blood thinners to lower the risk of a stroke in the future.
    • Wet macular degeneration. Medications injected into the eye may help improve vision. Treatment with laser photocoagulation can slow vision loss but canât restore your vision. Special vision-enhancing devices are sometimes used to help you see better.
    • Angle closure glaucoma. You will need several different medications, including topical and oral pressure-lowering drugs, and occasionally steroids to reduce the fluid in your eye. Many times, you may require a laser procedure called laser iridotomy.
    • Endophthalmitis. An ophthalmologist will inject antibiotics or an antifungal medication into your eye. They may also give you a steroid to reduce swelling.
    • Concussion. A concussion should be evaluated, but visual symptoms usually resolve in 7 to 10 days on their own. If problems with eye movement or focus persist, your doctor may recommend vision therapy.

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    When Is Blurry Vision A Medical Emergency

    Sometimes, blurred vision in one eye can signify a serious condition that needs emergency treatment. Its important to be aware of the signs of these conditions so you know when to seek medical care.

    • Severe headache that comes on quickly
    • A headache that follows a blow to the head
    • Loss of consciousness
    • Difficulty raising one or both arms

    People with diabetes should seek immediate medical care if they experience:

    • Sudden changes in vision, such as flashes of light
    • An unusual increase in eye floaters
    • Sudden vision loss, especially after coughing or sneezing
    • Seeing shadows, curtains, or cobwebs in your field of vision

    FAQs

    Can sinus make your vision blurry? ›

    Sinus infections cause swelling of the sinus cavities in the bones around the nasal passages and the eyes. Swelling and inflammation can cause pressure on the eyes themselves, resulting in vision distortion, eye pain, and blurred vision.

    How do you fix blurry vision from sinusitis? ›

    Blurry vision that is the result of sinus pressure or tiredness may require rest in order to alleviate the symptoms. Pressure in the head responds positively to heat, and in many cases, a hot compress across the forehead, eyes, and bridge of the nose can offer relief and restore normal vision.

    Can sinus issues cause visual disturbances? ›

    Patients may suffer from loss of vision due to pressure on the optic nerve caused by trauma, sinonasal or orbital tumors, Graves' disease or chronic sinusitis. Endoscopic optic nerve decompression through the nose and sinuses can relieve pressure on the optic nerve and in many cases restore vision to the patient's eye.

    What can cause blurred vision to come and go? ›

    Blurred vision can also be a symptom of another medical condition, such as:
    • diabetes.
    • migraine.
    • stroke.
    • head injury.
    • low blood sugar.
    • pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) if you are pregnant.
    • psoriasis (a skin condition that sometimes can also affect the eyes)
    • multiple sclerosis.

    Why is my vision blurry all of a sudden? ›

    While blurred vision often gets worse gradually, there are conditions that may cause blurring to start up suddenly. These types of conditions can be medical emergencies and include: Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). A steep increase in blood pressure.

    Can sinus polyps cause blurred vision? ›

    Nasal polyps are small, inflammatory growths that develop in the nasal passages or sinuses. Polyps can vary in size and severity. Uncontrolled polyp growth can damage the sinuses, take away your sense of smell, damage your eyes and vision and even affect the shape of your face.

    Can your vision recover from being blurry? ›

    Most people will experience blurred vision at some point during their lifetime. In many cases, it will be temporary and will resolve itself without the need for any significant treatment. However, some people will need assistance to restore the clarity of their sight.

    Can allergies cause blurry vision? ›

    An eye allergy patient may also experience blurred vision or “sticky eyes” (a mucus buildup in the eyes and in the corners of the eyelids). For SAC eye allergies, grass and ragweed pollens are the most common culprits.

    What are the worst symptoms of sinusitis? ›

    Symptoms
    • Thick, yellow or greenish mucus from the nose (runny nose) or down the back of the throat (postnasal drainage)
    • Blocked or stuffy nose (congestion) causing difficulty breathing through your nose.
    • Pain, tenderness, swelling and pressure around your eyes, cheeks, nose or forehead that worsens when bending over.
    Aug 27, 2021

    How do you know if sinusitis has spread to eyes? ›

    swelling and bulging of the eyes – this usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other eye soon after. red eyes. eye pain – which can be severe. vision problems – such as double vision or blurred vision.

    Can sinusitis symptoms be something else? ›

    Sinusitis is usually caused by a virus and often lasts even after other upper respiratory symptoms are gone. In some cases, bacteria — or, rarely, fungus — may cause a sinus infection. Other conditions such as allergies, nasal polyps, and tooth infections can also contribute to sinus pain and symptoms.

    Can your sinuses affect your optic nerve? ›

    Sinusitis is a rare but treatable cause of optic nerve injury and vision loss. One must consider optic neuropathy due to sinusitis in patients who have clinical evidence of optic neuritis with atypical features such as a history, any symptoms of sinus disease, and vision loss progression beyond 2–3 weeks.

    Can sinus problems cause neurological problems? ›

    Purpose of review: Acute and chronic sinusitis can give rise to a wide array of intracranial and orbital complications. These complications include brain abscess, subdural empyema, epidural abscess, meningitis, venous sinus thrombosis, frontal bone osteomyelitis, and orbital cellulitis and abscess.

    What are the eye complications of sinusitis? ›

    Swollen eyelids due to accumulation of pus in the eye socket. Due to inflammation of the ethmoid sinus or sphenoid sinus can lead to complications of optic neuritis. In addition, sinusitis can also cause inflammation of the lacrimal sac, eyelid abscess.

    What health issues can cause blurred vision? ›

    Related to Eye Health
    • Vision Problems.
    • Common Eye Problems.
    • Pinkeye - Conjunctivitis.
    • Glaucoma.
    • Styes.
    • Pupil & Iris Problems.
    • Cataracts.
    • Macular Degeneration.
    Aug 21, 2022

    How do you get rid of blurry vision naturally? ›

    Natural treatments that could help blurry vision
    1. Rest and recovery. Human eyes are sensitive and need rest just like the rest of your body, so make sure you're getting enough decent sleep. ...
    2. Lubricate the eyes. ...
    3. Improve air quality. ...
    4. Stop smoking. ...
    5. Avoid allergens. ...
    6. Take omega-3 fatty acids. ...
    7. Protect your eyes. ...
    8. Take vitamin A.
    Jun 11, 2021

    How do I know if my blurred vision is serious? ›

    It's common to experience blurred vision — when you can't see fine or focused details — in the form of nearsightedness or farsightedness. Seek medical care, however, if you experience a quick change in vision, such as a sudden loss of sharp vision.

    Can low vitamin D cause blurred vision? ›

    Can vitamin D deficiency affect eyesight? Dry eyes could be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. When the eyes become dry as a result of low vitamin D levels, it may also become more difficult to produce tears. The eyes might feel gritty, sore or itchy and vision could become blurred.

    What eye drops help blurry vision? ›

    VUITY® (pilocarpine hydrochloride ophthalmic solution) 1.25% is a prescription eye drop used to treat age-related blurry near vision (presbyopia) in adults.

    Can sinus affect peripheral vision? ›

    Diseases of the paranasal sinuses may cause visual disturbances, especially diminished visual acuity and visual field defects, by affecting the optic nerve. We report the unusual case of a female patient with unilateral peripheral, quadrantic scotoma and concomitant chronic ethmoidal sinusitis.

    Can sphenoid sinusitis cause blurred vision? ›

    Background: Acute, isolated sphenoid sinusitis is a rare but potentially devastating clinical entity. Missing this diagnosis can lead to permanent vision loss due to injury of the optic nerve. Patients may present with preseptal inflammation, lid edema, chemosis, or ophthalmoplegia.

    Can dry eyes cause blurry vision? ›

    People with dry eyes may experience irritated, gritty, scratchy or burning eyes; a feeling of something in their eyes; excess watering; and blurred vision.

    How long should blurry vision last? ›

    How long does blurred vision last? Unfortunately, there isn't a single answer for how long blurred vision lasts. Some people experience sudden blurred vision in both eyes or sudden blurred vision in one eye. Others can experience blurred vision for longer periods of time and even for weeks.

    What allergies affect the eyes the most? ›

    Seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis

    Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) is by far the most common type of eye allergy. Patients experience symptoms in spring, summer or fall, depending on the type of plant pollens in the air. Typical symptoms include: Itching.

    What happens if you have sinusitis for too long? ›

    Left untreated, a sinus infection has the potential to spread to your meninges (the protective coverings around your brain and spinal cord), causing them to become inflamed — a condition called meningitis. Meningitis gives rise to the following signs and symptoms: Sudden, high-grade fever. Neck stiffness.

    What foods make sinus worse? ›

    Avoid dairy if you have had previous episodes of sinus infections. Also, try to avoid refined sugar as it is pro-inflammatory and increases the production of mucus. Other foods to avoid include tomatoes (contain histamines), chocolate, cheese, gluten, and fruits like bananas, which can cause congestion.

    Why does my nose feel blocked but no mucus? ›

    If you feel that you are blocked up but are not really producing mucus, then this is more indicative of a physical abnormality, such as nasal polyps or a deviated septum. It is quite common for people to complain of having a blocked nose on one side.

    What kills a sinus infection naturally? ›

    Home Remedies for Sinus Infections
    • Saline Spray and Sinus Rinses. Using a saline solution, rinse your nose and sinuses with a neti pot or other irrigation system. ...
    • Over the Counter Medications. ...
    • Vapor Rub. ...
    • Take Your Vitamins. ...
    • Steam It Out. ...
    • Stay Hydrated. ...
    • Do These Things Work for Kids?

    Will a brain MRI show sinus problems? ›

    Note: MRI is not as effective as CT in defining the anatomy of the sinuses, and therefore is not typically used for suspected acute sinusitis.

    Can sinus pressure push on your eyes? ›

    Problems with the sinuses often include feelings of pain in and around the face. One of the main symptoms of a sinus infection is throbbing pain and pressure around the eyeballs. At least one type of sinus infection — sphenoid sinusitis — is linked to an ache behind the eyes.

    What is misdiagnosed as sinusitis? ›

    Migraine can be mistaken for rhinosinusitis because of similarity in location of the headache and the commonly accompanying nasal autonomic symptoms. The presence or absence of purulent nasal discharge and/or other features diagnostic of acute rhinosinusitis help to differentiate these conditions [12].

    What disease is similar to sinusitis? ›

    Two common culprits associated with nasal congestion are allergic rhinitis and sinusitis. Both conditions have symptoms that are similar in the early stages, and medical professionals occasionally struggle to make a proper diagnosis. Over time, differences between the two usually emerge.

    What other issues can a sinus infection cause? ›

    Symptoms
    • Bad breath or loss of smell.
    • Cough, often worse at night.
    • Fatigue and general feeling of being ill.
    • Fever.
    • Headache.
    • Pressure-like pain, pain behind the eyes, toothache, or tenderness of the face.
    • Nasal stuffiness and discharge.
    • Sore throat and postnasal drip.

    Is there a connection between eyes and sinuses? ›

    Though sight and smell are two very different senses, the eye and nose are intimately connected by the nasolacrimal apparatus, the drainage system that carries tears from the ocular surface to the nose and ultimately to the gastrointestinal tract. The interconnected nature of the nasolacrimal system.

    What is ocular neuropathy? ›

    Optic neuropathy occurs when the optic nerve – a group of nerve fibres that transfer visual information from the eye to the brain – becomes damaged in some way. This might occur due to blocked blood flow, inflammation (swelling), abnormalities caused by various conditions, or trauma.

    Can a neurologist help with sinus problems? ›

    Premier Neurology helps patients who regularly experience migraines, tension headaches, sinus headaches and more finally find the relief they need.

    What nerves are affected by sinusitis? ›

    Even mild sphenoid sinusitis can cause inflammation to spread to the maxillary nerve if no bony boundary exists between it and the sphenoid sinus. A coronal CT study is highly beneficial for clarifying the pathophysiological mechanism of trigeminal neuralgia limited to the maxillary nerve.

    What happens if sinusitis spreads to the brain? ›

    Also in rare cases, sinus infections in the rear center of one's head can spread into the brain. This can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis or brain abscess, Dr. Sindwani says. “Before antibiotics, people would die from sinusitis,” he says.

    Can sinusitis cause eyes to feel weird? ›

    Sinus infections cause swelling of the sinus cavities in the bones around the nasal passages and the eyes. Swelling and inflammation can cause pressure on the eyes themselves, resulting in vision distortion, eye pain, and blurred vision.

    What are the 4 main symptoms of sinusitis? ›

    Symptoms of sinusitis include:
    • a green or yellow discharge from your nose.
    • a blocked nose.
    • pain and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead.
    • a sinus headache.
    • a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or more.
    • toothache.
    • a reduced sense of smell.
    • bad breath (halitosis)

    How do you relieve sinus pressure in your eyes? ›

    But you can take steps to ease sinus pressure and pain at home:
    1. Apply a warm compress to painful areas of the face.
    2. Use a decongestant to reduce sinus swelling and allow mucus to drain.
    3. Try a saline nasal spray or drops to thin mucus.
    4. Use a vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan of boiled water.
    Aug 18, 2020

    Can sinus pressure cause dizziness and blurred vision? ›

    Yes. One possible side effect of sinus infections is a feeling of dizziness. It might be hard to see how an infection in the sinuses has any effect on your sense of equilibrium and balance. So it's first important to explain the interconnection of your ears and nose.

    Can blocked sinuses cause high eye pressure? ›

    A sinus infection ('sinusitis') is caused when your sinus cavity becomes infected with either a bacterial or viral infection. These infections often lead to swelling of the sinuses, which can result in added pressure to the face, including behind the eyes.

    Does sinus headache affect your eyes? ›

    Overview. Sinus headaches are headaches that may feel like an infection in the sinuses (sinusitis). You may feel pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead.

    Can sinus problems make you dizzy and tired? ›

    Your body uses up a lot of energy to fight off a sinus infection, and this can cause you to feel fatigued for the time you have it. Some of the other symptoms of the condition, such as dizziness and a cough, can also make you feel more and more tired with time.

    What does sinusitis vertigo feel like? ›

    When the sinuses are infected they become inflamed, which can lead to increased pressure on the inner ear. This area is responsible for one's balance and orientation, so when it's disrupted, dizziness can occur. Vertigo is the sensation of spinning or movement when you're standing still.

    Which antihistamine is best for eyes? ›

    Benadryl and Claritin are both antihistamines, but Claritin is likely more effective for itchy eyes. It also causes less drowsy effects and only needs to be taken once per day, whereas Benadryl needs to be taken every 4-6 hours to manage allergy symptoms.

    Why do I feel weird behind my eyes? ›

    Sinusitis. Sinusitis, or a sinus infection, happens when bacteria or viruses get into the space behind your nose, eyes, and cheeks. These germs cause your sinuses to swell up and your nose to fill with mucus. With a sinus infection, you'll feel pressure in the upper part of your face, including behind your eyes.

    Can sinusitis cause pressure on optic nerve? ›

    Sinusitis is a rare but treatable cause of optic nerve injury and vision loss. One must consider optic neuropathy due to sinusitis in patients who have clinical evidence of optic neuritis with atypical features such as a history, any symptoms of sinus disease, and vision loss progression beyond 2–3 weeks.

    What food causes sinus problems? ›

    Food to Avoid

    Avoid dairy if you have had previous episodes of sinus infections. Also, try to avoid refined sugar as it is pro-inflammatory and increases the production of mucus. Other foods to avoid include tomatoes (contain histamines), chocolate, cheese, gluten, and fruits like bananas, which can cause congestion.

    Can nasal polyps cause vision problems? ›

    Nasal polyps are small, inflammatory growths that develop in the nasal passages or sinuses. Polyps can vary in size and severity. Uncontrolled polyp growth can damage the sinuses, take away your sense of smell, damage your eyes and vision and even affect the shape of your face.

    What can be mistaken for a sinus headache? ›

    Migraine is commonly misdiagnosed as a sinus headache. Self-diagnosed sinus headache is nearly always migraine (90% of the time). Migraine is commonly associated with forehead and facial pressure over the sinuses, nasal congestion and runny nose.

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