A headache surrounding your left eye may be the result of something as simple as a change in barometric pressure, but it also could be a symptom of a very serious condition, such as a brain tumor. If you have recurring headaches around your left eye, or if your headache also involves visual disturbances, such as blurriness or double vision, consult your eye doctor.
Diagnostic Diary
Eye headaches have many causes, which makes it challenging for your doctor to diagnose the underlying condition. To help narrow the possibilities, keep a headache diary. Include the date and time your headache began, when it worsened or lessened, when it ended, what you ate in the preceding 24 hours, how many hours you slept the preceding night, what you were doing when the headache began and any concurrent symptoms like blurred vision or dizziness. Over time, you may notice a pattern, such as a time of day when you're more likely to have the headache or a food that acts as a trigger. Give this diary to your doctor to help in diagnosis.
Pressure Headache
Pain around your left eye may be a symptom of a pressure headache, which involves increased pressure in a specific, locally confined area. This pressure stretches the surrounding tissue and presses on nerve fibers, which activates pain receptors. Sinus congestion may cause such a headache, but problems within the eye also may be a root cause, according to HealthHype.com. Glaucoma, for example, increases pressure within the eye and may lead to pain in the eye area. An infection of the tissues around or behind the eye---orbital cellulitis---also may cause localized pain.
Eye Migraines
Eye migraines---also called ocular, ophthalmic, opthalmoplegic, basilar or retinal migraines---are a group of migraines that may cause pain in just one eye. They occur more frequently in children and young men, according to Relieve-Migraine-Headache.com. These migraines may involve other symptoms, such as congestion or nausea. Some of these migraines cause vision-related symptoms as well, including double vision, a drooping eyelid or dilated pupils. See an ophthalmologist if you experience any of these symptoms because there may be a serious underlying problem.
Papilloedema
Certain medical conditions, including brain tumors, inflammation and hemorrhages, cause the optic nerve to collect excess fluid and swell. This condition, called papilloedema, may cause a localized headache, such as pain behind your left eye. Coughing or sneezing tend to worsen the headache, but lying down usually ameliorates it, according to the Better Health Channel website. Some people experience blurred or double vision instead of or in addition to the headache. See your eye doctor if you experience any of these symptoms because you may have a very serious medical condition.
Cluster Headache
A cluster, or histamine, headache is a relatively common, recurring one-sided headache that usually begins two to three hours after you fall asleep, though it may occur during daytime hours, according to The National Institute of Health's Medline Plus website. Typically, the pain rapidly worsens and reaches its peak within five to ten minutes; it may last 30 minutes to two hours. The condition, which may be triggered by a sudden release of serotonin or histamine, is more common among adolescents and middle-aged men, but anyone may experience it. Cluster headaches may involve other symptoms, including reddened eyes, tearing, swelling in the eye area and a running or stuffy nose. Alcohol, smoking, bright light, heat, nitrates and certain medications often serve as triggers. There is no cure for cluster headaches, but your doctor can prescribe medications or oxygen therapy to help alleviate the symptoms and lessen the frequency of the attacks.
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