Eye Pain

Understanding the Link Between TMJ Disorders and Eye Pain

Eye pain is a common yet often overlooked symptom related to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull, and when this joint becomes misaligned or dysfunctional, it can cause a ripple effect of pain throughout the facial region, including around and behind the eyes. Many patients who suffer from TMJ dysfunction report a dull, throbbing ache behind their eyes, sensitivity to light, or even sharp pain that seems to radiate from the jaw area. These symptoms can be confusing, as the connection between TMJ and eye pain isn’t immediately obvious.

The symptoms of TMJ-related eye pain vary from patient to patient but often include headaches, pressure behind the eyes, difficulty focusing, and tenderness in the muscles surrounding the eye. In some cases, TMJ dysfunction can even affect your vision, leading to episodes of blurred or double vision. Because these symptoms are not exclusive to TMJ, patients may go for years without understanding that their jaw dysfunction is at the root of their eye pain. This is why proper diagnosis and treatment from TMJ specialists are crucial to relieve eye pain and other related symptoms.