Eye tightness is a feeling of pulling, squeezing, or tension around the eyes. It often stems from muscular strain, dry eye, or surface irritation.
Common Causes
Squinting at small text or bright screens, clenching facial muscles with stress, and prolonged concentration can all create tightness. Dry eye, blepharitis, and allergic reactions may make the lids feel taut or puffy.
- People may unconsciously furrow the brow or narrow their eyes to see clearly
- Sinus pressure and headaches can add to frontal tightness
- After some surgeries, temporary tightness occurs as tissues heal
- Rarely, orbital inflammation or thyroid eye disease causes a tight, stretched feeling
Management
Optimising visual correction, using regular breaks, and treating dryness or lid disease usually ease tightness. Persistent or painful tightness with bulging eyes, double vision, or reduced movement needs specialist assessment.
- Relaxation techniques and posture correction reduce muscle tension
- Cold or warm compresses can soothe allergic or inflammatory causes
- Adjusting lighting and font sizes lessens the need to squint
- Early treatment of orbital or thyroid disease prevents complications
