Sinus infections can cause a whole host of unpleasant symptoms. For some, it can cause eye symptoms and even affect their vision. Let’s take a closer look at how sinus infections can affect your eyes, as well as what you can do about it.
What is a Sinus Infection?
A sinus infection, or sinusitis, is an inflammation of your sinus cavities that leads to them becoming blocked and filled with fluid. It often occurs as a result of a viral infection. However, other causes, including bacteria, fungi and allergies, can lead to an infection as well.
Symptoms
Common sinus infection symptoms include:
- Nasal congestion
- Thick, discolored nasal discharge
- Postnasal drip
- Facial pressure around your nose, eyes and forehead
- Ear pressure or pain
- Headache
- Pressure or pain in your teeth
- Fatigue
- Fever
How Sinus Infections Can Affect Your Eyes and Vision
Because of the proximity of your sinuses to your eyes, specifically the maxillary sinuses, it’s not uncommon to experience some eye-related symptoms when you have a sinus infection. If the maxillary sinuses are infected, you may experience pain or pressure between, behind or above the eyes.
In addition to eye pain, you may also experience watery eyes, eyelid swelling and eye puffiness. Swelling and watery eyes can cause temporary blurry vision.
Less commonly, more serious vision issues can arise if you suffer from chronic sinusitis. A sinus infection is chronic if it lasts longer than 12 weeks. Rarely, a chronic sinus infection can cause damage to the optic nerve and lead to blurred vision or even vision loss. Research has shown that structural and functional changes to the optic nerve are more likely to occur in severe chronic sinusitis.
Addressing Vision Changes
If you have any vision changes, make an appointment to have your eyes examined as soon as possible. Many things can cause changes to your vision, some of them serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Treating Sinus Infections
Most sinus infections go away on their own and may only require rest, hydration and at-home remedies like saline rinses. However, if you have chronic symptoms that last months and interfere with your ability to work or enjoy things like grabbing a coffee with friends at Tamp & Grind, schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist. They can evaluate your symptoms, run appropriate testing and find out what treatment options will help you feel better and get back to fully enjoying your life.
To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact Red River ENT Associates today.
