Yes, eye pain can cause nausea. This connection is a recognized physiological phenomenon rooted in shared pathways within your nervous system. Many people who experience intense eye discomfort also report feeling unwell, sometimes to the point of vomiting.
The Neurological Pathway Linking Eye Pain and Nausea
Sensory signals from the eye travel through a network that interacts directly with the brain’s center for nausea. Eye pain is primarily transmitted by the ophthalmic division (V1 branch) of the trigeminal nerve, the largest sensory nerve in the head.
Pain impulses travel along this nerve to the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, a specific part of the lower brainstem. This nucleus is a relay station for pain signals from the head and neck. Because of its location, the trigeminal nucleus caudalis is in close physical proximity to the brain’s vomiting center.
When the trigeminal nucleus is intensely stimulated by severe eye pain, the over-activity can “cross-talk” or spill over to the adjacent vomiting center. This neurological cross-activation triggers nausea, and in severe cases, actual vomiting.
Specific Conditions That Cause Both Symptoms
Several specific medical conditions can cause the co-occurrence of eye pain and nausea. One urgent cause is acute angle-closure glaucoma, which results from a sudden rise in intraocular pressure (IOP). This severe pressure increase blocks the outflow of fluid, leading to intense, throbbing eye pain that often radiates to the forehead. The pain is frequently accompanied by a severe headache, nausea, and vomiting, with IOP readings commonly ranging from 40 to 80 mmHg.
Migraine and other severe headache disorders also frequently link eye pain and nausea via the trigeminal nerve pathway. Migraine attacks involve the activation of the trigeminal nerve system, which supplies pain-sensitive structures in the head, including the eye. The resulting head and eye pain is often intense enough to activate the brainstem centers, causing nausea in up to 90% of sufferers. Sensitivity to light (photophobia) often exacerbates the eye pain, intensifying the systemic symptoms.
A less severe but more common cause is prolonged eye strain, often referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome. This occurs when the eyes are overworked from long hours staring at screens or performing close-up work. This prolonged effort can lead to muscle fatigue and subtle visual misalignments, which the brain attempts to constantly correct. The resulting effort sends fatiguing signals to the brain that can mimic motion sickness, manifesting as mild headache and secondary nausea.
Recognizing Red Flags and When to Seek Care
The co-occurrence of severe eye pain and nausea can signal a medical emergency, so it is important to recognize specific warning signs. Seek immediate emergency care if the eye pain is sudden and severe, or if the nausea is intense enough to cause vomiting. Other red flags include seeing colored halos around lights, experiencing a rapid decrease or sudden loss of vision, or having a rock-hard feeling in the eye. These symptoms suggest acute angle-closure glaucoma, a condition that can cause permanent vision loss within hours if not treated immediately.
If symptoms are less abrupt and more chronic, such as recurring discomfort, headaches, and nausea triggered by light or screen time, a routine appointment with an eye care professional is appropriate. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can conduct a comprehensive exam to check for conditions like migraine, uncorrected refractive errors, or binocular vision issues.