Feeling pain in the eye while chewing is often confusing because the eye itself is rarely the source of the problem. This pain, felt behind or around the eye (orbital pain), is usually referred pain, where the brain misinterprets signals from a different part of the head or face. Nearby anatomical structures, such as the jaw joint, salivary glands, and facial nerves, share complex pathways. Dysfunction in one area can project discomfort to another, meaning the origin of the pain relates to structures activated during chewing.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
The most common cause linking chewing and eye pain is a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge that connects the lower jawbone to the skull. Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) occur when this joint or the surrounding muscles are strained, inflamed, or misaligned. Chewing requires the coordinated movement of the jaw and the powerful muscles that control it, including the masseter and the temporalis muscle.
The temporalis muscle is relevant because it anchors on the side of the skull, extending up near the temple and eye area. When TMD causes tension or spasm in this muscle, the pain radiates upward and is felt behind or around the eye. This sensation is heightened during chewing because the action increases the workload and tension on the strained muscle tissue. Additional symptoms often include a dull ache, pressure, or light sensitivity in the eye area.
Indications of a TMD include mechanical symptoms such as clicking, popping, or grating sounds when the jaw moves. The joint itself may feel tender to the touch, and in severe cases, the jaw might briefly lock when attempting to open or close the mouth. Joint and muscle inflammation can also put pressure on nearby nerves, causing discomfort that the brain interprets as originating from the eye.
Salivary Gland and Dental Sources
Pain during chewing that refers to the eye can originate from the parotid salivary gland, located just in front of the ear. Inflammation or infection of this gland (parotitis or sialadenitis) is often aggravated by chewing. Eating stimulates the gland to produce saliva, which can increase internal pressure if the duct is blocked, causing swelling and discomfort that radiates outward.
This glandular pain is frequently accompanied by noticeable swelling of the cheek or jaw area, sometimes with redness or tenderness. Bacterial infections often present with systemic signs like fever and chills, and can cause a foul taste or pus drainage in the mouth. Severe dental issues can also refer pain upward due to localized pressure from infection. A dental abscess or an impacted wisdom tooth infection can create significant pressure that follows nerve pathways and is mistakenly perceived as eye pain during chewing.
Referred Pain from Nerve and Sinus Issues
A complex network of nerves governs sensation in the face, and irritation along these pathways can mistakenly link chewing to eye pain. The Trigeminal nerve (Cranial Nerve V) is the main sensory nerve of the face, dividing into three major branches, one of which supplies the eye and forehead area. Problems affecting the lower branches of this nerve, which cover the jaw and chewing muscles, can send confusing signals that are felt in the upper branch near the eye.
Trigeminal Neuralgia, while less common, is a severe neurological disorder characterized by sudden, intense, electric shock-like facial pain. Chewing is a common trigger for these brief but excruciating episodes, which can affect the eye and forehead area. The distinctive, sharp nature of this pain differentiates it from the dull ache associated with muscle or joint issues.
Another source of referred pain is severe sinus congestion or infection, known as sinusitis. The maxillary sinuses are air-filled cavities located in the cheekbones, positioned near the eye sockets. When these sinuses become inflamed and filled with fluid, the resulting pressure exerts force on nearby nerves. Chewing can slightly shift the facial bones and increase this internal pressure, causing a dull, throbbing pain or pressure that radiates to the area beneath the eye.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Consult a healthcare professional if eye pain related to chewing is frequent, persistent, or does not improve with simple measures. Seek prompt medical attention if the pain is severe or accompanied by sudden, concerning symptoms. This includes pain coupled with a fever, which could indicate a spreading infection of a salivary gland or sinus.
Changes in vision, such as sudden blurring, double vision, or seeing halos around lights, require urgent evaluation. Swelling that restricts the ability to open the mouth or tenderness in the temple area, which could signal Giant Cell Arteritis, also requires immediate medical assessment. Do not delay seeking help if the pain is so intense it interferes with eating, or if the eye pain is accompanied by nausea or vomiting.