Trigeminal Neuralgia Can Cause Eye Pain – What You Need to Know

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that can indeed lead to eye pain. This type of nerve pain affects the trigeminal nerve, which is the fifth of the twelve cranial nerve pairs. The trigeminal nerve is responsible for carrying sensation signals from the face to the brain and has three major branches: the ophthalmic (eye) nerve, the maxillary (upper jaw) nerve, and the mandibular (lower jaw) nerve.

When the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve is affected, it commonly results in sharp, intense pain around the forehead and eye area. This branch is the smallest of the three and includes the lacrimal nerve, frontal nerve, and nasal ciliary nerve. These nerves are responsible for sensation in key areas such as the upper eyelid, forehead, nose bridge, and parts of the cornea, tear glands, conjunctiva, and nasal mucosa.

How Trigeminal Neuralgia Affects the Eyes

The first and second divisions of the trigeminal nerve, known as the supraorbital and infraorbital branches, are primarily responsible for sensory functions around the eyes. When trigeminal neuralgia affects these branches, it can cause sudden, electric-like pain in the eye region. This pain is often triggered by simple actions like blinking, touching the face, or even exposure to cold air.

Understanding the Pain Distribution

Because the ophthalmic nerve is part of the trigeminal system, any irritation or compression of this nerve can lead to localized pain in the areas it innervates. As a result, individuals suffering from trigeminal neuralgia involving the first branch may experience severe discomfort in and around the eye, making it a significant concern for both diagnosis and treatment.