Some remedies for sinus eye pressure include using steam in the form of either a shower or vaporizer, pain medications, and heating pads. Sleeping in an elevated position as opposed to lying flat may also be helpful for relieving all types of sinus pressure because gravity helps the sinuses to drain more efficiently. If the eye pressure is due to infected sinuses, doctors occasionally prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infections. People with chronic eye pain related to their sinuses may have to have surgery to manually drain the mucous.
The use of steam for relieving sinus-related eye pressure may be one of the most effective home remedies, especially when used in combination with pain-relieving medication. If a person chooses to use the steam remedy in the shower, it is important to close all windows and place a towel in front of any door cracks so the steam does not escape. The steam should help the nasal and throat airways open up, which may relieve pressure by providing more room for the sinuses to drain freely. Another steam method involves using a kettle of boiling water or steam vaporizer. When a person uses this method, he should put his face over the steam and inhale deeply until some improvement is felt, taking care not to burn himself.
In addition to the steam methods, pain-relieving medications may also be helpful. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin may be more effective for relieving sinus eye pressure than acetaminophen because they tend to lessen swelling. Placing a warm heating pad over the eye might also help to relieve some sinus eye pressure. There are many over-the-counter products specifically designed for sinus relief, but it may be best for a person to see her doctor before she takes these medicines to be sure her sinuses are not infected. If there is an infection of the sinuses present, a doctor will most likely prescribe a round of antibiotics.
Some people constantly have problems with sinus eye pressure that does not respond well to most treatments. These people may be candidates for sinus surgery. During the procedure, a doctor typically makes a tiny incision inside the nose and inserts a tube to manually suck out the drainage from the sinuses. He may also take a sample of the drainage in an attempt to identify any bacteria present. The surgery is usually an outpatient procedure, and in some cases the sinus problem will return after the surgery.
