Pain Behind my Eyeball

[scuba_plop]

So I have found and read plenty of information on peoples ears hurting when trying to equalize or from not doing it properly but I dont really have a problem with my ears hurting, its more behind my eye.

It doesnt happen everytime, actually its only happened twice. Once in the pool and once at the test in the ocean. I start to decend and all of a sudden there is a big pressure build up behind my eyeball and then a sharp sharp pain like someone has a needle or an ice pick and they are poking me in the back of the eyeball. Clearing my ears does nothing at all to effect it.

Does anyone know what causes this or how to prevent it? Maybe sinuses?

Thanks!

 

[SteveC]

My guess would be a sinus issue.

 

[Pearldiver07]

I would agree.

On one trip I had a blocked portion of a sinus, and it felt as though an elephant was standing on my face.

I strongly suggest you don't dive until you resolve this. If that were to force into a rupture you could have serious medical issues.

 

[rawls]

If it has been persistant for awhile then you may have a chronic sinusitus issue. I would suggest you get it checked out by a physician...But as the others stated...It definitely sounds like a sinus issue of some sort. It may be a simple acute sinus infection that will go away. Pool and ocean water has all kinds of bacteria...So...Long term, see a doc...short term...give it some time and see if it resolves...take a decongestant, get plenty of rest and keep well hydrated...
Hope you feel better soon...

 

[Ice9]

Eeek! Could this just be mask squeeze? I've never experienced it, but it seems like it wold feel like that as your eyeballs are popping out

OP: Are you sure you are equalizing the airspace in your mask?

 

[SteveC]

Ice9 has a good point.

 

[John_B]

Pain behind the eye is definitely sinus squeeze. See an ENT, preferably one that understands diving issues.

John

 

[canismajor]

Or, if it is just mask squeeze, have you tried just blowing into the mask? I have the worst mask squeeze problems at between 10 and 20 feet. Nothing equalizes until I blow some air into the mask and then suddenly... relief! Happens a couple times a dive. No biggie now, but in my first OW dive it was quite uncomfortable. Told a DM about it and he said try that. Haven't had a problem since.

 

[wreckchick]

The ice pick thing says sinus to me. Others have used some over the counter stuff to help out. Talk to the doc and see what he/she says.

Rachel

 

[jmichaels]

I vote for sinus as well. I've had issues with the damn things ever since I was a kid. Lucky for me they have only ruined 1 dive on me. Now I keep one of those silly nasal sprays with me just in case. If I am feeling a little blocked before a dive.... spray spray... all better.