Exploring the Connection Between TMJ and Eye Pain

TL;DR

TMJ disorders don’t just cause jaw pain—they can also lead to surprising symptoms like eye discomfort. If you’re wondering can TMJ cause eye pain, the answer is yes. The jaw and eyes are more connected than you might think.

Here’s what you’ll learn in the blog:

• TMJ eye pain may feel like a dull ache, pressure, or tightness behind or around the eye.
• TMJ disorders can affect nearby nerves and muscles, causing both jaw and eye pain.
• What does TMJ eye pain feel like? Common signs include pain when chewing, light sensitivity, and tension headaches.
• The pain often stems from issues in the jaw joint or jaw muscles, especially if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw.
• Treatment may include heat therapy, jaw exercises, muscle relaxers, or a custom night guard.

If you’re experiencing facial and eye pain, TMJ could be the root cause.

If you’re struggling with both jaw discomfort and unexplained eye pain, you might be surprised to learn they could be connected. While we typically associate TMJ (short for temporomandibular joint) issues with jaw aches and facial tension, many people also report TMJ eye pain as a frustrating part of the puzzle.

Let’s explore how these seemingly unrelated symptoms are linked and what you can do about it.

Can TMJ Cause Eye Pain?

Yes—TMJ can cause eye pain in certain individuals. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located near the temples and just in front of your ears. When the jaw joint or jaw muscles become strained or inflamed, that tension can radiate through your face and into the area around your eyes.

This is due to the complex network of nerves and muscles in your head. The trigeminal nerve, which controls much of the facial sensation—including your cheeks, temples, and eyes—runs close to the TMJ. If the joint is irritated, it can create a ripple effect of facial pain that reaches your eyes.

What Does TMJ Eye Pain Feel Like?

The symptoms can vary, but many people describe:

• A dull ache behind or around the eye
• A sensation of pressure or tightness
• Pain that worsens when chewing or clenching
• Sensitivity to light or visual fatigue

It’s important to remember that jaw and eye pain may also be linked to other issues, so it’s always worth ruling out eye conditions with a professional. But if you're also experiencing jaw pain, your symptoms could point to TMJ disorder.

Common Symptoms of TMJ

If you're wondering whether your eye pain might be part of a larger issue, look for other symptoms of TMJ, such as:

• Clicking or popping when moving your jaw
• Headaches or earaches
• Stiffness in the jaw
• Pain when chewing or yawning
• Limited jaw movement or a jaw painful to touch

These symptoms may occur together with eye discomfort, helping you piece together the underlying cause.

Why TMJ and Eye Pain Often Occur Together

The muscles and joints in your face are all interconnected. When jaw muscles are strained— due to stress, grinding your teeth, or misalignment—they can tug on surrounding structures. As a result, the muscles around your eyes may become tense, leading to that telltale eye ache.

In some cases, inflammation in the jaw joint can even press against nearby nerves, further contributing to eye pain and other neurological symptoms like tingling or visual sensitivity.

How to Treat TMJ-Related Eye Pain

If you're dealing with TMJ and eye pain, relief starts by addressing the jaw. Here are a few strategies:

• Use heat therapy to relax tight jaw muscles
• Try gentle jaw stretches or massage
• Avoid chewy foods or wide yawns
• Reduce stress to minimize clenching
• Talk to your doctor about muscle relaxers or a custom night guard

In more severe cases, physical therapy or dental interventions may be needed.

Can TMJ affect your eyes? Absolutely—and if you’re dealing with persistent jaw and eye pain, don’t ignore it. Treating your TMJ disorder may be the key to finding relief for your aching eyes too. Learn More!