Can TMJ Disorder Lead to Eye Pain?

If you’re familiar with TMJ disorder, also referred to as TMD, you probably know that it has to deal with issues affecting the temporomandibular joints, or the complex joints responsible for connecting your jaw to the rest of your skull. It usually results in uncomfortable symptoms like facial pain, difficulty chewing, and popping/clicking sounds that can be heard when you move your jaw. However, did you know that it can trigger other issues, including eye pain? Continue reading below to learn more about this connection, along with how seeking TMJ treatment might be your best next move.

How Can TMJ Disorder Cause Eye Pain?

Your jaw joints are very complicated structures – after all, they grant your mouth its entire range of motion and allow you to bite, chew, and speak with ease. However, the intricate nature of these jaw joints is exactly why they’re so vulnerable to all kinds of issues. When they become imbalanced or sustain damage, it can lead to bite misalignment, stress on the surrounding nerves and muscles, damage to the enamel layer of the teeth, and of course, varying degrees of pain and discomfort.

The nerves in your jaw share the same origin as nerves throughout the rest of your face, meaning that this pain can be felt all over – including near the eyes. This eye pain is specifically referred to as orbital eye pain, and it also often comes with blurred vision, watery eyes, and light sensitivity. TMJ disorder is also a common migraine trigger for many patients, and migraines are commonly accompanied by vision problems and eye discomfort.

How Can This Issue Be Resolved?

If you’re experiencing eye pain that you believe is the result of untreated TMJ disorder, your first step toward treatment should be receiving a proper diagnosis. A qualified dentist can examine your mouth, note your symptoms, and come up with a plan that’s suited for treating your specific circumstances. It’s worth mentioning that these conditions rarely improve on their own without professional intervention, and your eye pain won’t disappear until the root of the issue has been addressed.

One of the most common solutions for treating TMJ disorder is oral appliance therapy. A custom-made device can be created to be worn at night; these non-invasive, comfortable nightguards can relieve the pressure placed on the jaw joints, reducing or eliminating the patient’s pain by stabilizing the jaw during the night. This is usually the go-to treatment for patients with bruxism, a condition that describes teeth grinding and jaw clenching. If the issue was causing your eye pain, the treatment is certain to get things back on track. In other cases, muscle therapy or some other combination of treatments may also be utilized.

Nobody should want to needlessly endure any type of pain – especially If it’s affecting your vision. With that in mind, if you’ve been struggling with jaw pain, eye pain, or other symptoms impacting your jaw, don’t hesitate to talk with your provider about how to find relief.

About the Practice

Under the talented leadership of Dr. Jonathan Held, our team here at Sleep Better Southwest has proudly served patients in Prescott Valley, Sedona, and Flagstaff for several years, offering a wide range of sleep apnea and TMJ disorder treatments. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our office to set up an appointment for yourself or a family member, please reach out online or call us today for more information. Telephone: (928) 778-4555.