Which medications can treat headaches when lifting the eyelids?

Sep 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In general, the main causes of headache when lifting the eyelid include excessive eye use, lack of sleep, supraorbital neuralgia, conjunctivitis, and glaucoma. Treatment may include medications such as mecobalamin tablets, levofloxacin eye drops, and brimonidine tartrate eye drops, as directed by a physician. In daily life, it is important to use the eyes reasonably and avoid prolonged near-vision tasks, as well as ensure adequate sleep.

Generally speaking, the main causes of headaches when lifting the eyelids include excessive eye use, lack of sleep, supraorbital neuralgia, conjunctivitis, glaucoma, and others. Medications such as mecobalamin tablets, levofloxacin eye drops, and brimonidine tartrate eye drops may be used for treatment under medical guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Excessive Eye Use

Extended periods of looking at mobile phones, computers, or reading cause continuous tension of the eye muscles. When lifting the eyes, the surrounding muscles are pulled, stimulating nerves and triggering headaches. It is recommended to control eye usage time, rest for 10 minutes after every 40 minutes of use, look into the distance to relax the eye muscles, and apply warm compresses around the eyes to promote blood circulation and relieve discomfort.

2. Lack of Sleep

Long-term late nights and poor sleep quality prevent the brain nerves from resting adequately. When lifting the eyes, the sensitivity of the eye and head nerves increases, causing headaches. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule, ensuring 7-8 hours of sleep daily, avoiding electronic devices before bedtime, and creating a quiet sleeping environment can help alleviate headaches.

3. Supraorbital Neuralgia

Stimulation of the supraorbital nerve due to cold exposure or fatigue can cause sharp or throbbing pain in the forehead area when lifting the eyes. In daily life, it is important to stay warm and avoid excessive fatigue. During pain episodes, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, mecobalamin tablets, and vitamin B1 tablets may be taken under medical advice to relieve pain and nourish the nerves.

4. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctival inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections can stimulate ocular tissues. Discomfort when lifting the eyes may radiate to the head, causing headaches, often accompanied by eye redness and increased secretions. Under medical guidance, medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, and tobramycin eye ointment may be used to control infection, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms.

5. Glaucoma

Elevated intraocular pressure compresses the optic nerve. Changes in eye pressure when lifting the eyes can intensify optic nerve stimulation, causing severe headaches, often accompanied by eye swelling and blurred vision. Immediate medical attention is required, and medications such as brinzolamide eye drops, timolol maleate eye drops, and brimonidine tartrate eye drops should be used under medical guidance to lower intraocular pressure. In severe cases, trabeculectomy may be needed to improve eye pressure conditions.

In daily life, it is important to use eyes reasonably and avoid prolonged near vision tasks; ensure sufficient sleep and avoid staying up late; maintain eye hygiene and avoid rubbing the eyes with hands; have regular vision and intraocular pressure check-ups to detect and treat eye diseases promptly, maintaining both eye and head health.