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Why do I get a sharp pain behind my eye when landing?

Aerosinusitis, also called barosinusitis, sinus squeeze or sinus barotrauma is a painful inflammation and sometimes bleeding of the membrane of the paranasal sinus cavities, normally the frontal sinus. It is caused by a difference in air pressures inside and outside the cavities.



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The increasing pressure leads to sinus pain that can usually be felt around the nose, cheekbones, eyes, and forehead. Bending over may make it worse. When flying, the body has to react to changes in cabin pressure during the flight.

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Some studies suggest that the cabin pressure changes in the airplane, which are more pronounced during takeoff and landing, affects the head and sinuses in a way that triggers a headache.

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Ischaemic optic neuropathy, exacerbation of diabetic cystoid macular oedema and neuro-ocular vestibular dysfunction (NOVD) have all been associated with air travel. Air turbulence can cause NOVD or motion sickness.

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