Question: I had sinus surgery 6 weeks ago. When I cough I have a slight pain around my right eye and temple area. Is eye pain after sinus surgery common and should I be concerned about this?
Answer:
Having not been at your surgery, I can’t answer specifically. However, anatomically this makes sense. The ethmoid sinuses are a labyrinth of cells between the eye and the nose. Frequently, sinus surgery involves opening up these cells into one large chamber to allow for better drainage. Coughing raises the air pressure in the nose and can increase the pressure around the eye, in an area made sensitive by recent surgery. I would expect this type of eye pain after sinus surgery not to be a permanent problem.
One of the rare problems we fear from sinus surgery would be if an opening were made through the thin bone (lamina papyrcea- or paper thin wall) which separates these sinuses from the eye. Should this occur, one could have visual changes or a feeling of air in the tissues around the eye when coughing. If that happens, contact your surgeon, urgently.
However, barring those problems, this seems like it is most likely just a normal healing process. These concerns, though, are quite important and should be addressed to your surgeon, to make sure that you are having a successful healing process.
Robert L. Pincus MD
NY Sinus Center
Frequently Asked Questions
Eye pain after sinus surgery can occur due to the anatomical proximity of the ethmoid sinuses to the eye. Post-surgical sensitivity and increased pressure from activities like coughing may cause temporary discomfort around the eye and temple area. This type of pain is generally considered part of the normal healing process and should improve over time.
Coughing raises air pressure in the nose, which can increase pressure around the eye, especially in the area sensitive from recent surgery. The ethmoid sinuses are close to the eye, so post-operative changes can make this area more sensitive to pressure changes, leading to discomfort during coughing.
If you experience visual changes, a sensation of air in the tissues around the eye when coughing, or persistent and severe pain, these could indicate a complication such as an opening in the thin bone separating the sinuses and the eye. In such cases, you should contact your surgeon urgently.
The lamina papyracea is the thin, paper-like bone separating the ethmoid sinuses from the eye. A surgical breach of this bone can lead to complications such as visual disturbances or air leaking into the tissues around the eye. Protecting this structure is important for preventing serious postoperative issues.
No, eye pain after sinus surgery is not typically permanent. It is usually temporary and related to healing. Persistent or worsening pain should be evaluated by your surgeon to rule out complications or other issues.
If your eye pain is mild and only occurs with pressure changes like coughing, it is likely a normal healing symptom. However, if you have severe pain, visual changes, or air sensation around the eye, you should contact your surgeon to ensure proper healing and address any complications.
