TMJ & Eye Pain

If you are suffering from TMJ syndrome, its symptoms are the result of chewing muscles and jaw joints that aren’t working properly. TMJ syndrome can result in eye pain.

Most Active Joint

According to Dr. Carey O’Rielly, DDS, the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the most active joint in the body. The joint moves up to 2,000 times every day. It is the only joint that serves as a two-sided hinge. Any misalignment or stress on one side will cause a disturbance on the other side.

Nerve Constriction

TMJ syndrome can cause eye pain, according to Dr. Daniel Jenkins, DDS. The pain is caused by the constriction of the nerves that go into the eye muscles. When the TMJ muscles relax, the nerve repairs itself and the pain in your eye will go away.

Additional Eye Problems

TMJ syndrome may cause watery eyes and sensitivity to light. You might feel pressure behind your eyes and have blurred vision.

Trigeminal Nerve

TMJ is associated with the trigeminal nerve. There are three branches of this nerve that are involved with the eyes, ear and with chewing functions involving the lower and upper jaws.

Effects

The trigeminal nerve is also connected to the sinuses, oral cavity, teeth and ear canal, which explains why TMJ dysfunction can cause eye pain, headaches and sinus pressure.

References

• Dr. Daniels Jenkins: TMJ and Eye Pain
• A-zholisticdentistry.com: TMJ and Eye Pain