TMJ and Your Eyes: Blurred Vision, Eye Strain & Other Surprising Symptoms

Can TMJ Affect Your Eyes?

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a common condition affecting millions of patients worldwide. Most people associate it with jaw pain, clicking, and difficulty chewing,  but could TMJ also affect your eyes?

TMJ disorder causes headaches, neck pain, and discomfort in the jaw muscles that control jaw movement. While these symptoms are well known, fewer people are aware that TMJ can also affect other parts of the body, including the eyes. Here’s how TMJ can potentially contribute to eye-related symptoms and what can be done about it.

Learn about TMJ diagnosis and treatment at our Gilbert dental office  →  East Valley TMJ

How TMJ Can Cause Eye Problems

The temporomandibular joint plays a role in regulating blood flow around the head and neck. In patients with TMJ disorder, the facial and jaw muscles can become tense and tight, creating tension that extends throughout the entire head. This matters for eye health because the muscles that control eye movement are located near the temporomandibular joint. When the joint is inflamed or misaligned, it can place pressure on these muscles and surrounding structures, contributing to discomfort or visual disturbances.

One of the most common ways TMJ affects the eyes is through tension headaches. These headaches can cause pain around the eyes, blurred vision, sinus discomfort, and sensitivity to light. In some cases, patients may also experience migraines accompanied by vertigo.

Common Eye Problems Associated With TMJ

Eye Strain

The temporomandibular joint is located near the muscles and nerves that control eye movement. When the joint is inflamed or painful, it can cause the surrounding eye muscles to become tense and strained.

Blurred Vision

When the jaw is misaligned or not functioning correctly, it can affect the position and movement of the eyes, leading to problems with visual clarity and blurred vision.

Eye Twitching

TMJ disorder can cause muscle tension and spasms in the facial muscles, which may lead to involuntary twitching in the eye or eyelid.

Difficulty Focusing

When the jaw muscles become strained or inflamed due to TMJ disorder, the tension can extend to the muscles around the eyes, causing them to become overworked and making sustained focus more difficult.

Dry Eyes

Research has shown an association between TMJ disorder and dry eye symptoms. A study of over 400 TMJ patients found that approximately 24% reported dry eyes as a symptom.

Light Sensitivity

TMJ can contribute to sensitivity to light by creating tension in the eye muscles, making it more difficult for them to adjust to changes in lighting conditions.

Tips for Managing TMJ-Related Eye Problems

If you are experiencing eye problems alongside TMJ symptoms, the following strategies may help provide some relief while you pursue a formal diagnosis and treatment plan.

•       Seek evaluation from a medical or dental professional to identify the underlying cause

•       Apply warm compresses to the jaw and temple area to reduce muscle tension

•       Practice good posture throughout the day, particularly at a desk or screen - forward head posture places additional strain on the jaw and surrounding structures

•       Perform gentle jaw stretching exercises as directed by your treatment provider

•       Get adequate rest - fatigue can worsen both TMJ symptoms and eye discomfort

•       Try eye exercises to relieve eye muscle tension

•       Practice good eye hygiene, including regular screen breaks and appropriate lighting

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TMJ Treatment in Gilbert, AZ

If you are experiencing eye problems alongside jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ symptoms, it is worth having both evaluated. TMJ disorder is frequently underdiagnosed, and the full range of symptoms it can produce, including those affecting the eyes, ears, and sinuses, are not always recognized as being connected to jaw dysfunction.

Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ disorder and orofacial pain at his Gilbert dental practice. Using neuromuscular diagnostic technology, Dr. Garza can evaluate jaw position, muscle activity, and joint function to identify the root cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan. No referral needed. Call (480) 539-7979 or book online anytime. Welcoming new patients across Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, and the East Valley.

About the Author

Dr. John A. Garza DDS, LVIF, FIAPA, FICOI has been practicing dentistry in Gilbert, AZ since 1994. He is highly trained in neuromuscular and physiologic dentistry, with extensive experience diagnosing and treating TMJ disorder, orofacial pain, and jaw dysfunction. One of fewer than 500 dentists worldwide to hold the LVIF designation from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies.