Eye pain is any condition in which you feel discomfort in or around one or both eyes. The pain can be sharp and stabbing or dull and stabbing. Your eyes may feel irritated or gritty. Eye pain can be accompanied by
A scratching, burning, or itching sensation may be eye pain that occurs on the surface. Superficial pain is usually caused by irritation from a foreign object, infection, or trauma. This type of eye pain is often easily treated with eye drops or rest.
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The following can cause ocular eye pain that originates from the surface of the eye:
Foreign object: The most common cause of eye pain is simply having something in the eye. Whether it's an eyelash, a piece of dirt, or makeup, having a foreign object in your eye can cause irritation, redness, watery eyes, and pain.
Conjunctivitis: The conjunctiva is the tissue that lines the front of the eye and the lower part of the eyelid. It can become infected and inflamed. This is often caused by an allergy or an infection.
Contact lens irritation: People who wear contact lenses overnight or do not disinfect them properly are more susceptible to eye pain caused by irritation or infection.
Corneal abrasion: The cornea, the transparent surface that covers the eye, is susceptible to injury. When you have a corneal abrasion, it will feel like you have something in your eye.
Injury: Chemical burns and sudden burns to the eyes can cause significant pain. These burns are usually the result of exposure to irritants such as bleach or overly intense light sources, such as the sun, tanning booths, or materials used in arc welding.
Blepharitis: When the sebaceous glands at the edge of the eyelid become irritated or inflamed, blepharitis occurs.
Sty: A Blepharitis infection can create a lump or bump on the eyelid. This is called a stye or chalazion. A style can be very painful, and the area around the style is usually very tender to the touch. A chalazion is usually not painful.
Orbital Eye pain
The following conditions will cause eye pain felt inside the eye itself:
Glaucoma: This condition occurs when intraocular pressure or pressure inside the eye increases. Nausea, headache, and loss of vision include additional symptoms caused by glaucoma. A sudden increase in pressure, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, is an emergency and immediate treatment needed to prevent permanent vision loss.
Optic neuritis: You may experience eye pain accompanied by loss of vision if the nerve that connects the back of the eyeball to the brain, known as the optic nerve, becomes inflamed. An autoimmune disease or a bacterial or viral infection can cause inflammation.
Sinusitis: Sinusitis A sinus infection can cause pressure to build up behind the eyes. Doing so can cause pain in one or both eyes.
Migraines: A common side effect of migraine attacks is eye pain.
Injury: Penetrating eye injuries, which can occur when a person is struck with an object or is involved in an accident, can cause significant eye pain.
Iritis: Although rare, inflammation in the iris can cause pain inside the eye.
What are the causes of Eye Pain?
Prolonged periods of reading, using a computer, or focusing on screens without taking breaks can result in eye strain and discomfort.
Inadequate tear production or poor tear quality can lead to dry eyes, causing irritation and discomfort.
Irritation and pain can occur when there are particles or debris in the eye until they are removed.
Pain, redness, and discharge can be symptoms of bacterial, viral, or fungal infections in the eye or its surrounding structures.
Exposure to allergens can trigger allergic reactions in the eyes, resulting in itching, redness, and discomfort.
Scratches or injuries to the cornea, which is the clear outer layer of the eye, can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Increased pressure within the eye can lead to glaucoma, a condition that causes eye pain, changes in vision, and potential vision loss if not treated.
Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause referred pain to the eyes, leading to discomfort.
Some individuals may experience eye pain or discomfort as part of a migraine headache.
Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause eye pain, changes in vision, and other symptoms.
What is the treatment for eye pain?
Consultation with an Eye Care Professional:
It is highly recommended to seek professional assistance in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment recommendations.
Medications:
Eye drops, ointments, or oral medications will be prescribed based on the underlying cause of eye pain.
Warm Compresses:
Using warm compresses can help soothe discomfort and improve circulation, particularly for conditions such as dry eyes or eyelid inflammation.
Rest:
Taking regular breaks from screens and periodically focusing on distant objects can alleviate eye strain.
Protective Eyewear:
Wearing protective eyewear is crucial to prevent further damage and promote healing in cases of injuries or exposure to harmful substances.
Treatment for Specific Causes:
Conjunctivitis: Antibacterial or antihistamine eye drops will be prescribed.
Foreign body in the eye: Various extraction methods will be employed, followed by treatment for any resulting abrasions.
Blepharitis: Lid massage with mild shampoo will be recommended to remove excess oil.
Sinusitis: Antibiotics will be prescribed for bacterial infections.
Migraines: Over-the-counter or prescription migraine medications will be suggested.
Corneal abrasions: Self-healing can be facilitated with antibiotic ointment or drops.
Glaucoma: Eye drops, pills, or surgery may be necessary depending on the severity.
Infected cornea: Antiviral or antibacterial eye drops will be prescribed.
Iritis: Treatment options may include steroids, antibiotics, or antiviral eye drops.
Optic neuritis: Corticosteroid treatment will be recommended.
Styes: Warm compresses should be applied for a few days to alleviate symptoms.
Eye Pain Diagnosis
Diagnosing eye conditions requires a medical history and an eye exam. For more serious diagnoses, Imaging and blood testing may be needed for more severe diagnoses. Ophthalmologists use several instruments to diagnose eye pain:
A slit lamp exam uses bright light to look at all the structures in your eye.
Dilating drops expand your pupil to allow the doctor to see deep into your eye.
A tonometer is a tool that measures eye pressure, the doctor uses it to diagnose glaucoma.
Images
Imaging examinations are advised to verify the diagnosis of eye discomfort.
Suspected orbital cellulitis may require the use of computed tomography (CT) scans.
In cases of new diagnoses of anterior uveitis or scleritis, imaging tests may be requested to explore potential underlying systemic diseases.
Blood test
Blood tests are not commonly used for diagnosing eye pain unless there is suspicion of a systemic disease. However, in cases of orbital cellulitis, exceptions may be made.
These exceptions include blood cultures to identify infectious organisms, as well as a full blood count (CBC) which offers detailed information on blood cell counts and any abnormalities.
Eye Pain Preventive Measures
Implement proper screen habits: Restrict screen time, take regular breaks, and adjust screen brightness.
Ensure appropriate lighting: Make sure there is sufficient lighting and minimize any glare.
Adhere to the 20-20-20 rule: Take breaks every 20 minutes to focus on objects in the distance.
Stay hydrated: Drink an ample amount of water to prevent dry eye symptoms.
Wear protective sunglasses: Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Maintain a balanced diet: Incorporate nutrients that promote eye health, such as omega-3s and antioxidants.
Schedule regular eye exams: Arrange routine check-ups to detect and address any issues at an early stage.
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Opt for glasses: Allow your corneas to recover by reducing the frequency of wearing contact lenses.
Apply the warm compress: Use warm, moist towels to alleviate symptoms of blepharitis or stye.
Address redness: Flush your eyes with water or a saline solution to alleviate irritation caused by irritants.
Administer antibiotics: Treat infections that cause pain, such as conjunctivitis or corneal abrasions.
Use antihistamines: Relieve eye allergy pain through the use of drops or oral medications.
Utilize eye drops: Medicated drops can help reduce eye pressure in cases of glaucoma.
Prescribe corticosteroids: These medications are recommended for severe infections like optic neuritis or iritis.
Provide pain medication: Alleviate severe pain until the underlying condition is properly treated.
When to See a Doctor?
Severe or persistent eye pain may indicate an underlying medical condition, such as uveitis, scleritis, or angle-closure glaucoma. If you experience vision loss besides eye pain, this may be a sign of an emergency. Other signs that require medical attention right away:
Severe eye pain
Eye pain that doesn't go away after a few hours
Visual disturbances, such as blurred vision or dark spots
It usually lasts two to five days. Sometimes, a stye can last a week or more.
When is eye pain severe?
It is unusually severe or is accompanied by a headache, fever, or unusual sensitivity to
light. Your vision changes suddenly. You also experience nausea or vomiting.
When I look up with my eyes, does my head hurt?
When your eyes hurt when moving, it's most likely because of eyestrain. It could also be
because of a sinus infection or injury. Common causes of eyes that hurt when moving include eye strain.
What is the cause of eye pain?
Eye pain can stem from various reasons including eye strain, dry eyes, infections,
allergies, or more serious conditions like glaucoma or corneal abrasions.
How can I relieve eye pain?
Apply a warm compress for 10-15 minutes several times a day to soothe eye strain and promote
circulation, aiding in the removal of waste products.
How does drinking water relieve eye pain?
Proper hydration maintains tear production, which lubricates and soothes the eyes.
Are there any home remedies for relieving eye pain?
Applying a cold compress can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. Additionally,
practicing good eye hygiene and avoiding eye strain can help prevent discomfort.
