When talking about body pain, many people tend to think of the most common trouble spots in the back, shoulders, arms, and knees. However, what others don't realize is that pain can span a seemingly limitless range and can affect virtually any part of the human body, such as the eyes, which can experience bouts of pain that are as disconcerting as they are intense. The solution to treating eye pain is often the same as for pain elsewhere in the body, by determining and attacking the underlying culprit.
What is Causing My Eyes To Pain?
Here are some common eye problems that can cause eye pain:
- Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an eye infection that leads to inflammation of the conjunctiva. Symptoms include bloodshot eyes, discharge, itching, burning eyes, and a feeling that you need to rub your eyes.
- Blepharitis is an infection or bumps on the eyelid that is often irritating and is a common cause of dry eye symptoms.
- Corneal infection (keratitis) is a bacterial or viral infection that can cause the cornea to become infected or inflamed. Poor bumps on the eyelid hygiene of contact lenses are a common cause of corneal infections.
- When a foreign object gets stuck in your eye, even a speck of dirt, it can irritate your eye. Rinsing the item will usually provide relief in a short time.
- Dry eye pain usually begins more gradually than a scratch on the cornea or a foreign object and often causes stinging or burning of the eyes. Lubricating eye drops are usually enough to restore comfort.
- Eye pain due to a sinus infection is usually milder than the pain of a migraine.
- A stye is a swollen spot on the edge of the eyelid which can give you eye pain, however, it goes away after a few days, especially if you apply warm compresses to the eyelid several times a day.
- Eye pain due to optic neuropathy is usually serious and requires immediate medical attention. If left untreated, permanent vision loss can occur.
What is a “Headache Behind the Eyes”?
A headache behind the eyes can present with other symptoms. They can be a sign of a cluster headache, tension headache, or even recurring sinus headaches which radiate to the eyes causing pain, especially if you have allergies or sinus problems. If you feel stress or tension, you may have a headache. Some can go away with an over-the-counter pain reliever, but others, like migraines, can become too intense for you to continue working or enjoying your time. Frequent problems like these may indicate a more serious condition, so check with your doctor.
How is Eye Pain Treated?
Treatment of eyesores depends on the cause of the pain. The most common treatments include:
- Give rest to your eyes. Staring at a computer screen or TV can cause eye strain.
- If you wear contact lenses often, give your corneas time to heal by wearing glasses.
- People with blepharitis or a stye should apply warm, moist towels to their eyes. This will help clear out the clogged oil gland or hair follicle.
- If you get a foreign body or chemical in your eye, flush it with water or a saline solution to remove the irritant.
- Antibacterial drops and oral antibiotics can be used to treat painful eye infections, including conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions.
- Eye drops and oral medications can help relieve pain associated with eye allergies.
- People with glaucoma can use medicated eye drops to reduce the pressure that builds up in the eyes.
- Surgery is sometimes needed to repair damage caused by a foreign body or burn. However, this is rare.
But when it comes to eye pain, don't take any chance! See an eye doctor as soon as possible to determine the exact cause of the pain and get the right treatment on time.
