Symptoms of Eye Pain: Causes and Treatments

Types of Eye Pain

Ocular Eye Pain

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, like 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 it is usually 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 the intraocular pressure, or pressure inside the eye, increases. Nausea, headache, and loss of vision are additional symptoms caused by glaucoma. A sudden increase in pressure, called acute angle-closure glaucoma, is an emergency, and immediate treatment is 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, a bacterial infection, or a viral infection can cause inflammation.
• 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.

These Conditions associated with eye pain include both surface (ocular) and deep (orbital) causes, such as conjunctivitis, corneal abrasions, glaucoma, optic neuritis, and sinusitis. Identifying the specific type and source of the pain is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What are the causes of Eye Pain?

• Prolonged screen time without breaks can cause eye strain, leading to discomfort and blurred vision.
• Insufficient or poor-quality tears can result in dry eyes, causing irritation and a gritty sensation.
• Particles like dust or eyelashes in the eye can cause pain, redness, and watering until removed.
• Eye infections from bacteria, viruses, or fungi can lead to redness, pain, swelling, and discharge.
• Allergens such as pollen or smoke may cause itchy, red, watery, and mildly painful eyes.
• Scratches or injuries to the cornea often lead to sharp pain, tearing, and sensitivity to light.
• Increased eye pressure from glaucoma can cause pain, vision changes, and possible vision loss.
• Sinus infections can create pressure behind the eyes, resulting in dull or aching eye pain.
• Migraines may include eye pain, light sensitivity, and visual disturbances.
• Inflammation of the optic nerve can cause deep eye pain, along with changes in vision or blurring.

What Are the Symptoms of Eye Pain?

Here are the common symptoms associated with eye pain:

• Sharp, stabbing, or dull aching sensation in one or both eyes
• Redness or inflammation around the eye
• Itching, burning, or a gritty feeling
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Light sensitivity (photophobia)
• Excessive tearing or watery eyes
• Dryness or a feeling of something in the eye
• Swelling around the eyelids or eye socket
• Headache or pain that radiates from the eye to nearby areas

If symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to seek medical attention to rule out serious conditions.

When to See a Doctor for Eye Pain?

• Seek medical help if eye pain is severe or doesn't improve after a few hours.
• Sudden vision loss along with eye pain could be a medical emergency.
• Blurred vision, dark spots, or other visual disturbances require prompt attention.
• Swelling around the eye or eyelid may signal a more serious issue.
• Nausea or vomiting along with eye pain can indicate high eye pressure and should be evaluated immediately.

Diagnosis and Tests of Eye Pain

• 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 helps examine all parts of the eye under magnification.
• Dilating eye drops allow the doctor to check the retina and optic nerve.
• A tonometer measures eye pressure, which is often used to detect glaucoma.

Imaging Tests

• A CT scan may be ordered if orbital cellulitis is suspected.
• An MRI is used to assess optic neuritis or inflammation behind the eye.
• Imaging might be advised in cases of scleritis or anterior uveitis to check for related systemic diseases.

Blood Tests

• Generally not routine, but may be used when an infection or systemic disease is suspected.
• CBC and blood cultures are used in suspected cases of orbital cellulitis to detect infection and inflammation.

What is the Treatment for Eye Pain?

• Always consult an eye care professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.
• Medications such as eye drops, ointments, or oral drugs may be prescribed based on the root cause.
• Regular breaks from screen use can help relieve eye strain.
• Protective eyewear should be used during activities that pose a risk of eye injury or exposure to chemicals.

Preventive Measures of Eye Pain

• Limit screen time and take short breaks to rest your eyes.
• Ensure proper lighting when reading or using digital devices.
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Stay well-hydrated to support tear production.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV rays.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A, C, and E.
• Schedule routine eye checkups to catch problems early.

Home Remedies for Eye Pain

• Switch from contact lenses to glasses temporarily to allow healing.
• Apply a warm compress to soothe eyelid inflammation or styes.
• Rinse eyes with water or saline to remove irritants and ease redness.
• Use antibiotics for infections like conjunctivitis if prescribed.
• Antihistamines can help manage eye pain caused by allergies.
• Use eye drops to lower eye pressure in glaucoma cases if advised by a doctor.
• Corticosteroids may be needed for inflammation-related conditions, such as optic neuritis or iritis.
• Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief can help manage symptoms until proper treatment begins.