Eye Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

November 29, 2024 contact lenses Uncategorized 0

Table of Contents

What is Eye Pain?

Eye pain can be described as any type of physical discomfort in relation to the eye, whether it’s felt deep within or strictly on the eye’s surface. The severity of the discomfort can range from a slight, bothersome irritation to a more extreme, disruptive pain.

What Causes Eye Pain?

There are many causes of eye pain, ranging from those that are very common to some that are quite rare. Improper contact lens wear, environmental factors and getting something in the eye are among the more standard reasons for patients to see an eye care professional due to eye pain. More unique causes can include glaucoma, retinal migraines or keratitis, just to name a few.

Common Causes of Eye Pain

Common reasons for eye pain can include:

Dry Eyes – This condition is not uncommon and normally occurs when you aren’t producing enough tears or your tears are poor quality. Without adequate tear production, your eyes won’t maintain the proper amount of lubrication or moisture. These factors can lead to inflammation, irritation and even swelling.
Improper Fit or Use of Contact Lenses – Overwearing contact lenses can be a huge component in eye pain. Overwearing includes not replacing your contacts on the appropriate schedule or wearing them longer than instructed by your eye care professional (for instance, sleeping in them overnight). Lenses that don’t fit properly, have rips, or are dirty can also cause serious pain.
Allergies – Your eyes can be affected by allergies just as other parts of the body. Environmental factors like pollen, ragweed and even excessive wind can cause varying degrees of pain or discomfort. Even dust, animal dander or certain foods can prompt an ocular reaction.
Inflammation/Infection – There are a couple of very common infections that can result in unpleasant eye sensations. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can wreak havoc as well as being contagious. Blepharitis occurs when your eyelids become inflamed and this inflammation can result in bothersome irritation.
Corneal Abrasions – A scratch on the cornea is known as a corneal abrasion and it is normally extremely painful. Abrasions are usually the consequence of an accidental poke or scratch in the eye. Left untreated, abrasions can have detrimental effects to your vision and ocular health.
Foreign Bodies – Any foreign object that gets lodged in the eye is referred to as a foreign body. These can occur in several ways, including working around debris without proper safety glasses, being outside in windy or dusty conditions or even having loose hair and eyelashes falling into the eye.
Eye Diseases – Certain diseases can cause tremendous discomfort and distress. Glaucoma, keratitis, uveitis, iritis and optic neuritis are all serious medical conditions that have accompanying aches and pains. They can also result in increased eye pressure and vision loss.

Symptoms Associated With Eye Pain

Pain in one or both eyes is often associated with other symptoms. These symptoms can include but aren’t limited to:

Vision changes. Worsening vision including blurred vision and seeing double are often the first signs of a serious problem. These symptoms can be followed by severe eye pain or various eye problems.
Sensitivity to Light. It is not uncommon for severe pain and light sensitivity to go hand in hand. A simple bright light can cause you to experience eye pain. You may also notice disruptive halos around sources of light.
Headache. Aching, burning and pressure inside the eye can certainly lead to headaches. Excruciating or shooting pain should always receive immediate medical attention.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Pain?

When it comes to seeking medical attention for eye pain, you should always err on the side of caution. While some of the most common causes are not emergent, only a doctor can provide a true diagnosis of the condition. A sudden onset of intense pain accompanied by blind spots warrants an immediate trip to your eye care professional or emergency room. This is also true if the pain is felt in combination with serious nausea or vomiting.

Eye pain can often signal serious vision conditions. For example, while checking for glaucoma is a routine part of a comprehensive eye exam, intense pressure, and pain felt in the inner part of the eye can be warning signs of the condition that should be addressed sooner rather than later. Glaucoma creates damage to the optic nerve and eventually results in irreversible vision loss.

Mayoclinic.org also recommends that you seek emergency medical attention when pain is the result of chemicals splashed in the eyes, a foreign body or there is new discharge or bleeding. Other conditions such as erratic eye movement or the inability to open or move even only one eye should be evaluated as soon as possible.

Diagnosing Eye Pain – What to Expect?

It is completely natural to feel nervous before seeing your eye care professional concerning your ocular distress. However, there are certain things that you can expect during your evaluation. Being aware of these things can make you feel less anxious and more receptive to treatment.

Your doctor will go through your medical history and then ask specific questions related to your pain. He or she will ask when the pain began, were there any injuries to the eye, have you experienced any vision changes, how severe are the symptoms, and so on.

Once those details are gathered, you will complete a comprehensive eye exam. The exam will consist of a series of tests that will help diagnose the cause of your condition. Your pupils may also be dilated which allows the provider to check behind the eye for other relevant issues.

Treatment Options for Eye Pain

The treatment options available will depend on the diagnosis and root cause of the pain. Your doctor will discuss the options, potential side effects as well as prognosis at the end of your eye exam. The Cleveland Clinic states on its website that the options could include oral medications to reduce pain, antiviral or antibiotic drops, and even over-the-counter artificial tears.

Home Remedies for Mild Eye Pain

There are several things that you can do to help relieve pain and pressure at home for mild eye pain. Taking a break from watching television and staring at screens can give your eyes periods of much-needed rest. In that same regard, dimming indoor lighting can relax your eyes and eliminate sensitivity.

Additionally, compresses work well to alleviate symptoms. Remember to use cold compresses for infections like pink eye and blepharitis while warm compresses should be used to calm down a stye or open a blocked tear duct.

A healthy diet rich in fiber, vitamins, and protein is beneficial to those suffering from dry eyes. Also, a humidifier can provide additional moisture and relief. Your eye care professional may also recommend a Bruder Mask. These can be purchased over the counter and provide heat and moisture therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Eye Pain

When should I seek immediate medical attention for eye pain?

If the pain is a direct result of a penetrating injury to the eye, you experience sudden vision changes or have nausea, severe headache, or vomiting, you should get urgent medical care.

I feel like I have something in my eye and it’s painful. What can I do?

If you believe you have something in your eye, you can try rinsing them out. This is best done with artificial tears that can be picked up over the counter or with clean water. You should never rub your eye to eliminate the irritation. If you have a foreign body, rubbing it back and forth could scratch your cornea or cause an abrasion.

Is it okay to wear contact lenses if I am experiencing mild eye pain?

You should always discontinue contact lens wear until you have been evaluated and cleared by an eye care professional. Continuing to wear contacts can intensify or prolong symptoms.