What causes eye pain and when should you consult a doctor?

Eye pain or ophthalmalgia is a common pain that rarely is a symptom of any severe condition. The pain can be on the surface or within the eye. If the eye pain is on the surface, it is called ocular pain; if the pain is within the eye, it is called orbital pain.

The sore eye symptoms, including scratching, burning, or itching, indicate that eye pain is on the surface. While sore eyes symptoms, including experiencing aching, gritty, stabbing, or throbbing, indicate that eye pain is within the eye.

Generally, eye pain on the surface can be resolved by just putting in eye drops. While the pain within the eye can be severe and may lead to loss of vision if left untreated. Therefore you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist if your eye pain is accompanied by the following:

• Fever
• Headache
• Unusual sensitivity to light
• A dramatic change in your vision
• Nausea or vomiting
• Entry of any foreign object or chemical splashed in your eye
• Swelling in or around your eyes
• Trouble moving or opening your eyes
• Blood or pus oozing out from your eyes

What causes eye pain?

The common causes are as follows:

1) Foreign object

Any foreign object intruding into your eyes, including eyelashes, a piece of dirt, or makeup, can cause irritation, redness, watery eyes, and pain.

2) Conjunctivitis

Conjunctiva is the thin and clear outermost layer of the eye. Any allergic reaction or infection can inflame and cause itchiness in the eyes. This condition is termed conjunctivitis or pink eye.

3) Contact lens

If the contact lenses you are wearing are not cleaned appropriately in the solution or if you frequently leave contact lenses in your eyes overnight. It can also be a sore eye cause.

4) Corneal abrasion

The cornea is the transparent covering of the iris and pupil, which is susceptible to injuries. Corneal abrasion makes you feel like you have something irritating in your eyes.

5) Injury

Accidental chemical splashes of bleach or any other toxic chemical at the workplace can also be significant eye pain reasons on the outer surface.

6) Blepharitis 

It is the inflammation of the oil glands of the inner eyelid. This can also cause eye pain.

7) Stye

Stye is the raised bump on the eyelid due to blepharitis infection. The area around the eye becomes very tender and sensitive to touch. So it can be excruciating if left undiagnosed.

8) Glaucoma

This condition occurs due to high pressure inside the eyes. The nerves connecting to the brain may get damaged and cause nausea, headache, and blindness.

9) Optic neuritis

It is the optic nerve inflammation that an autoimmune disease or a bacterial or viral infection may cause. Optic neuritis is one of the major causes of eye pressure pain that may even lead to vision loss.

10) Sinusitis

Sinusitis is a nasal condition in which the cavities around the nasal passage get inflamed. Sinusitis, if left untreated, can cause pressure behind the eyes that can create pain in one or both eyes.

11) Migraines

Migraine attacks can also be severe eye pain reason.

12) Iritis

The inflammation of the iris can also cause pain deep inside the eye.

How is eye pain treated?

The treatment for it depends on the reason for the pain. The most common treatments are as follows:

1) Antibiotics

Your doctor will most likely prescribe you antibiotic ointment or drops to treat the pain due to corneal abrasion, iritis, and conjunctivitis.  

2) Antihistamines

Antihistamines can relieve eye pain associated with allergies through eye drops, oral medicine, or syrup.

3) Eyedrops

Eye drops can help relieve the pressure building in the eyes during glaucoma.

4) Pain medicines

The medicine for it is prescribed according to the symptoms, severity, and cause of the eye pain.

5) Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are given to treat eye inflammation due to Iritis and optic neuritis.

6) Glasses

Reading or power glasses can give your eyes a break and time to heal after the regular use of contact lenses.

7) Flushing

Washing your eyes with water or saline water after the invasion of any foreign substance or chemical is the best treatment for a sore eye.

8) Surgery

Surgery is the last line of treatment for the eyes if eye drops or medicines do not repair the damage to the eyes. Mostly, surgery is recommended for patients with glaucoma. 

The combination of medications and surgery can help prevent glaucoma from worsening. Laser surgery is done to improve fluid drainage from the eye.

9) Home care

Excessive screen time can cause strain in your eyes. The best way to avoid and treat eye strain is to allow your eyes to rest and keep your eyes covered for a day or more.

Another eye pain treatment at home includes warm compressors. It can help patients with blepharitis or a stye to clear the clogged oil gland or hair follicle and speed the healing process. To give warm compression to your eyes, soak a small towel in hot water, squeeze excess water, fold the towel and gently compress it against your eyes for 5-10 mins.

Besides, keeping your eyes clean, washing your hands before touching your face, avoiding allergic products, and cleaning your contact lenses after every use can help prevent eye pain. To avoid eye pain, you must also put on eyewear as a preventive measure when working with eye irritants, such as chemicals and aerosols.

Read more- Ways to Improve your eyesight to get better vision

Conclusion

Eye pain is often a minor problem and will often go away with rest, splashing your eyes with water, and putting on eye drops. However, if it is severe and accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, light sensitivity, swelling around the eyes, or trouble opening your eyes, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist to get the treatment started.

Disclaimer: The information given in this article is true to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your ophthalmologist before taking any eye medication mentioned in this article.

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