Eye pain is a common complaint that can be felt in varying degrees of intensity, from mild stinging to deep pressure. It can have many causes, ranging from superficial factors such as foreign body, dryness and conjunctivitis to serious diseases such as glaucoma crisis and optic neuritis.
What Causes Eye Pain?
- Foreign body: When dust, eyelashes or metal shavings rub against the cornea, it causes stinging and watering.
- Dry eye: Insufficiency of the tear film sensitizes the corneal nerves, causing burning and redness.
- Conjunctivitis: Allergic, viral or bacterial infections irritate the inner surface of the lid
- Stye: Inflammation of the sebaceous glands at the base of the eyelashes causing localized swelling and throbbing
- Sinusitis: Inflammation, especially of the ethmoid sinuses, may be reflected in the form of pressure and pain behind the eyes.
Causes of Serious Eye Pain
- Acute glaucoma attack: Sudden increase in intraocular pressure causes severe pain, redness and nausea; requires urgent intervention
- Uveitis: Inflammation of the tissues inside the eye, causing stinging and blurry vision when looking at light
- Optic neuritis: Sharp pain that increases with eye movement and loss of central vision when the optic nerve becomes inflamed
- Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera layer that forms the white of the eye, causing deep and constant pain.
Eye Pain Treatment
For superficial causes, artificial tears, antihistamine drops and short-term antibiotic ointments are sufficient. In cases of uveitis, scleritis or acute glaucoma crisis affecting the deep layers, topical corticosteroid drops, drugs that lower intraocular pressure and, if necessary, laser iridotomy can be applied.
When Is Emergency Response Required?
- Sudden severe eye pain (especially with nausea and vomiting)
- If accompanied by vision loss or blurred vision
- Unbearable sensitivity when looking at light
- Post-traumatic pain
Frequently Asked Questions
What can be done at home for eye pain?
If you suspect an object has gotten into your eye, do not rub it, wash it with plenty of sterile solution. If stinging is due to dryness, use preservative-free artificial tears. In case of severe pain, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Should wearing contact lenses be stopped in case of eye pain?
Yes. Wearing lenses while the cornea is healing can increase surface irritation and increase the risk of infection. Do not wear contact lenses without your doctor's approval.
Does migraine cause eye pain?
During a migraine attack, throbbing pain and sensitivity to light may develop around the eyes. Examination is recommended to rule out any additional problems in the eye structures.
