Review of main causes of eye pain
Eye pain can cause significant discomfort in and around the eye, affecting either the right or left eye. Sometimes it can involve both eyes at the same time. There is no evidence that the right eye is more prone to these problems than the left, or vice versa. In some cases, injuries or visible issues are the cause, but often the reason for the pain is not easily identified.
SeverityEye painIt doesn’t always indicate a serious underlying condition. For example, problems like corneal ulcers cause severe pain, but some health issues from the health section of SelMagzSelMagzSerious conditions such as cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment, or diabetic eye disease may not always cause pain. Eye pain, discomfort, and symptoms can vary, and an eye doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment based on these signs.
Symptoms of eye pain
SymptomsEye painInclude the following:
- A sensation as if something is inside the eye
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Severe pain
- Frequent eye pain accompanied by blurred vision, redness, and sensitivity to light
Causes of eye pain in different parts of the eye
In this health and wellness section of SelMagz, at your request, we introduce common causes of eye pain that affect the surface of the eye:
Pain and burning on the outer surface of the cornea
It’s not surprising that the outer part of the cornea can cause a burning feeling inside the eye. This may be due to small objects like sand or tiny stones, dust, or debris entering the eye, creating sensitivity. This discomfort in the cornea can range from mild to severe and cause significant pain during blinking.
Blurred vision and light sensitivity are also common symptoms. Most affected individuals should be monitored by an eye doctor, especially if metal fragments are lodged in the cornea, as this can lead to serious infections. An eye doctor can usually easily treat these conditions. Antibiotic eye drops can prevent infection and help heal the cornea.
Cause of pain behind the eye
The common causes of pain behind the eye include migraines and sinus infections.MigrainesMigraine headaches can cause pain behind one eye and sometimes in the head area. Sinus infections can also cause pain behind the eye but usually are less intense than migraines and tend to involve both eyes. These pains are often not emergencies, but if they become severe, you should see a doctor immediately.
Cause of pain around the eye
One of the most common causes of outer eye pain is a stye on the eyelid.StyeIt does not require emergency medical care and can be easily treated with warm compresses applied to the eyelid several times per day.
Blepharitis is another common cause of eyelid swelling and discomfort around the eye. Computer vision syndrome is also another cause of pain around the eye, which does not require urgent care but can be alleviated with simple steps.
Less common but more serious is optic neuritis, which can cause permanent vision loss. Symptoms typically focus on decreased color vision and pain around the eye that worsens with eye movement. Such conditions require urgent consultation with an eye specialist and neurologist. MS and other neurological conditions are common causes of optic neuritis in people under 40.
Cause of itchiness and pain in the corners of the eye
Sometimes, itching in the corners of the inside of the eye near the tear duct or the outer corners can occur. Causes of pain and itching in the corners of the eye include:
Dry eyes, which become more common with age as the tear glands produce less oil.
Allergies, which trigger inflammatory reactions in the body affecting not only the corner of the eye but also the eyelids.
Pink eye, which leads to allergic infections and is accompanied by itching around the tear ducts.
Sometimes, itching is caused by dust, sand, or falling eyelashes blocking the tear duct, which leads to:Itching in the eyeand discomfort.
Contact lenses, if not properly cared for, can cause dryness and itching in the eyes.
Causes related to corneal injuries
Corneal scratches or wounds are usually not serious but cause discomfort, light sensitivity, and tearing.Most corneal abrasions improve within 24 hours, but deeper wounds can lead to infection or worse damage. Since it’s difficult to determine if the pain is from a minor scratch or something more serious, a deep wound should be examined by a doctor promptly to assess any discomfort and underlying conditions.Corneal pain caused by dryness
Another common reason for eye discomfort is dry eyes. Dryness usually develops gradually, causing pain in the cornea. Sometimes dry eyes can scratch the cornea because the eyes do not produce enough tears to keep the surface moist and slippery. Using eye drops for lubrication may help improve the condition. Usually,
Dry eyesrequire no special treatment, but a doctor can assess the severity and recommend effective treatment.Other causes of eye pain
Some less common causes of eye pain include the following:
Pink eye
- Eye infections
- Uveitis (inflammation of the iris)
- Eye lens discomfort
- Very serious causes of eye pain include intraocular infections like endophthalmitis, which is an internal eye inflammation usually caused by bacterial infection after injury or eye surgery. Symptoms include redness, eyelid swelling, vision loss, and severe pain. If you experience this after cataract or other eye surgeries, seek medical attention immediately.
Cataractsor other eye surgeriesAlways see a doctor promptly if you experience these symptoms.
Proper treatment for eye pain after an injury
The correct approach is to be examined by a doctor. Only a specialist can identify the exact cause and prescribe proper treatment to prevent further damage. If you experience any of the following symptoms along with eye pain, see a healthcare professional immediately:
- Pain resulting from trauma such as metal or wood particles, or activities causing corneal injury, especially if you were not wearing safety glasses.
- Eye pain caused by injury
- Severe pain with blurred vision and sensitivity to light
- Recent eye surgery, like LASIK or cataract surgery
- Redness and discharge from the eye
- Sudden and intense eye pain with a history of glaucoma, indicating an acute attack that severely reduces vision afterward
