Investigating effective causes of pain in the eyes
Eye pain can cause significant discomfort in the eye, behind the eye, or around the eye. This pain can occur in the right or left eye, and sometimes both eyes may be affected simultaneously. There is no evidence to suggest that the right eye is more prone to these problems than the left eye, or vice versa. In some cases, issues such as eye injuries are a clear source of pain, but at times, it can be difficult to understand the cause of this pain.
SeverityEye paindoes not always indicate the seriousness of an underlying condition or discomfort. In other words, there may be problems in a person’s eye that are causing this pain. Issues like corneal ulcers can create severe pain, but as mentioned earlier in the health section.SelMagzWe mentioned serious conditions likecataracts, macular degeneration, and also glaucoma, retinal detachment, or diabetic eye disease that in some cases may not cause any pain. Eye pain creates various feelings and symptoms in a person; an ophthalmologist can use these symptoms to diagnose problems and prescribe medication.
Symptoms of eye pain
SymptomsEye painincludes the following:
- A sensation as if something is inside the eye
- Burning sensation in the eyes
- Severe pain
- Eye pain often accompanies blurred vision, redness, and sensitivity to light
Causes of eye pain in its different parts
In this section of health on SelMagz, at your request, we introduce common causes of eye pain that affect the surface of the eye:
Pain and burning in the outer layer of the cornea
It is no surprise that the outer layer of the cornea can create a burning sensation inside the eye. This sensitivity may arise from tiny particles such as sand, small stones, or dust entering the eye. This discomfort can vary from mild to severe and will cause significant pain when blinking.
Blurred vision and sensitivity to light are also common issues. Most of these patients should be cared for by an ophthalmologist because metal lodged in their cornea can cause a serious infection in their eyes. Usually, an ophthalmologist can easily improve this condition in the office. Antibacterial eye drops can effectively prevent infection and improve the cornea.
The cause of pain behind the eye
Common causes of pain behind the eye can include migraine headaches and sinus infections.Migrainescan cause pain behind one eye, potentially affecting that side of the head as well. Pain behind the eye due to a sinus infection usually has a lower intensity than migraine pain and may involve both eyes. Typically, these pains are not emergencies, but if they become severe, it is imperative to see a doctor.
The cause of pain around the eye
One of the most common reasons for pain around the eye is a stye on the eyelid.A styedoes not require urgent medical attention but can be easily treated by applying a warm compress to the eyelid several times a day.
Blepharitisis another common cause of eyelid swelling and discomfort around the eye. Computer vision syndrome is also another cause of pain around the eye that does not require emergency care, but can easily be improved with some simple steps.
A less common but more serious eye pain condition is called optic neuritis, which can lead to permanent vision loss. Its symptoms usually focus on reduced vision in color recognition and pain around the eye that worsens with eye movement. Such a condition requires urgent attention from an ophthalmologist and neurologist. Multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions are the most common causes of optic neuritis in people under 40.
The cause of pain and itching in the corner of the eye
In some cases, itching may occur in the inner corners of the eye near the tear duct or in the outer corners of the eye. The causes of pain and itching in the corner of the eye include:
Dry eyeswhich become more common with age, as the glands near the eye produce less tear.
Allergies, which cause an inflammatory reaction in the body, can affect not just the corners of the eyes but also the eyelids.
Pink eye, which can lead to allergic infection and is accompanied by itching around the tear ducts.
Sometimes itching results from dust, sand, or falling eyelashes in your eyes, which block the tear ducts and causeitchy eyes.
Improper care of contact lenses can lead to dry and itchy eyes.
Pain related to corneal injury
Corneal scratches or wounds are usually not serious but can cause discomfort and sensitivity to light andtearing.Most of these corneal scratches improve after 24 hours, but deeper scratches may lead to infection or more severe wounds. Because it cannot be determined whether the pain is from a minor scratch or not, a deep wound must be examined by a doctor to quickly diagnose any discomfort and identify various underlying conditions and diseases.
Pain in the cornea due to dry eyes
Another common cause of eye discomfort is dry eyes. Dry eyes usually begin gradually and slowly create pain in the cornea. Sometimes dry eyes can lead to corneal scratches as the eye does not produce enough tears to maintain moisture and lubrication in this area. If you are using eye drops for lubrication, your condition may improve. In most cases, dry eyes do not require specific treatment, but the doctor can perform tests to assess the severity of dryness and prescribe effective treatment for you.
Other reasons for eye pain
Some less common causes of eye pain include:
- Pink eye
- Eye infection
- Iritis
- DiscomfortContact lens complications
A very serious cause of eye pain is a condition called endophthalmitis, which is an inflammation inside the eye. Typically, it arises from a bacterial infection following eye injury and may occur after cataract surgery or any eye surgery. This situation, in addition to redness and swelling of the eyelids and decreased vision, can cause severe pain. If you experience this condition after cataract surgery or other eye surgeries, seek medical attention promptly.
What is the proper treatment for eye pain after an injury?
The proper treatment is to see a doctor for an examination. Only a specialist can understand the underlying cause and prescribe the right treatment to prevent further injury. If you have any of the following conditions along with eye pain, make sure to consult a specialist:
- Pain that occurs after encountering or jumping metal or wood, or any activities that may cause corneal damage; especially when safety glasses were not used.
- Pain due to eye injury.
- Severe pain accompanied by blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
- Recent surgery, such as LASIK or cataract surgery.
- Redness and eye discharge.
- Sudden and severe eye pain, with a history of glaucoma, indicating an acute attack in the eye which severely reduces vision afterward.
