Causes of Eye Pain
Eye pain can feel alarming because the eyes are extremely sensitive organs. The sensation may be sharp, dull, burning, or throbbing, depending on the cause. While some cases are minor—such as irritation from dryness or strain—others point to serious eye problems like glaucoma, keratitis, or optic neuritis.
Pain may also result from sinus pressure or migraines that affect nerves near the eyes. Identifying the cause of eye pain is crucial, since treatment ranges from simple over-the-counter remedies to urgent medical care to prevent permanent vision loss.
Definition of Symptom
Eye pain, also known as ophthalmalgia, describes any uncomfortable sensation in or around the eye. It may be mild and temporary, or severe and ongoing. People often describe eye pain in different ways: burning, gritty, sharp, stinging, or throbbing. Doctors generally classify eye pain as either:
Ocular (Surface) Pain: Arising from problems in the cornea, conjunctiva, or outer layers, such as scratches, infections, or dry eye.
Orbital (Deep) Pain: Originating inside or behind the eye, often due to glaucoma, inflammation, or nerve conditions.
The pain may appear alone or alongside other symptoms like redness, tearing, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. In more severe cases, eye pain may occur with headache, nausea, or sudden vision loss, which typically requires urgent care.
Possible Causes/Eye Pain Causes Condition
There are many potential causes of eye pain, ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions.
Corneal Abrasion: A small scratch on the cornea causes sharp pain, tearing, and light sensitivity.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): An infection or irritation of the conjunctiva leads to redness, discharge, and discomfort.
Keratitis: Inflammation or infection of the cornea results in blurred vision and pain.
Uveitis/Iritis: Autoimmune or infectious causes trigger redness, deep aching pain, and sensitivity to light.
Glaucoma: Especially angle-closure glaucoma, which causes sudden, severe pain with nausea, vomiting, and vision changes.
Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve produces pain with eye movement and vision loss.
Styes/Blepharitis: Swelling or infection of the eyelid causes localized pain and tenderness.
Sinus Infection or Migraine: Creates throbbing pain or pressure felt behind the eye.
| Condition | Common Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Corneal abrasion | Sharp pain, tearing, light sensitivity |
| Conjunctivitis | Redness, itching, discharge |
| Keratitis | Pain, blurred vision |
| Glaucoma | Severe pain, nausea, blurred vision |
| Optic neuritis | Pain with eye movement, vision loss |
| Stye | Localized eyelid swelling, tenderness |
Other Non-Disease Causes
Eye pain can also arise from everyday habits or environmental triggers. Dry eyes are one of the most common non-disease causes. Extended screen time reduces blinking, leaving the eye surface unprotected and dry.
Contact lenses, if worn too long or without proper cleaning, may irritate or scratch the eye. Environmental irritants such as smoke, dust, or wind also contribute to discomfort. Wearing the wrong glasses prescription can strain the eyes and cause aching pain.
| Cause | Example Trigger |
|---|---|
| Dry eyes | Long screen time |
| Contact lenses | Overuse, poor care |
| Environmental dust | Smoke, wind |
| Glasses issues | Wrong prescription |
How It Causes the Symptom
The eye contains many sensitive structures, so irritation, injury, or inflammation in any of them can cause pain. For instance, corneal scratches expose sensitive nerve endings, creating sharp pain and light sensitivity. Inflammation of the conjunctiva or cornea leads to redness, burning, and a gritty feeling.
When intraocular pressure rises in glaucoma, it creates deep, throbbing orbital pain often accompanied by vision changes and nausea. Optic neuritis, on the other hand, causes aching pain that worsens with eye movement. Migraines or sinus pressure can irritate surrounding nerves, producing shooting or throbbing pain behind the eyes.
Possible Complications
If left untreated, some causes of eye pain may lead to lasting damage. Severe infections like keratitis or untreated glaucoma may cause permanent vision loss. Corneal ulcers can scar the surface of the eye, reducing vision. Chronic irritation from dry eyes or strain may not cause blindness but can reduce quality of life by making everyday tasks more difficult.
| Complication | Signs or Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Vision loss | Partial or complete blindness |
| Corneal scarring | Lasting blurred or reduced vision |
| Chronic infection | Ongoing swelling, discomfort |
| Infection spread | Rare, but can extend to surrounding areas |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Eye pain is not always serious, but it can sometimes indicate that an underlying condition is progressing. Because infections and pressure-related problems can worsen quickly, it is important not to ignore early warning signs. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if you have:
Redness and irritation that do not improve with home remedies
Eye pain that returns frequently or gradually worsens
Blurred or cloudy vision with sensitivity to light
Discomfort linked with contact lens wear or poor vision correction
Pain accompanied by sinus pressure, headache, or migraines
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
A sudden decrease in vision or complete vision loss
Intense eye pain with nausea or vomiting, which may suggest angle-closure glaucoma
Eye pain following trauma, scratches, or chemical exposure
Swelling, discharge, or fever indicating a spreading infection
Eye pain that begins suddenly after recent surgery
If eye pain requires evaluation, doctors may perform visual acuity tests, corneal staining, eye pressure checks, or advanced imaging to confirm the cause.
Treatment varies by condition: antibiotic or antiviral drops for infections, artificial tears for dry eyes, anti-inflammatory medication for autoimmune causes, or emergency procedures for glaucoma. Addressing symptoms early reduces the risk of complications such as scarring or permanent vision loss.
