Eye Pain
Eye pain is a symptom many people experience at least once in their lives. The sensation may range from mild irritation that goes away quickly to severe pain that requires urgent medical attention. Because the eyes are among the most sensitive organs in the body, even small irritants such as dryness, dust, or allergies can create noticeable discomfort.
At the same time, more serious problems such as infections, corneal injury, or conditions like glaucoma can also cause pain that threatens long-term vision. In some cases, eye pain is not caused by an eye disorder at all but may come from surrounding structures, such as the sinuses or nerves.
Recognizing the underlying cause of eye pain is essential, since treatment varies from simple eye drops to urgent surgical intervention. Severe, sudden, or persistent pain should never be ignored.
Definition of Symptom
Eye pain refers to any aching, burning, stinging, or throbbing sensation in or around the eyes. It can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and may affect just one eye or both. Some people describe pain only on the surface of the eye, while others feel discomfort deep inside or behind the eye. The exact type of pain often provides clues to the cause.
Symptoms that commonly appear alongside eye pain include tearing or watery eyes, blurred vision, discharge, and sensitivity to light. Some people experience pain only when moving their eyes or looking at bright light. Others describe a gritty or foreign-body sensation, as if something is stuck in the eye. Severe pain, especially when combined with vision changes, is often a red flag for a more serious condition.
| Symptom | Possible Description |
|---|---|
| Pain | Ache, sharp, stinging, or throbbing |
| Tearing | Watery eyes, often with irritation |
| Blurred vision | Trouble seeing clearly or loss of focus |
| Light sensitivity | Pain when exposed to bright light |
| Eye discharge | Mucus or pus caused by infection |
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Eye pain can be caused by conditions that affect the surface of the eye or deeper structures within it. Minor causes include conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, which inflames the thin layer covering the white part of the eye. This can result from viruses, bacteria, or allergies. Dry eye syndrome, another frequent cause, happens when the eyes do not make enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes irritated and painful.
Foreign objects such as sand, dust, or small particles may also cause sharp, sudden pain by scratching the cornea. More serious conditions, like keratitis (infection of the cornea), uveitis or iritis (inflammation inside the eye), or angle-closure glaucoma (sudden rise in eye pressure), can cause severe pain and require urgent attention. Problems with the optic nerve, such as optic neuritis, may cause pain along with vision changes. Even sinus infections and migraines can produce eye pain that is felt behind or around the eyes.
| Condition | Main Symptom | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conjunctivitis | Redness, irritation | Viral, bacterial, or allergic origin |
| Dry eye syndrome | Irritation, burning | Lack of tears or rapid evaporation |
| Corneal abrasion | Sharp, stabbing pain | Scratch on the cornea |
| Uveitis/Iritis | Redness, pain | Inflammation inside the eye |
| Angle-closure glaucoma | Severe pain, nausea | Medical emergency |
| Optic neuritis | Vision changes, pain | Inflammation of optic nerve |
Other Non-Disease Causes
Not all cases of eye pain are caused by illness. Everyday habits, environmental exposures, and lifestyle choices may also play a role. Contact lenses are one of the most common culprits. Wearing them too long, failing to clean them properly, or using damaged lenses can irritate the eye or even scratch its surface. Glasses that are the wrong prescription or broken may also cause eyestrain, leading to aching or sore eyes.
Excessive screen time, long hours of reading, or working in dry air can also create discomfort. These activities often reduce blinking, which dries out the eye’s surface and makes it more vulnerable to irritation. Allergies are another frequent factor, with pollen, dust, and pet dander causing itching, redness, and burning sensations.
| Cause | Example | Helpful Step |
|---|---|---|
| Contact lenses | Overuse, poor cleaning | Proper cleaning and rest |
| Glasses issues | Wrong prescription | Update or replace prescription |
| Eyestrain | Long screen time | Breaks, artificial tears |
| Allergies | Seasonal/environmental | Antihistamines, compresses |
How It Causes the Symptom
Different parts of the eye can produce different types of pain depending on where irritation, inflammation, or damage occurs. For example, scratches or infections on the cornea often produce sharp, stabbing pain with redness and tearing.
Inflammation of the sclera, the white part of the eye, may create dull aching pain and visible redness. The eyelids may be painful when affected by swelling, styes, or blepharitis. In deeper conditions like optic neuritis, inflammation of the optic nerve produces deep, aching pain that worsens with eye movement. If the conjunctiva is inflamed, as in conjunctivitis, it often causes burning, itching, and a gritty feeling.
Pain related to the iris typically creates light sensitivity and a deeper ache. Problems originating in surrounding structures, such as migraines or sinus infections, may create pressure or shooting pain behind the eye.
| Structure | Common Cause | Pain Type |
|---|---|---|
| Cornea | Scratch or infection | Sharp, stabbing |
| Sclera | Inflammation | Dull, aching |
| Eyelids | Stye, blepharitis | Localized tenderness, throbbing |
| Optic nerve | Neuritis | Deep, aching |
| Conjunctiva | Conjunctivitis | Burning, gritty |
| Iris | Iritis | Light-sensitive ache |
| Orbit/Nerves | Sinus, migraine | Shooting pain, pressure behind eye |
Possible Complications
Eye pain is not always harmless. If ignored, underlying causes may worsen and threaten vision. For example, untreated glaucoma may cause permanent blindness, while infections like keratitis or conjunctivitis can spread deeper into the eye and cause scarring. Corneal ulcers can lead to permanent visual impairment if not addressed quickly. Even conditions like chronic dry eye may not cause blindness but can reduce quality of life through constant discomfort.
| Complication | Possible Signs |
|---|---|
| Vision loss | Sudden vision changes, blindness |
| Corneal ulcer | Pain, redness, discharge |
| Optic nerve damage | Blind spots, color vision changes |
| Chronic infection | Ongoing discomfort, swelling |
When to Seek Medical Attention
Because the eyes are so delicate, it is always better to be cautious with eye pain. While mild irritation may improve with rest, artificial tears, or removal of irritants, certain symptoms require professional care. See a doctor if you experience:
- Severe or sudden pain in one or both eyes
- Pain with redness, swelling, or discharge
- Blurred vision or halos around lights
- Pain after an injury or chemical exposure
- Pain associated with contact lens use
- Persistent sensitivity to light
Seek emergency care if you notice:
- Sudden loss of vision
- Pain with nausea or vomiting, suggesting glaucoma
- Eye pain following recent surgery
- Severe swelling or difficulty moving the eye
Doctors may use a slit-lamp exam, intraocular pressure tests, or imaging studies to identify the cause. Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include artificial tears for dryness, antibiotics for infection, corticosteroids for inflammation, or surgical procedures for conditions like glaucoma.
