What conditions can cause eye pain?
Eye pain is often used as a catch-all term for all kinds of discomfort around the eye area. It can range in severity from mild irritation and soreness to sharp pain in or around the eyes.
The clinical term for eye pain, ophthalmalgia, describes pain in the eyeball itself, but there are different levels of severity to consider.
Depending on the type of eye pain you’re experiencing, it may not be a sign of anything serious. Eye pain or irritation will often ease after a few hours of rest; however, it’s always better to check with your ophthalmologist if the discomfort persists.
Eye pain can be caused by eye conditions, but also by various medical conditions that affect eye health.
Eye conditions
In most cases, eye pain is caused by a condition directly affecting the eyes. It can result from viral or bacterial infections, or inflammation of the eyes, such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis, or iritis. Another cause of eye pain can be an injury, surgery, or a foreign body entering the eye, such as debris or dust.
Genetic eye conditions such as glaucoma are not only serious conditions that need to be treated as soon as possible to prevent vision loss – they can also be a source of eye pain.
Other health conditions
Sometimes, pain around the eye is caused by a condition affecting other parts of the body, such as sinusitis, allergies, or migraines. Toothache is also linked to nerves that pass through the eye area and can create discomfort.
Where is the eye pain located?
Discomfort or pain can be felt in different parts of the eye – on the surface, inside the eye, behind the eye, or around the eye. Where the pain is perceived can vary from person to person.
On the surface of the eye
Pain on the surface of the eye is often caused by a foreign body or injury, but can also be a symptom of an infection.
Foreign body
Most of us have felt the discomfort of dust, make-up, or an eyelash getting into our eye. Foreign bodies can rub against the cornea or conjunctiva, causing redness.
This is a common cause of eye pain and is not usually a cause for concern. Avoid rubbing your eye when you feel the irritation of a foreign body, and try rinsing it out with saline solution or lubricating eye drops. It’s also recommended to see your ophthalmologist if symptoms persist.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is a common condition affecting the eyelids, causing them to become swollen, irritated, and itchy. Due to the swollen eyelid, the front surface of the eye can feel sore and dry.
In rare cases, blepharitis causes eyelashes to grow inwards, which can scratch the cornea.
Stye
A stye is a small red lump on the upper or lower eyelid and often appears alongside blepharitis. It is more painful for the eyelid than the eye itself, as the area is swollen and tender to the touch. A stye is not usually a cause for concern and tends to clear up on its own within a few weeks.
Allergies
Pollen, pets, or dust can trigger allergic reactions in the eyes, often called allergic conjunctivitis. This reaction causes redness and itchiness and may be accompanied by sensitivity to light.
Whether your allergies are seasonal or year-round, eye drops or cold compresses can help ease the discomfort.
Corneal abrasion
This occurs when the surface of the eye is damaged, often by rubbing or a foreign body. The cornea has sensitive nerves, so even a minor scratch can be much more painful than a similar injury to the skin.
Corneal abrasions can be treated with preservative-free lubricating drops, which support the healing process of the corneal epithelium and provide maximum comfort.
Depending on how deep the abrasion is, antibiotics may occasionally be recommended to prevent secondary infection.
In the eye (orbital)
Pain or pressure within the eye can be caused by various diseases, infections, or an injury.
Injuries
Traumatic injuries can occur during sport or in an accident – whether from a ball to the face or a fall down the stairs. These can cause significant damage to the eyes, resulting in pain felt within the eye. If you experience severe pain, see a specialist immediately to ensure your eye health and vision are not at risk.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a common eye condition that can be hereditary and causes a build-up of fluid in the eye, leading to increased ocular pressure. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a less common form that causes a rapid increase in eye pressure, resulting in eye pain.
If left untreated, any form of glaucoma can lead to vision loss, so contact your ophthalmologist immediately if you experience intense pressure in either eye.
Iritis
Iritis is an inflammation of the coloured part of the eye (the iris). It often has no identifiable cause but can follow autoimmune diseases or infections. As well as light sensitivity and headaches, it causes a deep aching pain in the eye.
Optic neuritis
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, or by multiple sclerosis. It produces a dull ache and discomfort in the eye that worsens with eye movement.
Behind the eye
Pain behind the eye is not usually a sign of a serious condition directly related to eye health, but is more often the result of another medical condition.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis is an infection that causes inflammation of the sinuses. This creates pressure across the upper face, often with pain concentrated behind the eyes. Sinus infections are not usually a serious cause for concern and typically resolve without medical treatment.
Migraine
Migraines are intense headaches often accompanied by nausea, temporary sensitivity to light, and sometimes visual disturbances. The pain typically concentrates behind the eyes with a pulsing pressure. There is no cure for migraines other than pain relief, and they usually pass within a few hours.
Toothache
Toothache in the upper teeth can cause pain that radiates upwards and concentrates behind the eyes. Since this type of eye pain is a side effect of dental issues, it’s best to seek help from your dentist.
How to relieve eye pain
The best solution for eye pain is to treat the underlying condition causing it. However, there are some immediate steps you can take to ease the discomfort.
Warm or cold compresses
A cloth dampened with warm water can help keep the eyes clean and free from any blockage that may be causing discomfort. A cold compress can reduce swelling and help relieve pain.
Why not try the Thera-Pearl eye mask? It can easily be used for both warm and cold compresses.
Eye drops
Lubricating eye drops can be used to rinse the eyes and flush out any potential irritants.
Rest your eyes
Give your eyes a break from screens, remove your contact lenses, and try to take several breaks throughout the day. Well-rested eyes will be less prone to fatigue and will ease pain during long periods of use.
When to seek medical help
Most cases of eye pain are not a cause for concern and will clear up without medical attention. The conditions that cause eye pain don’t always directly affect eye health; however, if the pain is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms, you should take action promptly.
Other symptoms to watch out for include sudden changes in vision or sensitivity to light. If you notice any of these, or if eye pain develops following an injury, seek medical attention immediately.