Causes of Eye Pain
Eye pain falls into two broad categories:
1) Ocular pain – Ocular pain is eye pain coming from the outer structures of the surface of the eye.
2) Orbital pain– Orbital pain comes from structures deeper inside the eye. It is felt as a dull ache behind or in the eye. This pain is often caused by diseases of the eye.
Ocular Pain
Conjunctivitis
The delicate transparent layer lining the visible eyeball and the inner side of the eye lid is called the conjunctiva. Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye problems. It is, essentially, defined as the inflammation of the conjunctiva.
It can be an allergic, bacterial, chemical, or viral inflammation of the conjunctiva .
Symptoms
- Pain is usually mild, or there is no pain at all.
- Itching, redness are typically there.
- Eye is often watery (water-like drainage is present)
Corneal Abrasions and Ulcerations
The cornea is the transparent surface of the eye. Abrasions occur from scratches to the surface of the cornea, such as from a foreign body in the eye or overuse of contact lenses. Ulcerations occur from infections or abrasions. Foreign bodies, usually located on the cornea or in the conjunctiva, are objects or materials that give us a sensation that something is in our eye. Foreign bodies produce eye pain similar to that of corneal abrasions.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns and flash burns are significant causes of eye pain. Chemical burns come from eye exposure to acid or alkaline substances, such as household cleaners or bleach. Flash burns occur from intense light sources, such as arc welding or tanning booths, when improper eye protection is worn. Even an intense sunny day can cause a flash burn.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis is defined as an inflammation of the eyelid. It is caused by plugged oil glands at the eyelid edges.
Symptoms
Pain in the eye (all the time)
Dandruff-like flakes shed out from the eyelid when rubbed
Itching may be present
Chalazion
A sty or a chalazion cause a lump which can be felt within the eyelid formed by a blocked oil gland. This lump causes irritation to the eye and can be very painful to the touch. It is seen in both children and adults.
Orbital Pain
Orbital pain is described as a deep, dull ache behind or in the eye. This pain is often caused by diseases of the eye.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is defined as the increase in intraocular pressure, or internal eye pressure. It can eventually lead to defects in vision and even blindness if left untreated.
Intraocular pressure can increase because of a blockage of outflow or increased production of aqueous humor (the fluid that bathes the inner eye). This is typically seen in older adults.
Symptoms
1) Dull pain in the eye (though it is often painless)
2) Defects in vision
Iritis
Iritis is defined as an inflammation of the iris, or colored part of the eye. It causes deep eye pain.
Optic Neuritis
Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects to the back of the eye to the brain. The cause of this inflammation can be autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, viral infections, or bacterial infections.
Symptoms
- Pressure behind the eye or eye pain which is dull
- Visual changes
Sinusitis
It is a bacterial or viral infection of the sinuses. Since the ethmoid sinus (hollow air spaces in the facial bones) can be involved, sinusitis can give a sensation of orbital or eye socket pain.
Migraines
Migraines are a very common cause of orbital eye pain associated with headaches. It is commoner in females. Usually, one side of the head is affected.
Trauma to the Eye
Any blow to the eye with an object, penetrating injury or so can cause significant eye pain.
My 10 year old has been complaining of right eye pain on and off for the last 2 days.
It hurts when she looks up and down. She also has a mild headache and photosensitivity. I plan to seek medical advice tomorrow.
Any ideas of what could be causing this? Her eye looks normal.
The symptoms point towards some eye infection such as iritis.
My eye has suddenly become sore on the outside. It’s by my tear duct, it’s swollen. What could be wrong?
You need to go to an ophthalmologist for eye examination. There may be some infection or irritation in the eye that is giving you the swelling.
May be you conjunctiva is involved.
My eyes can’t see well from far and they have too much tears. I have been in eye clinics 3 times and can’t get glasses which I can use. They have asked me to go for eye X-ray and brain scanning which I am afraid of. What can I do?
Why have they asked you for an X-ray and brain scan? What did they say? Let us know to better understand your problem.
Dr. I have got a stye on the upper portion of my eye. Please tell me the reason and its treatment.
+ how can I prevent it in future. Also my eyes usually blink a lot. What could be the reason?
You need to keep both your eyes clean by daily washing. Splash cool water over both your eyes twice daily. Dab dry with a clean towel, separate towels for separate eyes.
Start instilling some ocular antibiotic in the affected eye. Ciprofloxacin eye drops may be used.
Check for the presence of dandruff in your eyes or scalp. Dandruff flakes, when present, may block the ducts of the eye and produce a stye. A stye is nothing but a blocked gland.
Hi, I am Aravind. My left upper part of the eyes was paining while moving eyes from side to side, but there is redness occurred in my eyes, and also there is no over leakage of tears. Why was this condition happen what is this ? Please tell me doctor I am suffering this problems for past two days please help me doctor about this.
Also, while I see upwards and left side there is a pain.
You need to be examined by an ophthalmologist for diagnosis.
This could be due to some trauma there or infection.
My eye hurts
Can you detail this, any redness, which eye, do they hurt after straining/ reading, any discharge form them?
My eye feel dull pain in right eye and in left lofe sometime as well.i have no issues in seeing no blurry double vission .no floaters only fell pain that comes and go
Any cough, secretions in the nose, allergies, headaches?
No secretin from nose.i have sleep disorder .i went to eye doctor and neurologist they both tell my eye are fine and ok.i have stress and strain.
I have strain like pain in eye since 1 month how much time it take more?
Are you on any medications for this?
Yes.
Suggested you wait for a month or two for relief.
Also i question can minus 0.25 is weak vision i have no blurry double vision should i wear glasses
It’s not very weak, though, glasses are recommended. Would help to lessen eye strain.
My eye doctor say i dont recomend to wear glasses it is normal can stress cause eye sore.
Well, yes.
Strengthening eye muscles would help in any case. In fact, weak muscles may express as a slight power, may be in your case.
Read here about eye exercises- http://buddymd.com/eye-exercises-to-improve-vision Near-far-focus exercise would be recommended for you.
Ok thanks can my eye pain heal with in 1 month.if only pyscological stress and on depression tablet
It should improve quicker than that, if only pyscological stress and on depression tablet.
Yes i improve alot bit still sometime i feel like pain in eye or forehead how much time it take
A week or so.
Can lack of sleep cause eye pain
Yes, it may. Usually, slight headache or heavy headed ness is associated.
And can lack.of sleep and use of digital device cause eye pain and sore eyes
Yes, yes. All screen are prone to give you eye dryness and pain.
No eye problem no vision problem.no infection why my eye hurt it because of stress since i month how much time it take more
When does it hurt, like after getting up from sleep, or after reading for some time, or after screen vision? Have you been to an ophthalmologist for vision testing? Your age?
Yes i check my vision doctor says your vision are fine.he say you have slightly .0.25 prescription but no need to wear glasses.he told me dont take stress .your eyes are hurt due to stress and lack of sleep.my eye pain come and go.i wake up with no pain.some time with pain if i lack sleep i am 25.i have no issue in reading but yes screen some time hurt.please tell me when my pain go
Limit your screen hours to a minimum. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consume lots of green vegetables and fresh seasonal fruits. They area good for the eye.
Stay mentally relaxed and physically active.
How much time pain take to go
How mich time take stress effect eye to pain go away having no eye disease issue
In cases of chronic stress, where the stress is not relieved, eye pain may linger on for months. However, if the stress is relieved, the cycle breaks. Eye health returns to normal in a week or two.
How stress is relieved
In general, eating healthy and staying physically active is essential for relieving stress. You may introduce some relaxing techniques, like, yoga or meditation in to your daily routine for help.
You need to see a psychiatrist for expert opinion.
What is pyscological stress on eye
It’s true that anxiety, tensions and stress or pressure from work of relationship affect your eyes.
Eye are connected with our psyche very closely. A disturbed mind produces more of cortisol, which may disturbed eye circulation and even inflame it.
I have pyscological stress on eye doctor said to me for 1 month.i am on depression tablet as well how much time my eye take to get normal
Treat your depression well. Both these problems are related. So, solving one would solve the other too.
How stress is relived from eyes
Can depression stress .sleeplessness.and over thinking ,digital screen usage cause prolong eye pain
Well, in most cases, the eye pain is reversible. It resolve as you withdraw from the triggering factors.
Can cronic stress from eyes heal in 1 month
Yes, if the underlying cause of eye pain gets treated.
Can eye exsercie heal stress eye pain..
A physical exam of your eyes is needed to comment on this.
Physical exam is normal 6/6.i have very low o.25 prescription but doctor say it is normal dont need glasses.he said dont take any kind of stress it put force on your eye
Your age? What work do you do?
My age is 25.i im house wife
There are certain exercises, designed to strengthen eye muscles. You may try them for a month and let us know. They are details here- http://buddymd.com/eye-exercises-to-improve-vision
In most cases, they bring relief.
I have stress eye pain for 1 moth it cant go i have no eye disese
Re you taking any pills for relieve stress?
Yes sensival tablet
Your pain is likely to go, as you continue taking these tablets.
Has it reduced in intensity?
I can read on internet that eye pain may last for long time 3 to 1 year if no eye disease is present is it true
The case has to be seen holistically and judged.
Mean
A thorough examination would be required to first find out the cause of eye pain. If the cause is not in the eye, pain may be due to some other medical condition, which needs to be investigated.
Only when we get an insight about the cause of pain, management of the condition may be started.
Yes it reduce but still i feel pain come and go
You may need to give it some more time. It’s likely to go.
How much time pain go
Around a fortnight.
Can i disapear completly because i feel very very litter burn sensation and pain
Kindly explain your question.
Mean pain completely gone around 2 weeks because i feel pain in little amount sometime
Wishing you health.
Yes pain go i didnt feel pain like before but when i wake today my eye feel dry and sore .it is likely to go like the pain go.
Yes, this symptom would also get relieved gradually.
Can stress eye pain once heal didnt come back
If the stress factors return, the pain may also recur.
Also some time feel headach
I still feel pain come and go but intensity is reduce please tell me when the pain completly go