Eye pain can have various causes, ranging from temporary irritation to more serious underlying conditions. If you’re experiencing eye discomfort, it’s important to understand potential reasons for your pain.
Why Are My Eyes Hurting?
Eye pain can be caused by multiple factors, including infections, allergies, strain from digital screens, or more serious eye conditions like glaucoma or corneal ulcers.
Common Causes of Eye Pain
Eye Strain (Digital Eye Strain): Prolonged use of screens (computers, smartphones) can cause eye discomfort, dry eyes, and headaches.
Dry Eyes: Insufficient tear production or poor-quality tears can lead to dry, irritated eyes.
Infections (Conjunctivitis): Bacterial or viral infections can cause redness, pain, and swelling.
Foreign Body: Dust, dirt, or an eyelash can cause pain and irritation if lodged in the eye.
Allergies: Pollen, dust, or pet dander can trigger allergic reactions that cause itchy, painful eyes.
Contact Lens Issues: Wearing contact lenses for too long or not cleaning them properly can lead to eye discomfort or infection.
Glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye can cause severe pain and may be accompanied by blurred vision or nausea.
Corneal Abrasion: A scratch on the surface of the cornea can cause sharp pain, especially when blinking.
Symptoms of Eye Pain
Symptoms often include redness, watering, sensitivity to light, blurry vision, and a burning or stinging sensation.
Diagnosis of Eye Pain
An eye doctor (optometrist or ophthalmologist) can determine the cause of your eye pain through a comprehensive eye exam. This may include tests to check for infections, foreign bodies, or intraocular pressure (for glaucoma).
Treatment for Eye Pain
Treatment depends on the cause. For minor issues, rest, over-the-counter eye drops, and avoiding screens can help. More serious conditions like infections or glaucoma require prescription medications or even surgery.
Preventing Eye Pain
Take regular breaks from screens to prevent digital eye strain (follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).
Use lubricating eye drops to prevent dryness.
Maintain good hygiene with contact lenses to avoid infections.
Wear sunglasses to protect against UV rays.
When to See a Doctor
If your eye pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by vision changes, redness, or discharge, consult an eye doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.