Eye pain, also known as ophthalmalgia, refers to any discomfort or unpleasant sensation experienced in or around the eye. It can manifest in various forms, including sharp or stabbing pain, dull ache, burning sensation, itching, or pressure. Eye pain can affect one or both eyes and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, tearing, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or changes in eye appearance. Identifying the location and nature of the pain can help pinpoint the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.

• Surface Pain: Pain that originates from the surface of the eye, including the cornea, conjunctiva, or eyelids. It may feel like a scratching, burning, or gritty sensation and is often associated with conditions like dry eye syndrome, corneal abrasions, or conjunctivitis (pink eye).
• Deep Pain: Pain that originates from within the eye itself, such as the retina, optic nerve, or interior structures. Deep eye pain may present as a throbbing, dull ache, or pressure sensation and can be indicative of serious conditions like glaucoma, uveitis, or optic neuritis.
• Orbital Pain: Pain that occurs around the eye socket or behind the eye. Orbital pain may be caused by conditions affecting the surrounding tissues, including sinusitis, migraines, or orbital cellulitis.
• Headache-Associated Pain: Pain that radiates from the eye to the surrounding areas and is often associated with headaches or migraines. It may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, sensitivity to light, or visual disturbances.

• Eye Strain: Prolonged periods of focusing on digital screens, reading, or performing close-up work can strain the eye muscles and lead to discomfort.
• Dry Eye Syndrome: Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality can result in dry, irritated eyes, causing discomfort and a gritty sensation.
• Eye Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections of the eye, such as conjunctivitis, keratitis, or blepharitis, can cause redness, pain, and discharge.
• Corneal Abrasions: Scratches or injuries to the cornea, often caused by foreign objects, contact lenses, or trauma, can result in sharp pain, redness, and light sensitivity.
• Eye Trauma: Injuries to the eye, such as blunt force trauma, penetrating injuries, or foreign bodies lodged in the eye, can cause significant pain and require immediate medical attention.
• Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions like uveitis, scleritis, or iritis involve inflammation of the eye’s internal structures and can cause severe, throbbing pain, along with redness and light sensitivity.
• Glaucoma: Increased pressure within the eye can lead to optic nerve damage and cause severe eye pain, often accompanied by headaches, blurred vision, and halos around lights.
• Migraines: Migraine headaches can cause eye pain, often described as a pulsating or throbbing sensation, along with visual disturbances and other neurological symptoms.
• Sinusitis: Inflammation or infection of the sinuses can cause referred pain around the eye socket, leading to discomfort and pressure behind the eyes.
• Optic Neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, often associated with conditions like multiple sclerosis, can cause sharp, stabbing pain, along with vision loss and changes in color perception.

• Discomfort: Aching, throbbing, or sharp pain in or around the eyes.
• Redness: Visible redness or bloodshot appearance in the eyes.
• Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
• Tearing: Excessive tearing or watering of the eyes.
• Blurred Vision: Vision may be blurred or distorted.
• Foreign Body Sensation: Feeling like there’s something in the eye, even when nothing is present.
• Headache: Eye pain may be accompanied by headaches, especially if the cause is eye strain or vision-related.

• Practice Proper Eye Hygiene: Wash your hands before touching your eyes and avoid rubbing your eyes excessively.
• Use Corrective Lenses: If you have refractive errors, wear prescription glasses or contact lenses as prescribed.
• Take Breaks from Screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays when outdoors.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to maintain adequate tear production and prevent dry eye syndrome.
• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, particularly those beneficial for eye health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of eye diseases and exacerbate symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

• Diagnostic Tests:
  • Visual Acuity Test: Measures how well you can see at various distances.
  • Slit-Lamp Examination: Allows the doctor to examine the structures of the eye under magnification.
  • Intraocular Pressure Measurement: Helps detect conditions like glaucoma.
  • Refraction Test: Determines the appropriate prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
• Treatment Options:
  • Lubricating Eye Drops: For dry eye syndrome.
  • Antibiotic or Antiviral Medications: For eye infections.
  • Anti-inflammatory Eye Drops: For conditions like uveitis or allergic conjunctivitis.
  • Pain Relief Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate mild eye pain.

• Persistent Eye Pain: If eye pain persists despite home remedies or worsens over time.
• Sudden Changes in Vision: Blurred vision, double vision, or other visual disturbances.
• Eye Trauma: If you’ve experienced an injury to the eye, such as a foreign object entering the eye or a blunt force trauma.
• Severe Symptoms: Severe eye pain, eye redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Pre-existing Eye Conditions: If you have a history of eye diseases or conditions and experience new or worsening symptoms.
• Associated Symptoms: Eye pain accompanied by headache, nausea, vomiting, or fever.

Eye pain can arise from a wide range of causes, including surface irritation, deep-seated conditions, orbital issues, and systemic disorders. Identifying the location, nature, and accompanying symptoms of eye pain is crucial for determining the underlying cause and initiating appropriate treatment. If you experience persistent or severe eye pain, it’s essential to seek prompt medical evaluation from an eye care professional to prevent complications and preserve eye health.

World Eye Care Foundation’s eyecare.live brings you the latest information from various industry sources and experts in eye health and vision care. Please consult with your eye care provider for more general information and specific eye conditions. We do not provide any medical advice, suggestions or recommendations in any health conditions.