Eye Pain
This page will help answer your questions.
What Is Eye Pain?
Eye pain is more than just eye strain or having an object in the eye; it can be described as sharp, aching, or throbbing. It may occur in one or both eyes and can be felt in specific areas, such as behind the eye.
What Are the Causes of Eye Pain?
- Many conditions and factors can cause eye pain, including:
- Infection: Viruses, bacteria, or fungi can be transferred from your nose, sinuses, orhands to your eyes when you rub them or touch your face.
- Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses for long periods, using unclean lenses,or not replacing them properly can lead to eye problems.
- Allergies: Allergies to pollen, dust, or animals can cause eye irritation and discomfort.
- Toxins: Eye irritation can result from exposure to cigarette smoke, air pollutants, pool chlorine, or other harmful chemicals.
- Inflammation: Inflammation may cause swelling, redness, pain, and sensitivity to light. The white part of the eye may become discoloured.
Increased Eye Pressure (Elevated Intraocular Pressure): This can occur when fluid in your eye does not drain properly.
How to Manage Eye Pain? Tips to Help Relieve Eye Pain
- You can help manage eye pain and infection by:
- Using a clean towel or tissue each time you wipe your face or eyes.
- Washing your hands frequently, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom.
- Keeping your hands and fingers away from your eyes.
- Avoiding the use of contact lenses while your eyes are infected.
Not using makeup while your eyes are infected.
- A doctor may recommend the following medications to treat eye pain caused by infection:
- Antibacterial, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops.
- Oral medications to reduceOTCpain or allergy symptoms.
Over-the-counter (OTC) artificial tears to provide relief.
When Should You See a Doctor?
- If you have eye pain along with any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical assistance promptly :.
- Vomiting
- Seeing halos around lights
- A feeling ofpressure in oraround the eyes
- Signs of systemic infection (such as fever or chills)
- Blurry vision
- Swelling of the eye
- Inability to move the eyes through their normal range of motion
A known foreign object in the eye or another type of injury
Frequently Asked Questions
I am experiencing eye pain. Does this mean I have a serious condition?
