Eye pain is a common complaint that can be felt in varying degrees, from slight stinging to deep pressure. When looking for an answer to the question of what causes eye pain, superficial factors such as foreign bodies, dryness, conjunctivitis and styes first come to mind.
Eye pain can also be a sign of serious diseases such as uveitis, glaucoma crisis, optic neuritis or scleritis. If eye pain symptoms include blurred vision, light sensitivity and eyelid swelling, a detailed examination is essential.
Eye pain can be largely prevented by controlling risk factors. Taking regular breaks from the screen, drinking enough water, paying attention to lens hygiene and keeping systemic diseases under control are among the most important preventive steps.
Depending on the cause, eye pain treatment may include artificial tears, antibiotic drops, glaucoma medications, corticosteroids or laser interventions. Early diagnosis and personalized treatment play a critical role in preserving vision. Regular doctor check-ups ensure that the pain resolves before it becomes serious.
What is Eye Pain?
Eye pain is an uncomfortable sensation felt in the eyeball (ocular) or surrounding (periorbital) tissues. Superficial pain usually occurs as a burning or stinging sensation in the cornea and is usually caused by a foreign body, dryness or mild infections. Deep pain, on the other hand, is felt as pressure or throbbing behind the eye; this type of pain can be a sign of more serious conditions such as uveitis, acute glaucoma attack or optic neuritis. The severity of the pain does not always parallel the severity of the underlying problem; therefore, a comprehensive eye examination is essential for eye pain that lasts for a long time or develops with vision changes.
Causes of Eye Pain
• Foreign body: When a dust particle, eyelash or metal shaving rubs against the cornea, it causes stinging and watering.
Dry eye: Insufficient tear film sensitizes the corneal nerves, causing burning and redness.
Conjunctivitis: Allergic, viral or bacterial infections irritate the inner surface of the eyelid, causing pain and itching.
• Stye: Inflammation of the oil glands at the base of the eyelashes, localized swelling and a throbbing sensation.
Sinusitis: Inflammation of the ethmoid sinuses in particular can be reflected as pressure and pain behind the eye.
These common triggers are often relieved with simple treatments; however, in cases of persistent pain, it is necessary to consult an ophthalmologist.
If eye pain becomes chronic and is accompanied by light sensitivity or blurred vision, one of the following diseases may be present:
• Acute glaucoma crisis: Sudden increase in intraocular pressure causes severe pain, redness and nausea; if not treated urgently, it carries the risk of permanent vision loss.
• Uveitis: Inflammation of the intraocular tissues, causing stinging and blurry vision when looking at light; may be associated with rheumatological diseases.
• Optic neuritis: When the optic nerve is inflamed, sharp pain that increases with eye movement and central vision loss are observed; it often requires neurological evaluation.
• Scleritis: Inflammation of the sclera layer that forms the white of the eye, causes deep and constant pain; It is associated with systemic autoimmune diseases.
For early diagnosis of these conditions, detailed fundus examination, optical coherence tomography and, if necessary, magnetic resonance imaging are performed.
Eye Pain Treatment
The treatment of eye pain is shaped according to whether the discomfort originates from superficial or deep tissues, and the success of the treatment depends on the correct diagnosis. In the case of foreign body scratches, mild allergic conjunctivitis or seasonal dryness, eye pain treatment may be limited to artificial tear drops, antihistamine drops and short-term antibiotic ointment. In this step, the patient is given daily recommendations such as “look away every twenty minutes, increase the humidity of the room, reduce the brightness of the screen”.
In uveitis, scleritis or acute glaucoma crisis affecting the deep layers, eye pain treatment is more aggressive. Topical corticosteroid drops, intraocular pressure-lowering drugs and, if necessary, laser iridotomy can be applied together. During this phase, regular check-up appointments, retinal scans and imaging such as OCT are essential to monitor the progress of treatment. Adequate sleep, smoking and alcohol restriction and an omega-3 rich diet program are recommended as support for treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions – Eye Pain
What should be the first aid for eye pain at home?
If you suspect an object in the eye, do not rub it, wash it with plenty of sterile solution. If the sting is due to dryness, drop preservative-free artificial tear drops and apply a cold compress for a short time.
Is it necessary to stop wearing lenses during eye pain treatment?
Yes. Wearing lenses while the cornea is healing can increase surface irritation and increase the risk of infection. Do not wear lenses unless your doctor says you can start again.
Does migraine cause eye pain?
During a migraine attack, throbbing pain around the eye, discomfort when looking at light and temporary fluctuations in vision may develop. However, an eye examination is recommended to rule out any additional problems with the eye structures.
Does phone light trigger eye pain?
Long-term exposure to high-brightness screens dries the surface of the eye, increasing pain, especially at night. Reducing brightness, using a blue light filter, and taking regular breaks can alleviate pain.
How long should I use antibiotic drops for eye pain treatment?
Treatment usually lasts five to seven days for bacterial infections. Since stopping the medication early can lead to resistance, complete the number of days recommended by your doctor.
Is cold or hot compress more effective?
Hot compresses increase circulation and soften plugs in styes and eyelid inflammations. Cold compresses reduce edema in allergies and superficial irritations. Decide which compress is appropriate after a doctor’s examination.
Do cortisone drops cause permanent damage to the eye?
They can increase intraocular pressure or increase the risk of cataracts when used for a long time and without control. If cortisone drops are given as part of eye pain treatment, be sure to follow the recommended dosage and check-up schedule.
Does wearing glasses while sitting at the computer reduce pain?
Screen glasses can reduce eye strain by filtering blue light. If you have a refractive error, combining it with appropriate prescription glasses will help treat eye pain.
Are herbal drops good for eye pain?
Herbal drops that are not produced under sterile conditions can contain microbes and cause serious infection in the cornea. Do not drop any solution into the eye without doctor’s approval.
Should I still go to the doctor if eye pain goes away on its own?
Recurring pain or pain that lasts longer than a few hours may be a sign of an underlying disease. Even if the pain subsides, see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.