Eye pain

Eye pain can be the result of a large number of causes, including infection, corneal injury, a foreign body in the eye, optic neuritis, a sinus infection, blepharitis, eye diseases associated with thyroid conditions, and trauma from a blow. Each of these conditions is treated differently, so it is important to consult an ophthalmologist for examination and appropriate treatment.

Eye pain is a common phenomenon, which usually reflects only mild eye diseases or injuries.

Therefore, in most cases the pain will pass without the need for external intervention. In less common cases, eye pain can be a symptom of a serious problem, and therefore one should be examined by an ophthalmologist to understand the source of the pain. Below are examples of symptoms that can accompany eye pain, and for which one should consult a medical professional.

Eye pain is divided into two categories: pain originating on the surface, and other pain originating in the intraocular pathway.

External pains can be accompanied by a sensation of itching, stinging or burning. This type of pain is usually caused by infection, trauma to the eye or irritation from a foreign factor. This type is treated more easily, and usually passes on its own or with supportive treatment including rest and use of eye drops.

Internal pain can be stabbing, throbbing or dull in nature. It is important to distinguish and describe the type of pain as precisely as possible to the treating physician. Pains of this type sometimes require broader intervention and treatment.

What are the possible causes of pain in the eye?

Eye pain can be caused by a large number of different factors, and therefore it is divided into pains according to the cause of the pain. The common causes include irritation or injury of the cornea, injury to other areas of the eye, and eye pains accompanying irritation or injury of other organs in the body. The first two constitute the more common cause of eye pain, and they include, among others, the following organs: cornea, the white of the eye (sclera), conjunctiva, iris, eye muscles, nerves and eyelids.

Now we will detail several common causes of pains in the eyes:

Infection

An eye infection will usually manifest first as redness of the eyes, and a sensation of a foreign body inside the eye. Later, additional symptoms may also appear such as pain, swelling of the eyelids, various discharges, a sensation of discomfort in the eyes and more. In most cases the infection is caused by a viral pathogen but may be due to a bacterium or a parasitic agent such as a fungus. Some infections resolve on their own, and others require medical treatment.

Foreign body in the eye

In most cases, a person will be able to report a foreign body that penetrated their eye. Sometimes the person is unaware of such penetration, and may experience significant pain and a sensation of discomfort, and only after seeking medical help will it be discovered that it is a case of a foreign body, which must be removed. In some cases removing the foreign body is sufficient, and sometimes continued treatment such as antibiotic drops will be required.

Corneal injury

Injury to the cornea can be caused by a scratch, rubbing or a foreign body in the eye. The cornea is the outermost layer of the eye. It is transparent, dome-shaped and covers the front part of the eye. The cornea is very sensitive to touch and pain, and any injury to it will manifest as pain, discomfort and sometimes even blurred vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a common eye disease in which there is damage to the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain. This disease is usually characterized by increased intraocular pressure, pain and a sensation of discomfort in the eye. Glaucoma can cause blindness if it is not treated in time.

Optic neuritis

The optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, attaches to the eye at the back of the eyeball. Inflammation of the optic nerve may be a sign of various conditions such as multiple sclerosis, another autoimmune disease or an infection. Patients suffering from this type of inflammation will experience sensitivity in the eye and a sensation of pain that worsens when moving the eyeball. The inflammation usually passes on its own, but in some cases it can cause temporary blindness without appropriate treatment. With treatment, vision will usually return.

Sinus infection (sinusitis)

Sinusitis is usually characterized by nasal congestion, headaches, fever and a cold. In some cases the inflammation in the sinuses can also cause pain and a sensation of discomfort in the eyes.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis, inflammation of the eyelids, is a phenomenon that occurs when oil glands located on the eyelid become inflamed or infected for one reason or another. Besides pain that may appear, blepharitis can be accompanied by a sensation of dryness and a foreign body in the eye, blurred vision and discharge or flakes on the lashes.

Eye disease associated with thyroid conditions

Patients who have thyroid eye disease (Graves' disease – an autoimmune disease that affects, among other things, the eyes) may suffer from eye inflammations, a sensation of dryness, discomfort or pain as a result of moving the eyeball, swelling in the eye, sensitivity to light and, in severe cases, also impairment of vision.

Trauma from a blow

A blow to the eye can occur as a result of physical activity, work, violence and more. Following the injury, the person may experience a sensation of pain due to damage to various tissues in and around the eye. It is recommended to seek examination by an ophthalmologist in order to verify that it is only a superficial injury and that there is no need for surgical intervention or drug treatment.

When eye pain is accompanied by one of the following phenomena, one should seek examination by an ophthalmologist promptly:

• Sudden loss of vision
• A change in the shape or movement of the pupil
• Seeing flashes of light or floating objects in the field of vision
• Pains accompanying movement of the eye
• Seeing halos around lights
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain that does not pass within 72 hours or worsens

How can pain in the eye be treated?

The method of treatment will depend on the cause of the pain.

Here we will detail a variety of ways in which eye pains can be treated:

Home treatment

The most common and widespread treatment for pains in the eyes is home treatment. When using technological means and screens the eye is strained, and therefore the first line of treatment will usually be rest for the eyes, hydration and sufficient sleep, and use of tear substitutes if needed.

Using glasses

If contact lenses are used regularly or frequently, it is recommended to give the eyes rest. Therefore glasses should be worn instead of the lenses for a period of time that will allow the eyes to rest and recover.

Warm compresses

In cases of a stye or blepharitis it is recommended to use warm compresses. A clean cloth should be soaked in warm water, then wrung out and cooled slightly, and then placed on the affected eyelid.

Antibiotics

Pain in the eyes can be caused by an infection or inflammations of the various parts of the eye. After diagnosis of a bacterial inflammation and a need for antibiotic treatment, the treating physician can recommend antibiotic eye drops or systemic treatment – oral or intravenous in certain cases.

Anti-allergy medications

These will help with pain caused by an eye allergy. They can be given as eye drops or orally. An allergy will usually be accompanied by a sensation of itching or burning and redness in the eyes. The cause of the allergy may be known but in some cases it is not clear.

Rinsing the eyes

In the case of a foreign body entering the eye, it is important to rinse the eye with water or suitable solutions in order to flush the foreign factor out. It is important to make sure that the rinsing is done with clean hands, in order to prevent the entry of additional foreign bodies into the eye.

Steroid drops

In some cases these are given as part of the treatment for severe eye infections in order to control the inflammatory process, or for patients suffering from certain diseases such as optic neuritis, iritis and more.

Painkillers

If the pain is severe to the point that it impairs the person's functioning and daily life, the doctor may recommend the use of painkillers to relieve the pain the patient is suffering from, until the treatment of the source of the pain itself takes effect.

Surgical treatment

In rare cases a need arises for surgery in order to repair damage caused to the eye as a result of a burn or a foreign body that entered the eye. Also, those suffering from glaucoma may need a laser surgical procedure in order to relieve the eye pressure.