Causes of Eye Pain and Soreness

Nearly everyone has had sore eyes at some point. The eye is the organ of sight ophthalmagia is another name for eye pain. Eye pain can be common, and it is rarely a sign of a severe condition.

In most cases, the pain resolves without medication or treatment. Based on how you experience the discomfort, eye pains fall into one of two categories; Ocular pain that occurs on the surface of the eye and the orbital pain that occurs within the eye.

Eye pain can be scratching, burning, or itching sensation on the surface. Surface pains occur due to irritation from a foreign object, infection, or trauma. This type of eye pain is commonly treated with eye drops or rest.

Eye pain that occurs deep in the eye may feel aching, gritty, stabbing, or throbbing. This kind of pain requires more in-depth treatment.

This article highlights some common causes of eye pain and soreness.

 

Conjunctivitis or the pink eye

Conjunctivitis refers to the inflammation of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is the transparent protective layer over the front of the eye. Also, it can occur due to allergies or infections, both viral or bacterial, leading to enlarged blood vessels giving the appearance of pink eye.

Pink eye causes your eye to feel itchy and give off a yellow-green and sticky discharge.

This condition can sometimes be highly contagious. It is vitally important to regularly see your doctor upon the first sign of eye pain.

 

Corneal abrasion or keratitis

This condition is generally harrowing.

It occurs due to sand or dust landing in the eye or even a minor accidental scratch from a baby or your pet.

Your eye doctor might most likely prescribe antibiotics along with lubricating eye drops. It will clear up in a few days without further complications, but you always need close monitoring from your doctor to ensure your eye is healing properly.

 

Blepharitis

It is the inflammation of the eyelids. The eye can appear red and swollen with a burning and painful sensation.

Blepharitis can occur suddenly with dull pain and ocular irritation and is often a result of Demodex mite infestation within the glands of your eyelids.

Your eye doctor should be able to determine the best treatment that improves your eye pain within a few days.

 

Foreign bodies

Like a speck of dirt, a foreign object in your eye can irritate it and even lead to severe eye pain.

If you suspect a foreign body in your eyes, rinse your eye with an artificial tear or clear tap water.

Failure to remove the foreign body can result in corneal abrasion.

 

Sources:

1. https://www.emedicinehealth.com/eye_pain/article_em.htm

2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316144

3. https://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/eye-pain.htm

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