Eye Pain

Overview

Eye pain is any discomfort, ache, or soreness in or around the eye. It can range from a mild scratchy feeling to a sharp, severe pain. Depending on the cause, it may affect one or both eyes and can be temporary or long-lasting.

Yes, eye pain is a very common reason people visit their doctor or eye specialist. Most cases are not serious and improve with simple care.

Eye pain can affect people of all ages, from young children to older adults. Some causes, like dry eyes, are more common in older adults, while eye strain is more common in people who use screens for long periods.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Sharp or stabbing pain in the eye
• Dull ache behind the eye
• Burning, gritty, or scratchy sensation
• Redness or swelling around the eye
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Watery eyes or discharge

Symptoms in children

• Rubbing the eyes a lot
• Squinting or keeping one eye closed
• Complaints of a headache or blurry vision
• Being irritable or crying more than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that gets worse when reading or doing close work
• Feeling of dryness or grittiness that doesn't go away
• Sudden, severe pain with nausea or seeing halos around lights (possible sign of acute glaucoma)

Causes

Main causes

• Dry eye disease
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye) – infection or allergy
• Corneal abrasion or scratch on the clear front part of the eye
• Foreign body (dust, sand, an eyelash stuck in the eye)
• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid edges)
• Sinusitis (sinus infection causing pain behind the eyes)
• Glaucoma (increased pressure inside the eye)
• Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
• Eye strain from long hours of reading or screen use

Risk factors

• Wearing contact lenses, especially if not cleaned properly
• Having allergies or chronic dry eyes
• Spending many hours on computers or mobile devices
• Working in dusty, smoky, or dry environments
• Being over age 60 (higher risk for glaucoma and dry eye)
• Having a family history of glaucoma or other eye conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Sudden, severe eye pain with nausea or vision loss – call your local emergency number right away
• Any eye pain after a chemical splash or sharp object injury
• Eye pain with a headache and stiff neck (possible sign of something more serious)

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild eye pain that comes and goes, especially with reading or screen use
• Redness or irritation that lasts more than a couple of days
• Dry eyes that do not get better with over-the-counter lubricating drops
• Frequent eyelid swelling or crustiness upon waking

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider or eye doctor will ask about your symptoms, any injuries, and your general health. They will then examine your eyes using special equipment.

Tests that may be done

• Visual acuity test – reading letters on a chart to check vision
• Slit-lamp exam – a microscope with a bright light to look at the surface and inside of your eye
• Tonometry – a puff of air or a gentle probe to measure eye pressure
• Fluorescein stain – a yellow dye that makes scratches or foreign bodies visible under a blue light

What to expect at your appointment

The exam is usually painless and takes about 20–30 minutes. You may be asked to rest your chin on a machine or have a small light shone in your eyes. If you have severe pain, the doctor may use numbing drops to make the exam more comfortable.

Treatment

Treatment depends entirely on the cause of the eye pain. Many cases get better with simple home care, while others need medicines or procedures prescribed by a doctor.

Self-care at home

• Apply a warm, clean compress over closed eyes for a few minutes to soothe dryness or blepharitis
• Use lubricating (artificial tear) eye drops if your eyes feel dry or gritty
• Take regular breaks from screens using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Avoid rubbing your eyes – it can make irritation worse or introduce germs
• Remove contact lenses and wear glasses until the pain subsides

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic or antiviral eye drops or ointment if an infection is present. For inflammation, they may recommend anti-inflammatory drops. For conditions like glaucoma, medications to lower eye pressure are given. Always follow the exact instructions your doctor provides.

When is surgery considered?

In rare cases, surgery may be needed. For example, if glaucoma does not respond to medication, a laser procedure can help drain fluid. Surgery is also sometimes used to remove a foreign body or repair an injury. Your doctor will discuss this only if necessary.

Living with this condition

If you have chronic eye pain, follow your treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments. Let your doctor know if symptoms change. Use good lighting when reading, and try to reduce glare on screens.

Lifestyle tips

• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect from wind, dust, and UV light
• Use a humidifier in dry rooms to help prevent dry eyes
• Clean your eyelids gently with a warm, damp cloth if you have blepharitis
• If you wear contact lenses, follow the cleaning schedule and replace them as directed

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in leafy green vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids (from fish or flaxseed), and plenty of water may help support eye health. Regular exercise is good for overall health but avoid activities that could injure your eyes without protective gear.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Ongoing eye pain can be frustrating and worrying. It may affect your mood, sleep, or ability to focus. Talk to your doctor about your feelings – they can offer support or refer you to a counsellor if needed. You are not alone.

Prevention

Many causes of eye pain can be prevented. Always wear protective eyewear when playing sports, doing DIY, or working with chemicals. Wash your hands before touching your eyes, and take regular breaks from screens. If you have allergies, manage them with your doctor's advice.

Screening programmes

Regular eye exams are the best way to catch problems early. Adults with no known eye issues should have an eye exam every two years. Those with risk factors like diabetes or a family history of eye disease may need more frequent checks.

Complications

If left untreated

• Vision loss or permanent damage if serious conditions like glaucoma or infection are not treated
• Worsening of the underlying problem, such as a scratched cornea becoming infected
• Chronic pain or recurrent episodes that affect daily life

Long-term outlook

For the vast majority of people, eye pain is temporary and resolves with simple care or treatment. Even serious causes like glaucoma, uveitis, or infection can often be managed successfully with early treatment. Taking your symptoms seriously and seeing a doctor promptly offers the best chance of keeping your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Find support

International organisations

• International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) ↗

Local organisations

• Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) ↗ · United Kingdom

Helplines

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