Unexplained Eye Pain: What You Need to Know

Some causes of eye pain originate deep within the eye and may require immediate medical attention to protect your vision. These conditions are not always visible from the outside.

• Acute angle-closure glaucoma is a rapid rise in eye pressure that causes severe pain, nausea, and blurred vision. This is considered a medical emergency because it can cause permanent vision loss within hours if not treated.
• Iritis or uveitis is inflammation inside the eye that causes a deep, aching pain, redness, and intense sensitivity to light. It can affect one or both eyes and requires prompt treatment to prevent complications.
• Optic neuritis is inflammation of the nerve connecting the eye to the brain, leading to aching pain that worsens with eye movement and can cause temporary vision loss.
• Retinal issues like a detached retina or tear can cause sudden eye pain, flashing lights, and floaters, and require immediate attention to preserve vision.

Many cases of eye pain come from issues on the surface of the eye or the surrounding eyelids. These are often highly treatable but can cause significant discomfort.

• Dry eye disease is a very common condition that causes burning, stinging, or a gritty feeling due to insufficient or poor-quality tears. It can be managed with artificial tears, prescription drops, or other treatments.
• Corneal abrasions are scratches on the clear front surface of the eye, often from dust, fingernails, or contact lenses. These cause sharp pain and tearing and need prompt care to prevent infection.
• Blepharitis is inflammation of the eyelids, causing them to become red, irritated, and swollen, with a burning or sore sensation. It is often caused by bacteria or blocked oil glands.
• Styes are tender, red bumps on the eyelid caused by an infected oil gland. While uncomfortable, they usually resolve on their own but may need treatment to speed healing.
• Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, can be caused by infection or allergies and leads to redness, itching, discharge, and discomfort. It is highly contagious if caused by bacteria or viruses.
• Corneal ulcers are serious infections on the cornea that cause significant pain, redness, and vision problems. They require urgent treatment to prevent scarring and vision loss.

Sometimes, what feels like eye pain is actually referred pain from another part of the body. These issues can create pressure or aching in and around the eyes.

• Sinus infections can cause a feeling of pressure and a dull ache behind or around the eyes because the sinuses are located very close to the eye area.
• Migraine and cluster headaches are known to cause severe, throbbing pain in or around one eye, often accompanied by light sensitivity or nausea.
• Neurological conditions like trigeminal neuralgia can cause episodes of intense, shooting pain in the face, including the eye area.
• Tension headaches and jaw problems can sometimes create discomfort that feels centered in or around your eyes.

Many conditions can be effectively managed with prescription medications. These often come in the form of eye drops but may also include oral pills or ointments.

• Lubricating eye drops, gels, or ointments are used for dry eye disease to add moisture and provide comfort.
• Antibiotic or antiviral drops are prescribed for infections like pink eye or corneal ulcers to fight the infection and prevent it from worsening.
• Anti-inflammatory or steroid eye drops help reduce swelling from conditions like iritis or severe allergies.
• Pressure-lowering medications are the primary treatment for glaucoma and work to prevent further vision damage.
• Pain-relief drops or oral medications may be recommended for comfort while the underlying condition is being treated.

For more complex or persistent cases of eye pain, your doctor may recommend more advanced options. ReFocus Eye Health Camden offers a full range of surgical and non-surgical treatments to address underlying issues that do not respond to standard medications.

• Minor surgical procedures may be required to remove a deeply embedded foreign object or to treat certain eyelid conditions.
• Laser therapy can be used to treat certain types of glaucoma, seal leaking blood vessels in the retina, or address other internal eye problems.
• Specialized treatments for neuropathic pain, such as specific oral medications, may be considered if the pain is related to nerve damage.
• Corneal transplantation may be necessary if there is severe scarring or damage to the cornea that is causing persistent pain.