Eye Pain: Definition, Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Published Mar 21st, 2023

Updated on October 22nd, 2024

Eye pain, or pain in eyes, refers to many different conditions and diseases that can cause mild to severe discomfort in and around the eyes. Eye pain is also known as ophthalmalgia. This article will discuss the eye pain definition, eye pain causes, eye pain symptoms and eye pain treatments.

Eye pain is defined as an uncomfortable or painful sensation that may feel like stinging, pulsing, a dull ache, foreign body sensation or even a sharp stabbing pain depending on the cause of eye pain. Eye pain is caused by eye conditions such as inflammation, infection, allergies, dry eye, glaucoma, eye strain, and high blood pressure. Symptoms of eye pain include different sensation of pain in the eyes, as well as swelling and tenderness on touch. Treatments for eye pain can include eye drops, home remedies, antihistamines, pain medications and lifestyle changes.

What is Eye Pain?

Eye pain refers to multiple conditions that may be causing discomfort to the nerves and structures of the eye or the skin and nerves around the eye. Eye pain causes must be determined as quickly as possible to ensure that higher levels of eye pain do not interfere with overall quality of life, and to ensure that the cause of the eye pain is not a result of a more severe condition that needs immediate treatment.

If you are experiencing eye pain, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

What does eye pain look like?

The following is an image of the most common result of eye pain and the conditions that cause it. The image shows a bloodshot eye that can be a result of common eye pain conditions, such as allergies, infection or a corneal abrasion.

What Are Other Terms for Eye Pain?

Other terms for eye pain depend on the source of the pain and the type of pain a person is experiencing. Other terms for eye pain include sore eyes, burning eyes or itching eyes. Eye pain is medically referred to as ophthalmalgia, and can be referred to as ocular pain if it occurs in the front of the eye, or orbital pain if the discomfort is felt within the eye.

How Common is Eye Pain?

Eye pain is a common symptom of many types of eye conditions which can range from rare or common, but is most typically associated with allergies and dry eyes. Dry eyes affect over 3 million Australians and eye allergies affect over 30% of all Australians during their life, according to In2Eyes Optometry, an Australian optometry service.

If you are experiencing eye pain, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

What are the Causes of Eye Pain?

The causes of eye pain can include foreign body, eye injury, stye, contact lens irritation, conjunctivitis, blepharitis, corneal abrasion, eye strain, retinal migraine, sinusitis, glaucoma, optic neuritis, scleritis, uveitis, orbital cellulitis, cluster headaches, trigeminal neuralgia (rare) and keratitis. The potential causes of eye pain are listed below.

Foreign Body: A foreign body causes eye pain by affecting or damaging the cornea, which contains many nerve endings which sends a signal of pain to the brain.
Eye injury: Eye injury causes eye pain by affecting many parts of the eye that contain blood vessels and nerve endings with traumatic injury.
Sty: Sty causes eye pain by inflaming the eyelid around the eye causing swelling and pain/tenderness on touch.
Contact lens irritation: Contact lens irritation causes eye pain by creating dryness and damage to the cornea which can lead to other issues such as infection or inflammation.
Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis causes eye pain by infecting the thin membrane under the eyelids and on the surface of the eye, called the conjunctiva, creating discomfort for the front of the eye.
Blepharitis: Blepharitis causes eye pain by creating inflammation on the eyelid, causing discomfort in the nerves of the eyes and the skin around the eye.
Corneal abrasion: Corneal abrasion causes eye pain by affecting the cornea of the eye, which contains over 7000 nerve endings.
Eye strain: Eye Strain causes eye pain by causing uncomfortable sensations due to muscle strain and possibly making the eyes dryer.
Retinal migraine: Retinal migraine causes eye pain by affecting the flow of blood in the eyes.
Sinusitis: Sinusitis causes eye pain by creating pressure on the head and skull, causing discomfort in the eyes and creating a possible risk of eye infection.
Glaucoma: Glaucoma, more specifically acute angle glaucoma, causes eye pain by sudden increase in pressure within the eyes, creating discomfort and affecting general vision abilities.
Optic neuritis: Optic neuritis causes eye pain by inflaming the optic nerve, making eye movement painful and affecting vision.
Scleritis: Scleritis causes eye pain by inflaming the white part of the eye, creating discomfort with any eye movements.
Uveitis: Uveitis causes eye pain by causing inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, creating light sensitivity and sensitive, red and watery eyes.
Orbital cellulitis: Orbital cellulitis causes eye pain by infecting the soft tissue of the skin around the eyes, causing discomfort and pain when the eyes move.
Cluster headaches: Cluster headaches cause eye pain by creating a radiating pain and discomfort near one of the eyes or on the eye itself.
Trigeminal neuralgia (rare case): Trigeminal neuralgia causes eye pain by affecting the trigeminal nerve, which affects the nose, eyes and forehead, and creates severe, shock-like pain.
Keratitis: Keratitis is a common eye condition that can trigger eye pain due to corneal inflammation.

1. Foreign Body

A foreign body, also called a corneal foreign object, refers to a foreign substance or object that is making direct contact with the eye, either in constant contact or a quick traumatic contact with the eye. Foreign objects become a cause of eye pain because the object may be making direct contact with the cornea, which has the densest amount of nerves in the human body, according to the National Library of Medicine, a medical database sponsored by the American Government.

2. Eye Injury

Eye injury refers to damage caused directly to the eye, possibly due to traumatic injury or a larger foreign body making harmful contact to the eye. Eye injury causes eye pain by affecting multiple parts of the eye, each of which may have many nerve endings that signal pain in response to trauma.

3. Sty

Sty refers to a lumpy, pimple-like sore at the edge of the eyelids that is caused by the oil glands around the eye becoming blocked and infected. A sty causes eye pain because the sty is filled with inflammatory material which are pressing on or otherwise affecting the nerve endings around the sty’s area.

4. Contact Lens Irritation

Contact lens irritation refers to damage, dryness, inflammation, allergic reaction an infection caused by continued usage of contact lenses, or by wearing improperly cleaned contact lenses for an extended period of time. Contact lens irritation causes eye pain because contact lens irritation inflames the blood vessels in the eye and may affect the cornea and its many nerve endings.

5. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, refers to an inflammation of the membrane that covers the inside of the eyelid and the surface of the eye. This inflammation can have many causes, such as allergies or an infection. Conjunctivitis causes eye pain by creating uncomfortable inflammation of the conjunctiva and is often associated with symptoms of red eye and discharge.

6. Blepharitis

Blepharitis refers to inflammation of the eyelids that can be caused by many different conditions, such as allergies, dry eyes, infection or rosacea. Blepharitis causes eye pain by causing uncomfortable inflammation on the eyelids and the skin around the eye.

7. Corneal Abrasion

Corneal abrasion refers to damage, such as a scrape or scratch, on the surface of the cornea of the eye. Some of the most common causes of corneal abrasions are fingernails, dust, sand and makeup brushes. Corneal abrasions cause eye pain by affecting the cornea of the eye, which contains the highest density of nerve endings in the entire human body.

8. Eye Strain

Eye strain refers to the eyes feeling fatigue and discomfort from prolonged focus on one object or item for an extended period of time. Eye strain causes eye pain by causing muscle pain and creating a feeling of dull ache, strain, fatigue and headache. It is often associated with dry eyes which can cause symptoms of burning, dry or sore eyes.

9. Retinal Migraine

Retinal migraine refers to a migraine that can also cause vision issues and moments of blindness. Retinal migraines are thought to be caused by the blood flow to the eyes becoming restricted and can be triggered by diet, smoking, stress or other factors.

10. Sinusitis

Sinusitis refers to a swelling of the sinus cavities in the nose. Sinusitis is most commonly caused by a cold or flu infecting the sinuses. Sinusitis causes eye pain by increasing the amount of fluid in the face and causing an uncomfortable pressure on or behind the eyes.

11. Glaucoma

Glaucoma refers to a term for multiple different types of eye conditions that cause damage to the optic nerve, which greatly affect overall vision and seeing abilities. Glaucoma, specifically a type of glaucoma known as acute angle glaucoma, causes eye pain by affecting or causing discomfort on the eye due to an increase in pressure within the eye.

Acute angle glaucoma is a medical emergency and immediate expertise should be sought.

12. Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis refers to swelling or inflammation on the optic nerve. Optic neuritis doesn’t have an exact known cause, but a common theory is that it is caused by the body's immune system registering the optic nerve as a foreign invader, due to autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, according to Health Direct, Australia’s national virtual public health information service. Optic Neuritis causes eye pain by affecting the optic nerve, causing pain with eye movements and affecting general vision abilities.

13. Scleritis

Scleritis refers to an inflammation of the sclera, the white part of the eye. Scleritis does not have an exact known medical cause, but is believed to be caused by conditions such as an autoimmune disease, eye infections or arthritis, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, an American-based association of eye health professionals. Scleritis causes eye pain by inflaming the sclera, causing severe pain with any movements of the eye.

14. Uveitis

Uveitis refers to inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, also known as the uvea, which contains the choroid, the ciliary body and the iris. Uveitis does not have an exact known medical cause, but it is believed to be caused by autoimmune diseases or infections according to the Better Health Channel, a health and medical information network sponsored by the Victorian government. Uveitis causes eye pain by inflaming the middle layer of the eye and the nerve endings and blood vessels inside it, causing additional light sensitivity and watery eyes.

15. Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis refers to an infection in the soft tissue of the skin around the eyes. Orbital cellulitis can be caused by conditions such as infections or trauma to the eye. Orbital cellulitis causes eye pain by causing redness and swelling around the affected eye, which can cause an uncomfortable or painful sensation with any eye movements.

16. Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches refers to painful headaches that occur in long periods of time and are repeatedly experienced in the same area or have the exact same sensation. Cluster headaches do not have an exact cause, and may be triggered by lifestyle issues such as excessive caffeine or smoking. Cluster headaches cause eye pain by causing radiating pain around one eye or directly in the eye itself.

17. Trigeminal Neuralgia (Rare Cause)

Trigeminal neuralgia, also known as tic douloureux, refers to a rare condition where the trigeminal nerve is being affected or disrupted, typically by a blood vessel putting pressure on the nerve. Trigeminal neuralgia causes eye pain by affecting the opthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve, which causes severe, electric pain to the nose, eyes and forehead.

18. Keratitis

Keratitis is an eye condition that can induce eye pain due to inflammation of the cornea. Keratitis can occur as the infectious or noninfectious form and develop from several factors such as eye infections, eye injuries, a weakened immune system and dry eyes. Eye pain is generally the first sign of this condition followed by other symptoms including eye redness, excessive tears and discharge, blurred vision, light sensitivity and the sensation of foreign body in the eye.

What are the Medical Conditions that Cause Eye Pain?

Medical conditions that cause eye pain are inflammation, infection, corneal abrasions, pressure in the head and conditions that affect the optic nerve. The following are medical conditions that may cause eye pain.

Inflammation: Inflammation is uncomfortable swelling on or near the eyes that can be caused by allergies, infection or injury.
Infection: Infection is an invasive foreign substance in the immune system, such as bacteria or virus, that is negatively affecting the body, which may cause inflammation and other uncomfortable conditions in order to expel the infection.
Corneal abrasions: Corneal abrasions are any substances, scratches or injuries that have occurred directly onto the cornea of the eye, triggering a pain response from the cornea’s 7000 nerve endings.
Pressure in the head: Pressure in the head refers to conditions such as sinusitis or uveitis creating excess or fluid or pressure in the head, causing discomfort in the eyes.
Conditions that affect the optic nerve: Conditions that affect the optic nerve refers to conditions such as glaucoma or optic neuritis, which cause pressure or inflammation on the optic nerve, creating discomfort and affecting general vision skills.

What is eye pain a sign of?

Eye pain can be a sign of multiple conditions, such as allergies, bacterial infections or tumours. It is recommended to seek a doctor or eye health specialist if eye pain is present.

What are the Symptoms of Eye Pain?

Symptoms of eye pain include a feeling there’s something in your eye, swelling eyes, a burning sensation, uncomfortable throbbing and a severe stabbing pain. The possible symptoms of eye pain are listed below.

Feeling there’s something in your eye: A feeling there’s something in your eye is a symptom of eye pain when there is something making direct contact with the eye, or if a condition such as allergies or infection is causing swelling or other forms of uncomfortable pressure on the eye.
Swelling eyes: Swelling eyes are a symptom of eye pain when infection, eye allergies, injury or other conditions have caused inflammation in and around the eye.
Burning sensation: Burning sensation is a symptom of eye pain when allergies, infections or other substances make direct contact with the eye, causing a reaction from the immune system that creates histamine, resulting in swelling and burning eyes. A burning sensation may also be a result of dry eyes and a lack of tear production lubricating the eyes.
Uncomfortable throbbing: Uncomfortable throbbing is a symptom of eye pain when there is direct pressure on the eyes or the optic nerve. Throbbing can be due to conditions like acute angle glaucoma, sinusitis, high blood pressure or diabetes. Uncomfortable throbbing in the eye is a symptom that should be addressed as soon as possible.
Severe stabbing pain: Severe stabbing pain is a symptom of eye pain when more alarming conditions are touching or harming the optic nerve or other parts of the eye. Conditions that cause severe stabbing pain may be more severe than many forms of eye pain, and should be addressed as soon as possible by a doctor or eye health specialist.

When is Eye Pain an Emergency?

Eye pain is an emergency if the condition that is causing the eye pain requires immediate attention, is so severe that it is affecting quality of life, or if the eye pain is caused by immediate trauma or injury.

If you have eye pain, it is important to seek medical assistance.

What are the Eye Pain Complications?

Eye pain complications are eye injury and eye allergies. The following are complications of eye pain.

Eye injury: Eye injury is an eye pain complication because any possible eye trauma that is causing pain must be addressed as soon as possible in case there is a serious injury that could result in long-term damage if it is not treated.
Eye allergies: Eye allergies are an eye pain complication because many of the conditions that can cause eye pain, such as swelling or red eyes, are a result of the body reacting to allergies in the system.

How is Eye Pain Diagnosed?

Eye pain is diagnosed by a doctor or eye health professional by examining the exact type of pain a patient is feeling and then conducting an eye test to determine the eye pain’s root cause.

Where Can You Seek Eye Pain Diagnosis?

Eye pain diagnosis can be found with any qualified medical or eye health professional, such as a doctor, an optometrist or an ophthalmologist.

What Tests are Used to Diagnose Eye Pain?

Tests used to diagnose eye pain are a visual acuity test, a routine eye exam, fluorescein angiography, slit lamp examination, tonometry, dilated eye exam, an MRI and a blood test. The following are tests used to diagnose eye pain.

Visual acuity test: A visual acuity test is used to diagnose eye pain by testing for general visual acuity and testing the functions of the eye and if the eye is affected by the conditions causing the eye pain.
Routine eye exam: A routine eye exam is used to diagnose eye pain by examining the general health and abilities of the eye.
Fluorescein angiography: Fluorescein angiography is used to diagnose eye pain by examining the flow of blood in the eyes.
Slit lamp examination: Slit lamp examination is used to diagnose eye pain by directly looking at the eye with a tool that is capable of extremely in-depth examination.
Tonometry: Tonometry is used to diagnose eye pain by testing eye pressure and examining for eye conditions like glaucoma.
Dilated eye exam: A dilated eye exam is used to diagnose eye pain by dilating the pupils and allowing an eye health professional to examine the eye better.
MRI: An MRI is used to diagnose eye pain by thoroughly examining the body for conditions that other testing might miss, such as tumours.
Blood test: BBlood tests are used to diagnose eye pain by testing for possible systemic causes or conditions that are causing the eye pain that cannot be diagnosed by an MRI or other eye test.

1. Visual Acuity Test

A visual acuity test is a common eye test used to determine a person's 20/20, or 6/6, vision, referring to how well they see out of each eye, and how well each eye perceives details. A visual acuity test is used to see if the eye pain experienced is affecting the person’s ability to see or visual function.

2. Routine Eye Exam

A routine eye exam comprises multiple common optometry tests meant to examine visual acuity, eye health and determine if there are any refractive errors that need to be corrected. A routine eye exam is used to diagnose eye pain by testing the general abilities of the eye, examining the structures of the eye and examining if eye movement is causing pain and determining if there are refractive errors that may be causing eye strain.

3. Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein angiography is a technique used to examine and monitor the flow of blood in the eyes. Fluorescein angiography begins with an injection of fluorescein dye into the arm, in order to take a photo of the dye, using a specialist camera, as it passes through the eye’s blood vessels. Fluorescein angiography is used to diagnose eye pain by examining the flow of blood in the eye for possible causes of eye pain.

A fluorescein angiography test is only performed by an ophthalmologist.

4. Slit Lamp Examination

A slit lamp examination is an eye test where the eye health professional uses a slit lamp, a tool similar to a microscope with a bright light attached to it, in order to fully examine the eyes. A slit lamp examination is used to diagnose eye pain by examining the eye as thoroughly as possible in order to identify the conditions or substance that is directly causing the eye pain.

5. Tonometry

Tonometry is an eye test used to measure eye pressure. Eye pressure is measured by using a set-up similar to a slit lamp test, where a device called a tonometer directly touches the eye to determine its pressure, after the eye has been numbed with eye drops. Many optometrists use ‘non-contact tonometry’, also called the air puff test, where a light puff of air is blown into the eye instead of direct contact. Tonometry is used to diagnose eye pain by testing for glaucoma and elevated eye pressure.

6. Dilated Eye Test

A dilated eye test is an eye test where eye drops are used during the examination in order to dilate the pupils and allow the optometrist to check the back of the eyes (retina) more clearly. A dilated eye test is used to diagnose eye pain by allowing the optometrist to see if there are any retinal conditions present that may be causing eye pain.

7. MRI

An MRI, or Magnetic resonance imaging, is a type of imaging technology that allows health professionals to examine the body in greater detail. An MRI is used to diagnose eye pain by allowing health professionals to check the body for conditions such as tumours in the eye or to diagnose optic neuritis.

8. Blood Test

A blood test is a drawing of blood, typically from the arm, that is then sent to a pathologist or other specialist in order to test for certain conditions. A blood test is used to diagnose eye pain by identifying the possible causes of the eye pain that may not be identifiable by eye tests or an MRI.

What are the Treatments Available for Eye Pain?

Please consult a medical professional before beginning any form of treatment for eye pain.

The treatments available for eye pain are glasses, home care, eye drops, warm compress, antibiotics, antihistamines, pain medication, flushing, corticosteroids, surgery, botox injections, artificial tears and lifestyle changes. The treatments for eye pain will depend on what is causing the eye pain. The potential treatments for eye pain are listed below.

Glasses: Glasses treat eye pain by correcting focal issues that may be creating eye strain.
Home care: Home care treats eye pain by taking actions at home, such as cleaning the eyelids or soothing symptoms of other eye conditions.
Eye drops: Eye drops treat eye pain by preventing symptoms of dry eyes, allergies and infections.
Warm compress: A warm compress treats eye pain by relieving or preventing symptoms of dry eyes.
Antibiotics: Antibiotics treat eye pain by preventing or reducing infections and symptoms of infections.
Antihistamines: Antihistamines treat eye pain by preventing or reducing the amount of histamines in the body, preventing symptoms of allergies.
Pain medications: Medications treat eye pain by reducing the amount of pain and discomfort the eyes may experience.
Flushing: Flushing treats eye pain by directly washing the eye, reducing eye pain due to inflammation, and removing any substances that may be caught in the eyelids.
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids treat eye pain by relieving symptoms of eye conditions, such as eye allergies or inflammation.
Surgery: Surgery treats eye pain by addressing the conditions that may possibly be causing the pain.
Botox injections: Botox injections treat eye pain by relaxing the muscles that may be causing eye pain.
Artificial tears: Artificial tears treat eye pain by reducing or preventing the painful symptoms of conditions such as dry eyes.
Lifestyle changes: Lifestyle changes treat eye pain by preventing conditions that may cause eye pain from appearing in the body.

1. Glasses

Glasses are prescription lenses and frames that are used to treat vision issues and correct blurred or unfocused vision. Glasses can be used to treat eye pain by addressing focus issues that may be causing the eyes to strain, creating migraines and uncomfortable eye fatigue.