Eye pain is a common experience for many individuals. In most cases, it is not a sign of a serious condition and may resolve on its own within a few days or weeks with minimal treatment. Common causes include corneal abrasion, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or sinus infections.

More serious conditions, such as ocular migraines, cluster headaches, or optic neuritis, may require prompt medical attention. Monitoring your symptoms and consulting with a healthcare provider ensures appropriate care and diagnosis of the underlying issue.

How Eye Pain Presents

The sensation of eye pain varies depending on the affected part of the eye. Some pain feels like stinging, while others may be burning or itchy. It may be chronic or occur in flare-ups and remissions.

Symptoms may include:

  • Stinging in both eyes

  • Pain when moving the eye

  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

  • Burning, red eyes

  • Swollen or itchy eyelids

  • Discomfort behind or between the eyes

  • Partial or complete loss of vision

Potential Causes of Eye Pain

Both temporary and chronic conditions can lead to eye pain. Identifying the cause helps guide treatment and set expectations for recovery.

If the issue is not from a chronic illness, most cases can be managed at home. However, if symptoms persist, a healthcare provider should be consulted.

Corneal Abrasion

Corneal abrasion occurs when the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye, gets scratched. This can result from an injury, improper contact lens use, or a foreign object. It can cause severe pain, light sensitivity, and redness.

Stye

A stye, or hordeolum, is a painful red bump that forms on the eyelid. It usually results from a Staphylococcus infection and may cause swelling and burning for a short time.

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes happen when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly.

Symptoms include:

  • Scratchiness (as if something is in the eye)

  • Stinging or burning

  • Light sensitivity

  • Blurriness

  • Redness

Aging, being female, and having autoimmune conditions (like lupus or Sjögren syndrome) increase the risk of dry eyes.

Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin A may help in prevention.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Pink eye is an infection of the outer membrane of the eye. It can result from viruses, allergens, smoke, or pollutants.

Common symptoms include:

  • Red or pink discoloration

  • Swelling of the eyelid or conjunctiva

  • Excessive tearing

  • Itching

  • Discharge or crusting, especially in the morning

  • Pain when wearing contact lenses

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is an inflammation at the base of the eyelashes. It’s often caused by bacterial infections.

Symptoms include:

  • Red or swollen eyes

  • Feeling like something is in the eye

  • Watery or itchy eyes

  • Light sensitivity

  • Crusting upon waking

  • Dry eyes

  • Foamy tears or bubbles in the eyes

People with rosacea, oily skin, or facial dandruff are more prone to blepharitis.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis refers to inflammation in the sinuses, usually linked to seasonal allergies. It can cause pressure or pain behind the eyes, headaches, and nasal congestion.

Less Common Causes

Other less frequent but serious causes include:

  • Tear duct infection: causes redness, inflammation, and pus near the eye’s corner. May lead to fever.

  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma: a medical emergency where pressure builds in the eye, causing severe pain, blurred vision, and nausea.

  • Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea due to infection or prolonged contact lens use, causing redness, sharp pain, and vision problems.

  • Scleritis: severe inflammation of the outer eye layer, often related to autoimmune disease, with symptoms like redness, night pain, and light sensitivity.

  • Hyphema: blood accumulation between the cornea and iris, usually from trauma, causing pain and blurry vision.

  • Optic neuritis: inflammation of the optic nerve, often linked to multiple sclerosis, with eye movement pain, blind spots, and color vision loss.

  • Anterior uveitis: inflammation of the fluid-filled chamber in the front eye caused by infections or autoimmune issues, with symptoms like aching, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.

  • Orbital cellulitis: a dangerous infection of eye muscles and tissues, causing eye pain, swelling, fever, and potential vision loss.

  • Ocular migraines: intense headaches with eye pain, visual disturbances, or temporary vision loss.

  • Cluster headaches: sharp pain around one eye, accompanied by tearing, drooping eyelid, and redness.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

While mild eye pain is often harmless, you should consult a healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Injury or chemical exposure

  • Extreme sensitivity to light

  • Severe or persistent eye pain

  • Sudden vision changes

  • Fever, severe headache, nausea, or vomiting

  • Fluid or blood leaking from the eye

  • Seeing halos or auras around lights

How Is Eye Pain Diagnosed?

An optometrist or ophthalmologist will evaluate your eye pain by reviewing your medical history and symptoms. Common diagnostic tools include:

  • Visual acuity test: checks distance and movement vision

  • Fluorescein eye stain: highlights corneal scratches with dye and blue light

  • Tonometry: uses air puff to measure eye pressure (tests for glaucoma)

  • Retinal exam: dilated eye test to examine retina

  • Slit lamp exam: uses a special microscope to view internal eye structures

  • Imaging: MRI or CT scans for deeper analysis of optic nerve or other conditions

  • Blood tests: checks for autoimmune or infectious causes

How Is Eye Pain Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and may range from at-home remedies to medication or even surgery.

At-home care

  • Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops

  • Cool compresses (10 minutes, multiple times daily)

  • Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen

  • Avoiding contact lens use temporarily

Prescription medications

  • Oral antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, loratadine)

  • Nasal antihistamines (e.g., azelastine, olopatadine)

  • Prescription eye drops (e.g., cyclosporine, lifitegrast)

  • Steroid nasal sprays (e.g., fluticasone, beclomethasone)

  • Antibiotics (oral or intravenous for severe infections)

  • Corticosteroids (pills or injections)

  • Triptans for migraines (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)

Surgery

Surgical treatment may be needed for severe injuries or conditions like glaucoma. Procedures may include corneal repair or laser therapy to drain fluid and reduce pressure.

Lifestyle Changes

Improving hygiene and lifestyle habits can prevent and manage eye pain effectively. Helpful practices include:

  • Limiting contact lens use and cleaning them properly

  • Washing hands before touching your eyes

  • Dimming screens and maintaining a safe distance

  • Following the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)

  • Wearing protective eyewear during risky activities

A Quick Review

Eye pain is usually temporary and treatable. Common causes like styes, pink eye, or sinus inflammation often resolve with basic care.

However, if your symptoms are intense or persistent, seek professional medical advice. Immediate care is essential if you experience vision changes, chemical exposure, or systemic symptoms like fever and vomiting.