Eye pain is common and usually not a sign of a serious condition. It often improves within a few days or weeks with minimal treatment. Common causes include corneal abrasion (scratched cornea), conjunctivitis (pink eye), and sinusitis. More serious conditions—like ocular migraine, optic neuritis, or cluster headaches—require medical attention. Monitoring your symptoms helps determine when to seek professional care.

How Eye Pain Feels

Eye pain varies based on which part of the eye is affected. It may feel sharp, burning, or itchy and might appear intermittently or persist over time. Common symptoms include:

  • Stinging or burning sensation

  • Pain with eye movement

  • Sensitivity to light

  • Swollen, red eyelids

  • Discomfort behind the eyes

  • Blurred or lost vision

Common Causes of Eye Pain

Corneal abrasion
Scratches on the cornea cause acute, sharp pain, redness, and light sensitivity. This often occurs from improper contact lens use or foreign objects entering the eye.

Stye
A red, painful bump on or inside the eyelid caused by a bacterial infection. Styes may bring swelling and burning for a few days.

Dry eyes
Occurs when tear production is low or tears evaporate too quickly. Symptoms include burning, itchiness, and light sensitivity. Risk increases with age and autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome or lupus. Eating foods rich in omega-3 and vitamin A can help.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis)
Infection or irritation of the conjunctiva leads to redness, swelling, itching, and discharge. Viral, bacterial, or allergic reactions can cause this condition.

Blepharitis
Inflammation of eyelash follicles often caused by bacteria or skin conditions like rosacea. Symptoms include crusting, itchiness, light sensitivity, and foamy tears.

Sinusitis
Inflamed sinuses from allergies or infections can create pressure and pain behind the eyes, often with headaches and nasal discharge.

Less Common but Serious Causes

Tear duct infection (dacryocystitis) – Painful swelling near the inner corner of the eye, with pus or tearing.
Acute angle-closure glaucoma – Sudden pressure buildup causes intense pain, swelling, and vision distortion (medical emergency).
Keratitis – Corneal inflammation due to infection or overused contact lenses, causing sharp pain and redness.
Scleritis – Deep eye inflammation linked to autoimmune disease, with night-worsening pain and light sensitivity.
Hyphema – Blood pooling in the eye from trauma, causing pain and blurred vision.
Optic neuritis – Optic nerve inflammation (often from multiple sclerosis) leading to eye-movement pain and color loss.
Anterior uveitis – Inflammation of the uvea, causing aching, light sensitivity, and blurry vision.
Orbital cellulitis – Infection around the eye causing severe pain, swelling, fever, and risk of vision loss.
Ocular migraine – Causes temporary vision loss with headache and eye pain.
Cluster headache – Triggers sharp, stabbing pain near one eye, tearing, and redness.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

Seek medical help if you experience:

  • Severe or sudden eye pain

  • Vision loss or distortion

  • Chemical exposure or injury

  • Persistent redness, swelling, or discharge

  • Fever, nausea, or vomiting

  • Seeing halos or flashes around lights

How Eye Pain Is Diagnosed

Eye specialists may use:

  • Visual acuity test – Measures clarity and eye movement.

  • Fluorescein stain – Uses dye to detect scratches.

  • Tonometry – Measures internal eye pressure for glaucoma.

  • Retinal and slit-lamp exams – Evaluate inflammation or nerve damage.

  • Imaging (MRI or CT) – Checks deep inflammation or infection.

  • Blood tests – Identify infection or autoimmune markers.

Treatment Options

At-home care

  • Use lubricating or artificial tear drops.

  • Apply cool compresses for 10 minutes several times daily.

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

  • Avoid contact lenses until healed.

Medications

  • Oral or nasal antihistamines for allergies.

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

  • Corticosteroid sprays or pills for inflammation.

  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections or cellulitis.

  • Triptans for migraine-related eye pain.

Surgery
Needed for severe cases such as corneal injury or acute glaucoma. Laser procedures may relieve pressure or repair corneal damage.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Eye Pain

  • Limit contact lens wear and clean lenses properly.

  • Wash hands before touching eyes.

  • Reduce screen glare and take 20-20-20 breaks (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

  • Keep screens an arm’s length away.

  • Wear protective eyewear during risky tasks or sports.