What are the common causes of eye pain. How can you distinguish between surface and deep eye pain. When should you seek immediate medical attention for eye discomfort. What are the most effective treatments for various types of eye pain.

Understanding the Types and Origins of Eye Pain

Eye pain, also known as ophthalmalgia, is a common condition that can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort. It’s essential to understand the different types of eye pain to identify the underlying cause and seek appropriate treatment. Eye pain can be categorized into two main types:

• Ocular pain: Occurs on the surface of the eye
• Orbital pain: Occurs within the eye

Ocular pain often manifests as a scratching, burning, or itching sensation, while orbital pain may feel aching, gritty, stabbing, or throbbing. Recognizing these distinctions can help in determining the severity of the condition and the necessary course of action.

Common Causes of Surface Eye Pain

Surface eye pain is typically caused by irritation, infection, or trauma to the outer structures of the eye. Some of the most frequent causes include:

Foreign Objects in the Eye

Have you ever experienced the discomfort of something in your eye? Foreign objects, such as eyelashes, dirt particles, or makeup debris, are the most common cause of eye pain. These irritants can lead to redness, watery eyes, and a persistent sensation of discomfort.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the tissue lining the front of the eye and the underside of the eyelid. This condition can be caused by allergies or infections, resulting in mild pain, itchiness, redness, and discharge. Why is it called pink eye? The inflammation causes the blood vessels in the eye to become more visible, giving the eye a pinkish appearance.

Contact Lens Irritation

For contact lens wearers, improper care or extended wear can lead to eye irritation or infection. How can you prevent contact lens-related eye pain? Ensure proper disinfection of lenses, avoid wearing them overnight, and follow your eye care professional’s recommendations for usage and replacement.

Corneal Abrasions

The cornea, the clear surface covering the eye, is susceptible to injuries known as corneal abrasions. These can cause a sensation similar to having something in your eye, but unlike foreign objects, flushing the eye with water won’t alleviate the discomfort. How can you differentiate between a foreign object and a corneal abrasion? If attempts to remove the perceived object don’t provide relief, it may indicate a corneal abrasion requiring professional evaluation.

Deeper Eye Pain: Causes and Concerns

Eye pain that originates deeper within the eye can be indicative of more serious conditions. Some common causes of orbital pain include:

Glaucoma

Glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure rises, potentially leading to vision loss if left untreated. Acute angle-closure glaucoma is particularly concerning, as it can cause sudden, severe eye pain accompanied by nausea, headache, and vision changes. Why is prompt treatment crucial for acute angle-closure glaucoma? Immediate medical intervention is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

Optic Neuritis

Inflammation of the optic nerve, known as optic neuritis, can cause eye pain and vision loss. This condition may be triggered by autoimmune diseases or infections. How does optic neuritis affect vision? It can lead to temporary or permanent vision changes, including blurred or dim vision, and pain that worsens with eye movement.

Sinusitis

Can sinus infections cause eye pain? Yes, sinusitis can lead to pressure buildup behind the eyes, resulting in pain in one or both eyes. This discomfort is often accompanied by other sinus-related symptoms such as facial pressure, nasal congestion, and headache.

When Eye Pain Becomes an Emergency

While most cases of eye pain are not serious, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care if you experience:

• Severe eye pain
• Eye pain accompanied by vision loss
• Pain caused by trauma or chemical exposure
• Abdominal pain and vomiting along with eye pain
• Pain so intense that touching the eye is impossible
• Sudden and dramatic vision changes

These symptoms could indicate serious conditions that require prompt medical intervention to prevent potential vision loss or other complications.

Effective Treatments for Eye Pain

The appropriate treatment for eye pain depends on its underlying cause. Here are some common approaches to managing various types of eye discomfort:

Rest and Home Care

For many cases of eye strain or minor irritation, allowing your eyes to rest is the best course of action. How can you give your eyes a break? Reduce screen time, use proper lighting when reading or working, and consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes lubricated.

Switching to Glasses

If you’re a contact lens wearer experiencing eye pain, giving your eyes a break by wearing glasses can help. How long should you avoid wearing contacts? Follow your eye doctor’s recommendations, which may range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the irritation.

Warm Compresses

For conditions like blepharitis or styes, applying warm, moist towels to the eyes can provide relief. How does this treatment work? The warmth helps to open clogged oil glands or hair follicles, promoting drainage and reducing inflammation.

Eye Flushing

When a foreign object or chemical enters the eye, flushing with clean water or saline solution can help remove the irritant. How should you flush your eyes safely? Use lukewarm water and a clean eyecup or small, clean glass, tilting your head back and pouring the water from the inner corner of the eye outward.

Preventing Eye Pain: Tips for Maintaining Ocular Health

While not all causes of eye pain are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing ocular discomfort:

1. Practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly and avoiding touching or rubbing your eyes
2. Wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities that pose a risk of eye injury
3. Follow proper contact lens care and wearing guidelines
4. Take regular breaks when using digital devices to prevent eye strain
5. Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which support eye health
6. Stay hydrated to keep your eyes well-lubricated
7. Attend regular eye exams to detect and address potential issues early

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can help maintain optimal eye health and reduce the likelihood of experiencing eye pain.

Understanding the Impact of Eye Pain on Quality of Life

Eye pain, regardless of its cause, can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. How does eye discomfort affect daily activities? Persistent eye pain can interfere with work productivity, social interactions, and overall well-being. It may lead to:

• Difficulty concentrating on tasks
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Challenges with reading or using digital devices
• Disrupted sleep patterns
• Emotional distress or anxiety related to eye health concerns

Understanding the broader implications of eye pain emphasizes the importance of prompt attention and appropriate care. By addressing eye discomfort early and effectively, individuals can minimize its impact on their daily lives and maintain optimal visual health.

Exploring Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Eye Pain

When the cause of eye pain is not immediately apparent, eye care professionals may employ various diagnostic techniques to identify the underlying issue. These advanced methods can provide valuable insights into ocular health and guide treatment decisions.

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)

What is Optical Coherence Tomography? OCT is a non-invasive imaging test that uses light waves to take cross-section pictures of the retina. How does OCT help in diagnosing eye pain? It can reveal structural abnormalities in the retina or optic nerve that may be contributing to eye discomfort or vision changes.

Corneal Topography

Corneal topography is a computer-assisted diagnostic tool that creates a detailed, three-dimensional map of the cornea’s surface. How can this aid in identifying causes of eye pain? It can detect irregularities in corneal shape or texture that might be causing discomfort or vision problems, such as keratoconus or astigmatism.

Fluorescein Angiography

This diagnostic procedure involves injecting a special dye into the bloodstream and taking photographs of the eye as the dye circulates. How does fluorescein angiography contribute to eye pain diagnosis? It can reveal blood flow issues or leaking blood vessels in the retina that may be associated with certain types of eye pain or vision disturbances.

By utilizing these advanced diagnostic techniques, eye care professionals can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the factors contributing to eye pain, leading to more targeted and effective treatment strategies.

The Role of Lifestyle Factors in Eye Pain Management

While medical treatments are often necessary for addressing eye pain, lifestyle factors can play a significant role in managing and preventing ocular discomfort. Consider the following aspects of daily life that can impact eye health:

Digital Device Usage

In today’s digital age, extended screen time is a common cause of eye strain and discomfort. How can you mitigate the effects of digital device usage on your eyes? Implement the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and allows your eyes to refocus periodically.

Environmental Factors

Your surroundings can significantly impact eye comfort. How can you create an eye-friendly environment? Consider the following tips:

• Ensure proper lighting in your workspace to reduce eye strain
• Use a humidifier in dry environments to prevent eye dryness
• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect your eyes from UV radiation and glare
• Avoid exposure to irritants like smoke or strong chemicals

Sleep Habits

Adequate sleep is crucial for overall eye health and comfort. How does sleep affect your eyes? During sleep, your eyes are replenished with essential nutrients and moisture. Lack of sleep can lead to eye strain, dryness, and increased sensitivity. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support ocular health.

Stress Management

Can stress contribute to eye pain? Yes, high stress levels can lead to increased muscle tension, including in the muscles around the eyes, potentially causing discomfort or headaches. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or regular physical activity to promote overall well-being and reduce eye strain.

By addressing these lifestyle factors, individuals can complement medical treatments and create a holistic approach to managing and preventing eye pain.

Emerging Treatments and Research in Eye Pain Management

The field of ophthalmology is continually evolving, with new treatments and research offering hope for improved eye pain management. Here are some promising developments in the field:

Gene Therapy

How might gene therapy impact eye pain treatment? Researchers are exploring gene therapy as a potential treatment for inherited eye disorders that can cause chronic pain or vision loss. By targeting specific genetic mutations, this approach could potentially address the root cause of certain ocular conditions.

Nanotechnology

What role does nanotechnology play in eye care? Nanoparticles are being developed to deliver medications more effectively to specific areas of the eye. This targeted approach could lead to more efficient treatments for conditions causing eye pain, with potentially fewer side effects.

Stem Cell Therapy

Can stem cells help in treating eye conditions? Stem cell research shows promise in regenerating damaged eye tissues, potentially offering new treatments for conditions like corneal injuries or retinal disorders that can cause chronic eye pain.

Artificial Intelligence in Diagnostics

How is AI changing eye care? Artificial intelligence algorithms are being developed to analyze eye scans and images, potentially leading to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of conditions that cause eye pain. This could result in more timely and effective treatments.

While many of these treatments are still in the research phase, they represent exciting possibilities for the future of eye pain management and overall ocular health care.

The Importance of Patient Education in Eye Pain Management

Effective management of eye pain often relies on a partnership between healthcare providers and patients. Patient education plays a crucial role in this process, empowering individuals to take an active role in their eye health. Consider the following aspects of patient education in eye care:

Understanding Symptoms

Why is it important for patients to accurately describe their eye pain? Precise symptom description can help healthcare providers make more accurate diagnoses. Educating patients on different types of eye pain and associated symptoms can improve communication during medical consultations.

Medication Adherence

How does proper medication use impact eye pain treatment? Many eye conditions require consistent use of prescribed medications, such as eye drops or oral medications. Patient education on proper administration techniques and the importance of adherence can significantly improve treatment outcomes.

Recognizing Warning Signs

What role does patient awareness play in preventing serious eye conditions? Educating patients about warning signs that require immediate medical attention can prevent delays in treatment for potentially sight-threatening conditions.

Lifestyle Modifications

How can patients contribute to their own eye health? Teaching patients about lifestyle factors that impact eye health, such as diet, exercise, and proper eye protection, can help prevent or manage various causes of eye pain.

By focusing on comprehensive patient education, healthcare providers can enhance the effectiveness of eye pain treatments and promote better overall ocular health outcomes.

Eye Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Surface pain is usually caused by irritation, infection, or trauma. Often, it is easily treated with eye drops or rest. Eye pain deeper in the eye may require more in-depth treatment. Any pain accompanied by vision loss is an emergency.

Eye pain is common, but it’s rarely a symptom of a serious condition. Most often, the pain resolves without medicine or treatment. Eye pain is also known as ophthalmalgia.

Depending on where you experience the discomfort, eye pain can fall into one of two categories: Ocular pain occurs on the eye’s surface, and orbital pain occurs within the eye.

Eye pain that occurs on the surface may be a scratching, burning, or itching sensation. Eye pain that occurs deeper within the eye may feel aching, gritty, stabbing, or throbbing.

Eye pain accompanied by vision loss may be a symptom of an emergency medical issue. Call your ophthalmologist immediately if you begin to lose your vision while experiencing eye pain.

The following may cause eye pain that originates on the surface of the eye:

Foreign object

The most common cause of eye pain is simply having something in your eye. Whether it’s an eyelash, a piece of dirt, or makeup, having a foreign object in the eye can cause irritation, redness, watery eyes, and pain.

Conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is the tissue that lines the front of the eye and the underside of the eyelid. It can become infected and inflamed. Often, this is caused by an allergy or infection.

Though the pain is usually mild, the inflammation causes itchiness, redness, and discharge in the eye. Conjunctivitis is also called pink eye.

Contact lens irritation

People who wear contact lenses overnight or don’t disinfect their lenses properly are more susceptible to eye pain caused by irritation or infection.

Corneal abrasion

The cornea, the clear surface that covers the eye, is susceptible to injuries. When you have a corneal abrasion, you will feel as if you have something in your eye.

However, treatments that typically remove irritants from an eye, such as flushing with water, won’t ease the pain and discomfort if you have a corneal abrasion.

Injury

Chemical burns and flash burns to the eye can cause significant pain. These burns are often the result of exposure to irritants such as bleach or to intense light sources, such as the sun, tanning booths, or the materials used in arc welding.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis occurs when oil glands on the eyelid’s edge become infected or inflamed. This can cause pain.

Sty

A blepharitis infection can create a nodule or raised bump on the eyelid. This is called a sty or a chalazion. A sty can be very painful, and the area around the sty is usually very tender and sensitive to touch. A chalazion isn’t usually painful.

Eye pain felt within the eye itself may be caused by the following conditions:

Glaucoma

This condition occurs as intraocular pressure, or pressure inside the eye, rises. Additional symptoms caused by glaucoma include nausea, headache, and loss of vision.

A sudden rise in pressure, called acute angle closure glaucoma, is an emergency, and immediate treatment is needed to prevent permanent vision loss.

Optic neuritis

You may experience eye pain accompanied by a loss of vision if the nerve that connects the back of the eyeball to the brain, known as the optic nerve, becomes inflamed. An autoimmune disease or a bacterial or viral infection may cause the inflammation.

Sinusitis

An infection of the sinuses can cause pressure behind the eyes to build. As it does, it can create pain in one or both eyes.

Migraines

Eye pain is a common side effect of migraine attacks.

Injury

Penetrating injuries to the eye, which can occur when a person is hit with an object or is involved in an accident, can cause significant eye pain.

Iritis

While uncommon, inflammation in the iris can cause pain deep inside the eye.

If you begin experiencing vision loss in addition to eye pain, this may be a sign of an emergency situation. Other symptoms that need immediate medical attention include:

• severe eye pain
• eye pain caused by trauma or exposure to a chemical or light
• abdominal pain and vomiting that accompanies eye pain
• pain so severe it’s impossible to touch the eye
• sudden and dramatic vision changes

The treatment for eye pain depends on the cause of the pain. The most common treatments include:

Home care

The best way to treat many of the conditions that cause eye pain is to allow your eyes to rest. Staring at a computer screen or television can cause eyestrain, so your doctor may require you to rest with your eyes covered for a day or more.

Glasses

If you frequently wear contact lenses, give your corneas time to heal by wearing your glasses.

Warm compress

Doctors may instruct people with blepharitis or a sty to apply warm, moist towels to their eyes. This will help to clear the clogged oil gland or hair follicle.

Flushing

If a foreign body or chemical gets into your eye, flush your eye with water or a saline solution to wash the irritant out.

Antibiotics

Antibacterial drops and oral antibiotics may be used to treat infections of the eye that are causing pain, including conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions.

Antihistamines

Eye drops and oral medicines can help ease the pain associated with allergies in the eyes.

Eye drops

People with glaucoma may use medicated eye drops to reduce the pressure building in their eyes.

Corticosteroids

For more serious infections, such as optic neuritis and anterior uveitis (iritis), your doctor may give you corticosteroids.

Pain medications

If the pain is severe and causes an interruption to your day-to-day life, your doctor may prescribe a pain medicine to help ease the pain until the underlying condition is treated.

Surgery

Surgery is sometimes needed to repair damage done by a foreign body or burn. However, this is rare. Individuals with glaucoma may need to have a laser treatment to improve drainage in the eye.

Most eye pain will fade with no or mild treatment. Eye pain and the underlying conditions that cause it rarely lead to permanent damage to the eye.

However, that’s not always the case. Some conditions that cause eye pain may also cause problems that are more serious if they aren’t treated.

For example, the pain and symptoms caused by glaucoma are a sign of an impending problem. If not diagnosed and treated, glaucoma can cause vision problems and eventually total blindness.

Your vision is nothing to gamble on. If you begin to experience eye pain that isn’t caused by something like an eyelash in the eye, make an appointment to see your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Eye pain prevention starts with eye protection. The following are ways you can prevent eye pain:

Wear protective eyewear

Prevent many causes of eye pain, such as scratches and burns, by wearing goggles or safety glasses when playing sports, exercising, mowing the lawn, or working with hand tools.

Construction workers, welders, and people who work around flying objects, chemicals, or welding gear should always wear protective eye gear.

Handle chemicals with caution

Direct chemicals and potent agents such as household cleaners, detergents, and pest control. Spray away from your body when using them.

Exercise caution with children’s toys

Avoid giving your child a toy that can injure their eyes. Toys with spring-loaded components, toys that shoot, and toy swords, guns, and bouncing balls can all injure a child’s eye.

Contact lens hygiene

Clean your contacts thoroughly and routinely. Wear your glasses on occasion to allow your eyes time to rest. Don’t wear contacts longer than they are intended to be worn or used.

Eye Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Surface pain is usually caused by irritation, infection, or trauma. Often, it is easily treated with eye drops or rest. Eye pain deeper in the eye may require more in-depth treatment. Any pain accompanied by vision loss is an emergency.

Eye pain is common, but it’s rarely a symptom of a serious condition. Most often, the pain resolves without medicine or treatment. Eye pain is also known as ophthalmalgia.

Depending on where you experience the discomfort, eye pain can fall into one of two categories: Ocular pain occurs on the eye’s surface, and orbital pain occurs within the eye.

Eye pain that occurs on the surface may be a scratching, burning, or itching sensation. Eye pain that occurs deeper within the eye may feel aching, gritty, stabbing, or throbbing.

Eye pain accompanied by vision loss may be a symptom of an emergency medical issue. Call your ophthalmologist immediately if you begin to lose your vision while experiencing eye pain.

The following may cause eye pain that originates on the surface of the eye:

Foreign object

The most common cause of eye pain is simply having something in your eye. Whether it’s an eyelash, a piece of dirt, or makeup, having a foreign object in the eye can cause irritation, redness, watery eyes, and pain.

Conjunctivitis

The conjunctiva is the tissue that lines the front of the eye and the underside of the eyelid. It can become infected and inflamed. Often, this is caused by an allergy or infection.

Though the pain is usually mild, the inflammation causes itchiness, redness, and discharge in the eye. Conjunctivitis is also called pink eye.

Contact lens irritation

People who wear contact lenses overnight or don’t disinfect their lenses properly are more susceptible to eye pain caused by irritation or infection.

Corneal abrasion

The cornea, the clear surface that covers the eye, is susceptible to injuries. When you have a corneal abrasion, you will feel as if you have something in your eye.

However, treatments that typically remove irritants from an eye, such as flushing with water, won’t ease the pain and discomfort if you have a corneal abrasion.

Injury

Chemical burns and flash burns to the eye can cause significant pain. These burns are often the result of exposure to irritants such as bleach or to intense light sources, such as the sun, tanning booths, or the materials used in arc welding.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis occurs when oil glands on the eyelid’s edge become infected or inflamed. This can cause pain.

Sty

A blepharitis infection can create a nodule or raised bump on the eyelid. This is called a sty or a chalazion. A sty can be very painful, and the area around the sty is usually very tender and sensitive to touch. A chalazion isn’t usually painful.

Eye pain felt within the eye itself may be caused by the following conditions:

Glaucoma

This condition occurs as intraocular pressure, or pressure inside the eye, rises. Additional symptoms caused by glaucoma include nausea, headache, and loss of vision.

A sudden rise in pressure, called acute angle closure glaucoma, is an emergency, and immediate treatment is needed to prevent permanent vision loss.

Optic neuritis

You may experience eye pain accompanied by a loss of vision if the nerve that connects the back of the eyeball to the brain, known as the optic nerve, becomes inflamed. An autoimmune disease or a bacterial or viral infection may cause the inflammation.

Sinusitis

An infection of the sinuses can cause pressure behind the eyes to build. As it does, it can create pain in one or both eyes.

Migraines

Eye pain is a common side effect of migraine attacks.

Injury

Penetrating injuries to the eye, which can occur when a person is hit with an object or is involved in an accident, can cause significant eye pain.

Iritis

While uncommon, inflammation in the iris can cause pain deep inside the eye.

If you begin experiencing vision loss in addition to eye pain, this may be a sign of an emergency situation. Other symptoms that need immediate medical attention include:

• severe eye pain
• eye pain caused by trauma or exposure to a chemical or light
• abdominal pain and vomiting that accompanies eye pain
• pain so severe it’s impossible to touch the eye
• sudden and dramatic vision changes

The treatment for eye pain depends on the cause of the pain. The most common treatments include:

Home care

The best way to treat many of the conditions that cause eye pain is to allow your eyes to rest. Staring at a computer screen or television can cause eyestrain, so your doctor may require you to rest with your eyes covered for a day or more.

Glasses

If you frequently wear contact lenses, give your corneas time to heal by wearing your glasses.

Warm compress

Doctors may instruct people with blepharitis or a sty to apply warm, moist towels to their eyes. This will help to clear the clogged oil gland or hair follicle.

Flushing

If a foreign body or chemical gets into your eye, flush your eye with water or a saline solution to wash the irritant out.

Antibiotics

Antibacterial drops and oral antibiotics may be used to treat infections of the eye that are causing pain, including conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions.

Antihistamines

Eye drops and oral medicines can help ease the pain associated with allergies in the eyes.

Eye drops

People with glaucoma may use medicated eye drops to reduce the pressure building in their eyes.

Corticosteroids

For more serious infections, such as optic neuritis and anterior uveitis (iritis), your doctor may give you corticosteroids.

Pain medications

If the pain is severe and causes an interruption to your day-to-day life, your doctor may prescribe a pain medicine to help ease the pain until the underlying condition is treated.

Surgery

Surgery is sometimes needed to repair damage done by a foreign body or burn. However, this is rare. Individuals with glaucoma may need to have a laser treatment to improve drainage in the eye.

Most eye pain will fade with no or mild treatment. Eye pain and the underlying conditions that cause it rarely lead to permanent damage to the eye.

However, that’s not always the case. Some conditions that cause eye pain may also cause problems that are more serious if they aren’t treated.

For example, the pain and symptoms caused by glaucoma are a sign of an impending problem. If not diagnosed and treated, glaucoma can cause vision problems and eventually total blindness.

Your vision is nothing to gamble on. If you begin to experience eye pain that isn’t caused by something like an eyelash in the eye, make an appointment to see your eye doctor as soon as possible.

Eye pain prevention starts with eye protection. The following are ways you can prevent eye pain:

Wear protective eyewear

Prevent many causes of eye pain, such as scratches and burns, by wearing goggles or safety glasses when playing sports, exercising, mowing the lawn, or working with hand tools.

Construction workers, welders, and people who work around flying objects, chemicals, or welding gear should always wear protective eye gear.

Handle chemicals with caution

Direct chemicals and potent agents such as household cleaners, detergents, and pest control. Spray away from your body when using them.

Exercise caution with children’s toys

Avoid giving your child a toy that can injure their eyes. Toys with spring-loaded components, toys that shoot, and toy swords, guns, and bouncing balls can all injure a child’s eye.

Contact lens hygiene

Clean your contacts thoroughly and routinely. Wear your glasses on occasion to allow your eyes time to rest. Don’t wear contacts longer than they are intended to be worn or used.

Pain in the eyes – diagnosis and treatment in the Moscow Eye Clinic

Any pain indicates trouble in any organ or organism as a whole. Pain in the eyes is no exception: the appearance of such a symptom indicates the existence of certain disorders of the organ of vision and requires immediate medical attention. Our eyes are an extremely complex organ, highly sensitive to the effects of various factors. Such sensitivity serves as a kind of mechanism that allows you to protect your eyes. In some cases, the causes of pain in the eyes are quite simple to determine (conjunctivitis, keratitis, trauma, foreign body), in other cases they are not obvious and require a thorough diagnostic examination.

There are many causes of eye pain. Given the multifactorial nature of eye pain, it is very important to establish its cause in order to prevent irreversible loss of vision. Depending on the particular cause that caused the pain in the eyes, the nature of the pain and the symptoms that accompany it may be different.

An attack of glaucoma caused by an increase in intraocular pressure is often accompanied by painful sensations. Usually, eye pain in glaucoma is bilateral, may be accompanied by blurred vision, the appearance of iridescent circles before the eyes. An acute attack of glaucoma is associated with the appearance of intense eye pain radiating to the temple area, sometimes to the back of the head, may be accompanied by weakness, a feeling of nausea. On examination, pupil dilation, swelling of the eyelids and cornea, dilation of the vessels of the eye are determined. If the described symptoms appear, you should call an ambulance for emergency care.

Eye pain in iritis (inflammation of the iris) and iridocyclitis (combined inflammation of the iris and ciliary body) is severe, accompanied by symptoms such as photophobia, hyperemia (plethora) of the iris and constriction of the pupil of the affected eye.

Uveitis (inflammation of the choroid) is characterized by the appearance of a number of symptoms (depending on the location of the inflammation). Pain in the eye is characteristic of anterior uveitis, in addition, there is lacrimation, hyperemia around the cornea, photophobia, blurred vision and narrowing of the pupil on the side of the lesion.

Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) is usually accompanied by symptoms such as redness of the affected eye, swelling and clouding of the cornea, blepharospasm, lacrimation. Eye pain with keratitis is mild, aching, prolonged. With herpetic keratitis, the pain, on the contrary, is very strong, after a while the characteristic symptoms of eye damage in the form of ulcers join.

Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye) is a common cause of discomfort and pain in the eye. The nature of the pain is cutting, the pain is aggravated by blinking, lacrimation, mucous or purulent discharge from the eyes, photophobia are also characteristic.

Acute or chronic blepharitis may be accompanied by eye pain, discomfort, foreign body sensation in the eye, itching and eye fatigue. Similar symptoms also have dry eye syndrome .

Computer vision syndrome is another common cause of eye pain. This condition is caused by prolonged intense visual stress, accompanied by the appearance of dull aching pain in the eyes, blurred vision, increased eye fatigue.

Pain in the eyes during migraine attack often accompanies intense headaches. Typically, a headache occurs in the left or right side of the head and the corresponding eye, lasts from several hours to several days, is accompanied by vegetative manifestations (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, chills, sweating, increased sensitivity to light and sound stimuli). Pain in the eyes with a migraine is not dangerous and goes away on its own as soon as the attack subsides. When the described symptoms appear, you should always consult a doctor, because. the patient is not always able to distinguish eye pain from migraine and glaucoma.

Inflammation of the optic nerve is an acute disease accompanied by pain in the eye on the affected side. The most characteristic symptoms in this disease are pain when moving the affected eye, blurred vision and color perception, which are aggravated after physical exertion. To confirm the diagnosis, an examination of the fundus is necessary, a number of additional studies may be required.

Neuritis (inflammation) of the trigeminal nerve may also be accompanied by pain in the eyeball. Such pain is usually one-sided (corresponding to the side of the nerve lesion), sharp (twitching, stabbing), paroxysmal, intense. This condition is treated by a neurologist.

Pain in the eyes during increase in blood pressure is a fairly common phenomenon. An increase in blood pressure is usually accompanied by a feeling of heat, redness of the skin of the face, nausea, tinnitus, a feeling of pulsation in the temples, and sometimes the appearance of “flies” before the eyes. In adolescence, the cause of pain in the eyes may be vegetative-vascular dystonia of the sympathicotonic type, also accompanied by an increase in blood pressure.

Eye injuries are most often caused by a blow with a blunt object, they are accompanied by the appearance of a sharp pain in the eye, the intensity of which depends on the degree of damage to the eye.

Whatever the nature of the pain in the eye, you cannot ignore such a symptom! Eye pain requires a mandatory consultation with an ophthalmologist to identify the cause of the pain and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Ignoring pain, as well as self-medication, can lead to a decrease in vision, and in some diseases, to its loss.

At the Moscow Eye Clinic medical center, all patients, according to indications, can undergo a full diagnostic examination using the most modern equipment, and, based on the results, receive advice from a highly qualified specialist. The clinic is open seven days a week and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Our specialists will help identify the cause of vision loss and carry out competent treatment of the identified pathologies.

You can make an appointment at the “Moscow Eye Clinic” by phone in Moscow 8 800 777-38-81 and 8 (499) 322-36-36 (daily from 9:00 to 21:00) or by using the online booking form.

Causes of eye discomfort | Delfanto

Itching, pain, pain in the eyes and other unpleasant sensations often indicate a banal visual fatigue.

Why does redness and discomfort occur in the eyes?

Often these symptoms indicate the development of asthenopia or visual fatigue. Pain in the eyes usually occurs due to overexertion of the paired muscle, which is responsible for the ability to focus the gaze. This symptom intensifies, as a rule, in the evening. Eye fatigue syndrome can be divided into three stages:

• Compensation. At the initial stage, the pathological condition is manifested by unpleasant sensations inside the eye, increased dryness, and profuse lacrimation. There may be a feeling of “sand” or a foreign body, as well as functional disorders of the organ of vision, which usually disappear after rest. At the stage of compensation, asthenopia, as a rule, does not need special treatment. But experts recommend observing the regime of work and rest, especially with prolonged visual stress.
• Subcompensation. At this stage, in addition to the typical clinical signs of overwork of the organ of vision (feeling of dryness, pain in the eyes), doubling of the image is added. Unpleasant sensations can appear even after a slight load. But even the subcompensated stage of asthenopia is treated, the main thing is that it be timely. To unload tired eye muscles, it is sometimes necessary to wear corrective optics.
• Decompensation. This is the last stage of asthenopia, in the clinical picture of which there are the symptoms listed earlier, as well as distortion of the shapes and sizes of surrounding objects, irritability, and headaches. If left untreated, myopia may progress, symptoms of age-related farsightedness may appear. In some clinical cases, visual fatigue is accompanied by inflammation of the eyelids (conjunctivitis, blepharitis), while dryness and discomfort in the eyes are constantly present.

There are many possible causes of asthenopia. For example, accommodative is the result of general overwork of the body, visual impairment, stress, which lead to spasm of the muscle focusing the image. Neurogenic asthenopia occurs against the background of nervous disorders (there are no abnormalities of the organ of vision), muscular – appears due to myopia and weakness of the rectus muscles of the eye. Visual fatigue can also be present in the clinical picture of inflammatory diseases of the nose and eyes.

Why does eye pain occur?

Aching or sharp pain can occur spontaneously or at certain times of the day. It can be localized in the eyelids, protein coat, cornea, iris, conjunctiva. Eye muscles, nerves that are responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain, can get sick. Pain is often accompanied by a decrease in visual acuity. But there are many reasons for its occurrence. Therefore, before starting treatment, it is necessary to determine why discomfort in the eyes occurs. Most often, the nature of pain in the eye is associated with such conditions:

• Injuries. Flame or steam burns, exposure to aggressive chemical compounds, damage to the cornea with sharp objects, and other conditions may be accompanied by pain in the eyes, narrowing of the palpebral fissure, redness of the sclera, reflex compression of the eyelids.
• Foreign body entry. Usually, when a foreign body enters, profuse lacrimation begins, while something seems to interfere with the eye. Due to damage to the conjunctiva, painful sensations, redness of the vessels occur.
• Blepharitis. Inflammation of the eyelids of a bacterial or fungal nature. Accompanied by swelling and redness of the eyelid, pain that radiates to the area of ​​the eyeball. In the acute form, subcutaneous cysts are formed, a decrease in visual acuity is observed.
• Barley. Inflammation that affects the ciliary hair follicle, meibomian or sebaceous gland. The main reason for the development is an infection, which is activated when the organs of vision become cold and the general immunity decreases. In addition to discomfort when closing the eye, barley is accompanied by the formation of painful seals, swelling of the eyelid.
• Conjunctivitis. Inflammation of a fungal, bacterial, viral nature that affects the mucous membrane of the eye. The disease can be chronic or acute. With conjunctivitis, the eyes are watery, discomfort manifests itself in the form of severe eye pain, a feeling of the presence of a foreign body or sand in the eyes.
• Corneal erosion. Under the influence of chemical or mechanical irritants, inflammatory processes often damage the cornea. Erosion is manifested by profuse lacrimation, redness, severe eye pain, photophobia. Left untreated, the eye disease progresses and can lead to vision loss.
• Glaucoma. Often there is pressing pain and discomfort in the eyes due to increased intraocular pressure. If the circulation of fluid in the organs of vision is disturbed, damage to the optic nerve occurs. This can lead to gradual loss of vision.
• Keratitis. Inflammation that occurs against the background of mechanical damage to the cornea or under the influence of fungi, viruses, bacteria. Accompanied by clouding of the cornea, decreased visual acuity, redness of blood vessels, lacrimation, photophobia.

Sometimes discomfort occurs with inflammation of the optic nerve (neuritis). A progressive inflammatory process leads to the destruction of the myelin sheath of nerve fibers, the loss of the ability of nerves to conduct impulses, and complete loss of vision.

With neuritis, as a rule, there is pressing pain in the region of the eyeball, a narrowing of the field of vision is observed. Treatment, which usually takes place in a hospital, is aimed at restoring nerve conduction.

Why is there discomfort in the eyes, as if something is pressing, and a headache?

This condition is usually accompanied by general malaise, dizziness, drowsiness. It can be due to various reasons:

• Migraine. An acute attack of headache that can last from 2-3 hours to several days. Usually painful sensations are localized in the temporal and frontal region, but can spread over its entire surface.
  Frontitis, sinusitis, sinusitis. Diseases are manifested by pressing pain above the eyes and near the bridge of the nose, which is aggravated by bending over.
• Anemia. Often, the pathological condition is accompanied by arching pain in the back of the head, temples, eyes, frontal part of the head.
• Osteochondrosis. Aching pain usually appears in the region of the eyeball, as well as the back of the head.
• Meningitis. Clinical manifestations of the disease – chills, nausea, pressing eye pain.

Soreness and discomfort in the eyes can occur even with a sore throat, flu or cold. Sometimes this condition is observed with vegetovascular dystonia.

Why is there a feeling of dryness in the eyes and discomfort, as if sand had been covered?

These conditions are common manifestations of dry eye syndrome (DES). This is one of the common ophthalmic pathologies that occurs due to a decrease in the production of the secretion of the lacrimal glands. DES is accompanied by a feeling of pain, decreased visual acuity, reddening of the conjunctiva. The disease is treated by a specialist.

Delfanto® capsules based on a standardized extract of Aristotelia chile (MaquiBright®) can be used to treat dry eye syndrome. They help with dry eyes. Unlike eye drops, capsules act on the causes of DES (dysfunction of the lacrimal glands) and provide moisture to the eyeball with its own tear.

Most often, the disease occurs in office workers, drivers, the elderly, as well as people who live in hot climates. There are many reasons that lead to discomfort and dryness in the eyes:

• hormonal disorders;
• taking antidepressants, antihistamines;
• diabetes mellitus;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• natural aging of the organism;
• eye surgeries;
• non-closure of eyelids, etc.

Often the cause of dry eyes is the wearing of contact lenses, the presence of which forces the lacrimal apparatus to change its mode of operation. A lot of tears are spent on the flow around the lens and wetting its surface. If the glands produce it in normal volumes, this is often not enough. An increase in the flow of tear fluid in conditions of its deficiency leads to the appearance of dryness, discomfort in the eyes when wearing contact lenses. Very often, this condition forces patients to stop using them.

Delfanto® Capsules can be taken as part of the prevention of dry eye. They are especially useful for people whose activities are associated with high visual loads.