What are the common causes of eye pain. How can eye pain be effectively treated. What preventive measures can be taken to avoid eye discomfort. When should you seek immediate medical attention for eye pain.

Common Causes of Ocular Pain: Surface-Level Discomfort

Eye pain is a frequent complaint that can range from mild irritation to severe discomfort. Understanding the root causes of eye pain is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Ocular pain, which occurs on the eye’s surface, can be attributed to several factors:

• Foreign objects
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Contact lens irritation
• Corneal abrasions
• Eye injuries
• Blepharitis
• Styes or chalazia

Foreign objects are the most common cause of surface eye pain. Whether it’s an eyelash, a speck of dust, or makeup residue, these irritants can cause redness, watering, and discomfort. Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is another frequent culprit. This inflammation of the conjunctiva – the tissue lining the front of the eye and the underside of the eyelid – can result from allergies or infections, causing itchiness and mild pain.

For contact lens wearers, improper care or extended wear can lead to irritation or infection. Corneal abrasions, which are scratches on the clear surface of the eye, can cause a persistent feeling of having something in the eye. Eye injuries, including chemical burns and flash burns from intense light sources, can also result in significant pain.

Blepharitis, an infection or inflammation of the oil glands on the eyelid’s edge, can cause discomfort. In some cases, this condition can lead to the formation of a sty or chalazion – raised bumps on the eyelid that may be tender and painful.

Deeper Eye Pain: Orbital Discomfort and Its Origins

While surface pain is more common, some individuals experience deeper eye pain, known as orbital pain. This type of discomfort can feel aching, gritty, stabbing, or throbbing. Several conditions can cause pain within the eye:

• Glaucoma
• Optic neuritis
• Sinusitis
• Migraines
• Penetrating eye injuries
• Iritis

Glaucoma, characterized by increased pressure within the eye, can cause pain accompanied by nausea, headache, and vision loss. Acute angle closure glaucoma is particularly serious and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent vision damage. Inflammation of the optic nerve, known as optic neuritis, can result in eye pain and vision loss. This condition may be caused by autoimmune diseases or infections.

Sinusitis, an infection of the sinuses, can create pressure behind the eyes, leading to pain in one or both eyes. Migraines often include eye pain as a symptom. Penetrating injuries to the eye, such as those from accidents or being hit by an object, can cause significant pain deep within the eye. Iritis, though uncommon, involves inflammation of the iris and can result in deep eye pain.

Recognizing Emergency Situations: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While most cases of eye pain are not serious, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize these signs to prevent potential vision loss or other complications. When should you seek emergency care for eye pain?

• Sudden vision loss accompanying eye pain
• Severe eye pain
• 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

If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact an ophthalmologist or seek emergency medical care. Prompt treatment can be crucial in preventing permanent damage to your vision.

Effective Treatments for Eye Pain: From Home Remedies to Medical Interventions

The treatment for eye pain varies depending on its cause. In many cases, simple home remedies and over-the-counter solutions can provide relief. However, more severe conditions may require medical intervention. What are some common treatments for eye pain?

• Rest and eye coverage
• Switching from contact lenses to glasses
• Warm compresses
• Eye flushing
• Prescription eye drops
• Medical procedures (for severe cases)

For many conditions causing eye pain, the best treatment is simply allowing your eyes to rest. This may involve covering your eyes and refraining from activities that cause eye strain, such as staring at screens. If you wear contact lenses, switching to glasses for a period can give your corneas time to heal.

Warm compresses can be effective for conditions like blepharitis or styes. Applying a warm, moist towel to the affected eye can help clear clogged oil glands or hair follicles. In cases where a foreign object is causing irritation, flushing the eye with clean water or saline solution can provide relief.

For more severe conditions, your doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops or ointments. In cases of glaucoma or other serious eye conditions, medical procedures may be necessary to alleviate pain and prevent vision loss.

Preventive Measures: Safeguarding Your Eye Health

While not all causes of eye pain can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing eye discomfort. How can you protect your eyes and maintain optimal eye health?

• Practice good hygiene
• Use protective eyewear
• Follow proper contact lens care
• Take regular screen breaks
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle
• Schedule regular eye exams

Good hygiene is crucial for preventing eye infections. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes or handling contact lenses. When engaging in activities that pose a risk to your eyes, such as sports or DIY projects, wear appropriate protective eyewear.

If you wear contact lenses, follow proper care instructions. Clean and disinfect your lenses as directed, and replace them according to the recommended schedule. To prevent eyestrain, take regular breaks when using digital devices, following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

A healthy lifestyle can contribute to overall eye health. Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Stay hydrated and get regular exercise. Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol consumption. Finally, schedule regular eye exams to detect and address potential issues before they cause pain or vision problems.

Understanding Different Types of Eye Pain: Characteristics and Implications

Eye pain can manifest in various ways, and understanding these differences can help in identifying the underlying cause. How do different types of eye pain present themselves?

Surface Pain

Surface pain, or ocular pain, typically feels like:
– Scratching
– Burning
– Itching

This type of pain is often caused by irritants on the eye’s surface and may be accompanied by redness, tearing, or a feeling of grittiness.

Deep Pain

Deeper eye pain, or orbital pain, may be described as:
– Aching
– Throbbing
– Stabbing
– Gritty

This type of pain often indicates a more serious condition and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as vision changes or headaches.

The nature of the pain can provide valuable clues to healthcare professionals about the potential cause and necessary treatment. Always provide a detailed description of your pain when seeking medical attention for eye discomfort.

The Role of Technology in Eye Health: Balancing Benefits and Risks

In our increasingly digital world, technology plays a significant role in eye health. While technological advancements have improved diagnostic and treatment capabilities, they have also introduced new challenges. How does technology impact our eye health, and what can we do to mitigate potential negative effects?

Digital Eye Strain

Prolonged use of digital devices can lead to digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. Symptoms may include:
– Eye fatigue
– Dry eyes
– Headaches
– Blurred vision
– Neck and shoulder pain

To combat digital eye strain, implement the following strategies:
– Use the 20-20-20 rule
– Adjust screen brightness and contrast
– Position your screen at arm’s length and slightly below eye level
– Use artificial tears to keep eyes lubricated
– Consider blue light filtering glasses or screen protectors

Advancements in Eye Care Technology

On the positive side, technology has revolutionized eye care. Some notable advancements include:
– High-resolution imaging techniques for early detection of eye diseases
– Laser eye surgery for vision correction
– Smart contact lenses for continuous monitoring of eye health
– Artificial intelligence for faster and more accurate diagnoses

These technological innovations have improved our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat various eye conditions, potentially reducing the incidence of eye pain and vision problems.

Eye Pain in Children: Special Considerations and Approach

Eye pain in children requires special attention, as young ones may have difficulty articulating their symptoms. What should parents and caregivers know about eye pain in children?

Common Causes

Eye pain in children can be caused by:
– Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
– Foreign objects in the eye
– Eye injuries
– Sinus infections
– Migraine headaches

Signs to Watch For

Children may not always complain of eye pain directly. Look out for these signs:
– Frequent eye rubbing
– Squinting or closing one eye
– Excessive tearing
– Redness or swelling around the eye
– Changes in behavior or irritability
– Sensitivity to light

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a pediatrician or ophthalmologist if:
– The pain persists for more than a day
– There’s a noticeable change in vision
– The eye appears cloudy or has an unusual discharge
– The child has a fever along with eye symptoms
– There’s a history of recent eye injury

Remember, children’s eyes are still developing, and early intervention is crucial for preventing long-term vision problems. Regular eye exams are important for maintaining good eye health in children.

Eye pain, while common, should never be ignored. Understanding its causes, recognizing when to seek medical attention, and taking preventive measures can help maintain optimal eye health. By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your vision and reduce the likelihood of experiencing eye discomfort. Remember, your eyes are invaluable – treat them with the care they deserve.

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.

Eye pain: causes, diagnosis and treatment

Pain in the eyes is a common symptom. It can indicate both an overstrain of the organs of vision, for example, during prolonged work at a computer, and serious diseases of the eyes and other organs and systems. Faced with severe pain, we experience stress from the unpleasant sensations themselves, as well as from the unknown nature of their origin. In this article, we will consider the causes of pain, talk about the diseases that cause it, as well as how to treat the disease.

Causes of discomfort

Pain in the eyes can be a symptom of overexertion or diseases of the organs of vision. These diseases are divided into endogenous, that is, having internal causes, and exogenous, arising under the influence of external factors, such as injuries. Ophthalmic diseases can be independent or, in the case of endogenous diseases, be the result of diseases of other organs and systems. Thus, endogenous keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) can occur in a patient with tuberculosis.

Not always pain behind the eyes or in the eyes is caused by problems of the visual system. If the patient does not observe changes in the sclera (proteins) – there is no redness, itching, and vision itself does not deteriorate, the cause of the symptom may be diseases of other organs. We are talking about the so-called radiating pain, which occurs in a healthy organ (eye) due to nerve impulses coming from another (diseased) organ. For example, inflammation of the trigeminal nerve may respond with discomfort in the eyes.

Diseases causing eye discomfort

Consider which diseases can be manifested by pain in the eyes or a headache behind the eyeballs. Let’s start with ophthalmic diagnoses.

Conjunctivitis

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, that is, the mucous membrane of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is manifested by redness, itching, swelling of the eyelids, sensation of a foreign body in the eye, and discharge. Causes of the disease:

• bacteria,

• viruses,

• allergic reactions,

• diseases of the eyelids, such as blepharitis.

The most severe pain is caused by bacterial conjunctivitis, it is also accompanied by purulent secretions that stick together eyelashes during sleep.

Keratitis

This inflammatory disease affects the cornea, is manifested by pain and severe pain, a feeling of dryness, reddening of the conjunctiva, edema, photophobia, lacrimation, decreased visual acuity. Like conjunctivitis, keratitis is caused by bacteria and viruses. For example, when affected by herpes, the patient feels acute pain, tree-like defects are visible on the surface of the cornea. Adenovirus keratitis, in addition to the main symptoms, causes clouding of the cornea.

Uveitis

Inflammation of the choroid of the eye. It occurs due to viruses and bacteria, under the influence of secondary infections, with immunodeficiency, trauma, systemic connective tissue diseases, such as arthritis. The patient feels pain with anterior uveitis, that is, inflammation of the iris or ciliary body. Unpleasant sensations are aggravated at night and by pressure on the eyeball. Other symptoms are decreased visual acuity, lacrimation, photophobia, redness of the eye.

Glaucoma

One of the most serious eye diseases. Glaucoma is caused by high intraocular pressure. At first, it entails a deterioration in peripheral vision; if left untreated, it can lead to the death of the optic nerve and blindness.

Severe pain in the eyeballs (especially with pressure) and areas around them is a symptom of glaucoma. He is accompanied by:

• headache of the dorsal and temporal region,

• blurred vision,

• reduced vision at night,

• the appearance of a halo when looking at a light source,

• pupil dilation, lack of reaction to light,

• weakness, nausea, dizziness.

Optic neuritis

Inflammation of the optic nerve in most cases (90%) is manifested by pain when moving the eyes. Unpleasant sensations can be observed with a static position of the eyeballs. With neuritis, visual acuity decreases in a short time (from several hours to two days), peripheral visual acuity decreases especially, color perception worsens, blind spots appear, the patient sees “flies” before his eyes, and may experience nausea. Often, optic neuritis is combined with multiple sclerosis, becomes its manifestation.

In addition to diseases, injuries can cause pain in the eyes, for example, a foreign body entering the surface of the visual organ or inside it. Sharp pain is provoked by thermal and chemical burns, including from the improper use of household chemicals.

Pain syndrome can be the result of eye strain. It affects people who are forced to concentrate their gaze for a long time. For example, eye muscles due to overexertion can hurt truckers, jewelers, as well as people working at a computer. Pain increases with eye movement and decreases with relaxation exercises such as the Bates exercises.

What ailments, not directly related to vision, contribute to the appearance of pain? Here are some of them.

Increased intracranial pressure

Hypertension occurs as a result of a deterioration in the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid. Outflow can be disturbed for various reasons – from obesity to heavy metal poisoning. The disease is manifested by a throbbing headache, as well as pain in the eye sockets. Discomfort increases mainly in the morning. Also, the patient may complain of tinnitus, nausea, dizziness. Over time, a patient with hypertension begins to see worse, the field of view decreases.

Trigeminal neuralgia

The defeat of the trigeminal nerve is characterized by a sharp shooting pain in one side of the face. Attacks last about two minutes, unpleasant sensations go from the side of the face to the center. Neuralgia, as a rule, causes compression of the trunk of the trigeminal nerve, it can occur due to the pathology of blood vessels, neoplasms, changes in the structure of the skull (with injuries, chronic sinusitis and otitis media).

Migraine

Migraine is manifested by severe throbbing headache and pain in the eye sockets, as well as nausea, vomiting, photophobia, sensitivity to smells and sounds. Often this is a genetic disorder. Various factors can cause an attack: stress, sleep disturbance, food, changing weather conditions.

Cluster headaches

This is a series of attacks of severe pain around one of the eyes, which can also spread to one side of the forehead, temple, cheek. In addition to pain, the patient is faced with lacrimation, tachycardia, redness of the face, eyes, blurred vision. Attacks occur at the same time for several days, weeks or even months. Then remission lasts for about three years. Probably, the cause of the disease lies in the disruption of the hypothalamus.

When to see a doctor

Any negative impact on the eyeballs from the outside can lead to impaired visual function, so it is very important to seek help as soon as possible if you experience injury or burns. A sudden attack of acute pain for reasons unknown to you also requires immediate medical attention – use the services of an ambulance.

See an ophthalmologist if you experience persistent pain in or behind your eyes. Any pain, especially if accompanied by other symptoms, should be the reason for a visit to a specialist. If the causes of discomfort are not ophthalmic diseases, the doctor will refer you to his colleagues – a general practitioner, neurologist, endocrinologist.

Only a professional will be able to correctly establish the cause of discomfort, which will allow not only to remove the symptom, but also to begin therapy for the disease that provokes it.

Pain management

Therapy is prescribed by the doctor depending on the diagnosis. What can you do on your own before meeting with a specialist? In case of burns, rinse eyes with running water. In case of injury, rest the affected eye, you can put a bandage on it. If you are faced with inflammation, remove the discharge in time, you should also not use contact lenses and use cosmetics.

To relieve the symptom, the ophthalmologist may prescribe painkillers. To combat the cause of inflammation – antibacterial and antiviral drugs, or antihistamines, if the inflammation is caused by allergies.

Glaucoma in the early stages is treated with drops that reduce intraocular pressure and improve metabolism in the tissues of the eye. In the later stages, laser and surgery may be required.

With optic neuritis, steroid hormones and anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. Additionally, multiple sclerosis therapy can be carried out if it provoked neuritis.

If the cause of the pain is high intracranial pressure, conservative or surgical treatment is performed, depending on the causes of the disease. With trigeminal neuralgia, a complex of drugs is prescribed, including anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants, B vitamins, and sedatives. In cases of migraine and cluster pain, the use of analgesics is necessary.

Follow the instructions of specialists to fight not only the symptom, but also its causes. Never engage in self-diagnosis and self-treatment!

Last time we talked about the best eye drops for dryness and pain.

What to do if your eyes hurt from the phone, symptoms and prevention

For the eyesItchingArtificial tearEye strainLacrimationMoisturizing drops 003 All authors

Contents of the article

• What to do if phone hurt eyes
• What to do if the computer hurts the eyes
• Eyes hurt from a computer and phone
• Rules for working with a monitor, phone, tablet
• Prevention of pain in the eyes
• Pharmacy remedies for eye fatigue

What to do if your eyes hurt from the phone

How much time you spend with gadgets ? We woke up in the morning, answered the messages of friends, flipped through the feed in social networks. Reading the news on the way to work. At work, spend 8 hours at the computer, being distracted only by lunch. On the way home in transport, you also flip through the tape. You return home, watch TV at dinner, and before going to bed you communicate with friends in instant messengers for another half an hour.

Over time, this lifestyle affects vision – pain, discomfort, redness of the eyes appear. The ophthalmologist says that the vision has deteriorated and writes out a prescription for glasses. Why does this happen and how can it be prevented?

Human eyes are not adapted to the high load from screen radiation. More and more time people spend with gadgets. Modern children, not yet learning to speak, are already deftly managing smartphones. Ophthalmologists are more likely to identify symptoms of digital visual fatigue in patients.

Digital technology emits blue light. It negatively affects the health of the eyes and the whole organism:

• A person sees objects less clearly, visual acuity decreases.
• Increased risk of developing macular degeneration of the retina.
• Rhythms of sleep and wakefulness are disturbed, therefore, well-being, memory and concentration of attention worsen.

What to do if your computer hurts your eyes

Constant eye contact with digital technology causes the following symptoms:

• dry eyes
• lacrimation
• redness
• feeling of “sand” in the eyes
• decreased visual acuity
• difficulty establishing focus
• headache
• general fatigue
• pain in the neck and back

At the initial stage, the above symptoms quickly disappear after rest. The condition is aggravated if a person maintains such a lifestyle. The negative effects of blue light accumulate, and the symptoms become more pronounced, do not go away after sleep, and appear more often. Often this condition requires consultation with an ophthalmologist.

Eyes hurt from computer and phone

You can reduce the symptoms of digital visual fatigue if you follow simple rules:

• Sleep hygiene. Do not use digital technology 2-3 hours before bedtime.
• Walk outdoors for at least 1-1.5 hours every day.
• Nutrition should be balanced: saturate the diet with protein, vegetables and fruits.
• Make sure you have good lighting at your desk.
• When working with gadgets for a long time, do exercises for the eyes.
• If necessary, use natural tear substitutes, moisturizing drops.
• Wear special computer glasses.
• Visit an ophthalmologist once a year for preventive maintenance. Be sure to see your doctor if you experience symptoms of eye disease.

Rules for working at a monitor, phone, tablet

When working at a computer, observe the following rules:

• Work at a desk. Sit with a straight back. Feet should be flat on the soles.
• The top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level.
• Maintain a distance between the eyes and the monitor of 45-75 cm.

General rules for working with a PC, phone, tablet:

• Use glasses when working at a computer.
• Blink frequently – this will protect the mucous membrane of the eye from harmful drying out
  .
• Exercise your eyes.

Prevention of eye pain

The above rules will help to cope with eye pain and other unpleasant symptoms. Limit your computer time as much as possible. Try to spend less time on your phone, especially in the dark before bed. Don’t touch your eyes with dirty hands. Protect them from dust and other foreign objects. Care must be taken when working with household chemicals to avoid injury.

You might be interested in “How to take vitamin C correctly?”

Pharmacy remedies for eye fatigue

Prolonged work with gadgets can lead to drying of the mucous membrane of the eyes.