What causes pain at the top of the eye socket. How to identify common eye pain symptoms. When should you seek medical attention for eye discomfort. What are effective treatments for various types of eye pain.

Common Causes of Sharp Pain in the Eye

Sharp or sudden pain in the eye can be an alarming experience, often described as an aching, stabbing, or burning sensation within the eye itself. While many cases are due to minor irritants, some instances may signal more serious conditions requiring prompt medical attention. Understanding the potential causes and appropriate responses is crucial for maintaining eye health.

Debris in the Eye: A Frequent Culprit

One of the most common causes of sharp eye pain is debris entering the eye. This can include dust, dirt, or other foreign substances that cause irritation and discomfort. When faced with this issue, what should you do?

• Attempt to flush the eye with saline solution or clean water
• Avoid rubbing the eye, which may exacerbate the problem
• If pain persists after rinsing, consult an eye care professional

In some cases, persistent pain may indicate a corneal abrasion, which requires medical assessment. If a sharp object is visibly protruding from the eye, do not attempt to remove it yourself – seek immediate medical assistance.

Cluster Headaches and Eye Pain

Cluster headaches can significantly impact eye function, typically affecting one side of the head and lasting between 15 minutes to 3 hours. How can you identify a cluster headache?

• Redness in the affected eye
• Drooping of the eye or eyelid
• Excessive tearing
• Swelling or sharp pain around the eye

Treatment for cluster headaches often involves medication to alleviate or prevent the headache. Keeping a headache diary can help identify triggers and patterns, aiding in prevention strategies.

Contact Lens-Related Eye Discomfort

For those who wear contact lenses, eye pain may be related to issues with the lenses themselves. If you experience blurry vision along with pain, your contact lens may have shifted or become folded in your eye. How can you address this problem?

1. Wash your hands thoroughly
2. If visible, attempt to remove the contact lens carefully
3. If not visible, flush the eye with saline solution
4. Gently roll your eye to help reposition the lens

Regular contact lens maintenance and following proper hygiene practices can help prevent many lens-related issues.

Uveitis: Inflammation of the Eye’s Middle Layer

Uveitis refers to a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the uvea, the middle layer of the eye that includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid. What are the common causes of uveitis?

• Autoimmune disorders
• Eye trauma
• Exposure to toxins
• Tumors or infections

Diagnosis of uveitis typically involves a comprehensive eye examination. Treatment, usually prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist, may include:

• Anti-inflammatory eye drops
• Corticosteroid pills or injections
• Antibiotics or antiviral medications

Early detection and treatment of uveitis are crucial to prevent potential complications and preserve vision.

Glaucoma: A Serious Threat to Eye Health

Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve and is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 60.5 million people globally suffer from glaucoma. Why is acute angle-closure glaucoma considered a medical emergency?

This form of glaucoma can lead to blindness within days if left untreated. Symptoms that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Severe eye pain
• Visual disturbances
• Blurry vision
• Nausea and vomiting

Regular glaucoma screenings, especially for individuals over 35, are essential for early detection and prevention of vision loss.

Understanding Pressure Behind the Eye

The sensation of pressure behind the eyes can have various causes, some of which may not originate within the eye itself. Why is it important to take eye pressure seriously?

Feelings of eye pressure should always be reported to a healthcare professional, as they can sometimes indicate serious underlying conditions. While eye pain is often described as stabbing, searing, or stinging, pressure sensations can be equally concerning.

Migraines and Tension Headaches

Both tension and migraine headaches can create a sense of pressure behind the eyes. Tension headaches, affecting over 80% of people, are the most common type. Migraine headaches, on the other hand, are often accompanied by visual disturbances such as zigzag or colorful lines.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Eye Pain

Knowing when to consult a healthcare professional about eye pain is crucial for maintaining eye health and preventing potential complications. Under what circumstances should you seek immediate medical attention?

• Severe eye pain that persists after attempting to flush the eye
• Visual disturbances or sudden changes in vision
• Eye pain accompanied by headache, nausea, or vomiting
• Signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge
• Any eye injury involving a foreign object

If symptoms don’t subside after a few hours or if you’re uncertain about the cause of your eye pain, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and consult an eye care professional.

Diagnostic Procedures for Eye Pain

When you visit an eye care professional for eye pain, what diagnostic procedures might you expect? The examination typically includes:

1. Visual acuity test to assess your vision
2. Examination of the eye’s external structures
3. Slit-lamp examination to view the eye’s internal structures
4. Tonometry to measure intraocular pressure
5. Ophthalmoscopy to examine the back of the eye

In some cases, additional tests such as imaging studies or blood tests may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of eye pain.

Treatment Options for Various Eye Pain Causes

The treatment for eye pain varies depending on the underlying cause. What are some common treatment approaches for different eye conditions?

Debris or Foreign Objects

• Flushing the eye with saline solution
• Removal of the foreign object by a healthcare professional
• Antibiotic eye drops to prevent infection in case of corneal abrasion

Cluster Headaches

• Oxygen therapy
• Triptans or other pain-relieving medications
• Preventive medications such as calcium channel blockers

Contact Lens Issues

• Proper lens cleaning and maintenance
• Switching to a different type of contact lens
• Taking a break from contact lens use

Uveitis

• Corticosteroid eye drops or oral medications
• Immunosuppressive drugs in severe cases
• Treatment of underlying conditions if applicable

Glaucoma

• Eye drops to reduce intraocular pressure
• Oral medications in some cases
• Laser therapy or surgery for advanced cases

It’s important to follow your eye care professional’s treatment plan carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.

Preventing Eye Pain and Maintaining Eye Health

While not all causes of eye pain can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to maintain good eye health and reduce the risk of eye-related issues. What are some effective strategies for preserving eye health?

• Wear protective eyewear when engaging in activities that pose a risk of eye injury
• Practice good hygiene, especially if you wear contact lenses
• Take regular breaks when using digital devices to reduce eye strain
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids
• Stay hydrated to prevent dry eyes
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption
• Get regular eye examinations, especially if you have a family history of eye diseases

By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of eye pain and other ocular issues.

The Impact of Systemic Diseases on Eye Health

Many systemic diseases can have a profound impact on eye health, potentially leading to eye pain and other ocular symptoms. Which systemic conditions are known to affect the eyes?

• Diabetes: Can lead to diabetic retinopathy and increase the risk of glaucoma
• Hypertension: May cause hypertensive retinopathy
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Can result in dry eyes and scleritis
• Multiple sclerosis: May cause optic neuritis
• Thyroid disorders: Can affect eye muscles and cause protruding eyes

If you have any of these conditions, it’s crucial to work closely with both your primary care physician and eye care professional to monitor and manage potential ocular complications.

Emerging Technologies in Eye Pain Diagnosis and Treatment

The field of ophthalmology is constantly evolving, with new technologies emerging to improve the diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. What are some innovative approaches being developed?

• Artificial intelligence for early detection of eye diseases
• Gene therapy for inherited retinal disorders
• Advanced imaging techniques for more precise diagnosis
• Sustained-release drug delivery systems for chronic eye conditions
• Stem cell therapies for retinal regeneration

While many of these technologies are still in development or early stages of implementation, they hold great promise for improving eye care in the future.

The Psychological Impact of Chronic Eye Pain

Chronic eye pain can have a significant impact on an individual’s quality of life and mental health. How does persistent eye discomfort affect psychological well-being?

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Depression due to limited daily activities
• Social isolation from avoiding bright environments
• Reduced work productivity
• Sleep disturbances

If you’re experiencing chronic eye pain, it’s important to address both the physical and psychological aspects of your condition. Consider seeking support from mental health professionals in addition to your eye care treatment.

Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Eye Pain Management

While conventional medical treatments are essential for addressing eye pain, some individuals find relief through complementary and alternative approaches. What are some alternative methods that may help manage eye discomfort?

• Acupuncture for tension headaches and migraines
• Herbal supplements like bilberry and ginkgo biloba for eye health
• Eye exercises to reduce strain and improve focus
• Aromatherapy with essential oils like lavender for relaxation
• Mindfulness meditation to manage pain perception

It’s important to note that while these approaches may provide some relief, they should not replace conventional medical treatments. Always consult with your eye care professional before trying alternative therapies.

The Role of Nutrition in Eye Health and Pain Prevention

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in maintaining eye health and potentially preventing certain causes of eye pain. Which nutrients are particularly important for ocular well-being?

• Vitamin A: Essential for maintaining the cornea and retina
• Vitamin C: Helps prevent cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
• Vitamin E: Acts as an antioxidant to protect eye cells
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Support retinal health and may help with dry eye syndrome
• Lutein and Zeaxanthin: Protect against harmful light and free radicals
• Zinc: Important for the health of the retina and surrounding tissues

Incorporating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet can help ensure you’re getting the nutrients your eyes need to function optimally.

Environmental Factors and Eye Pain

Our environment can significantly impact eye health and contribute to eye pain. What environmental factors should you be aware of to protect your eyes?

• UV radiation: Can lead to photokeratitis and increase the risk of cataracts
• Air pollution: May cause dry eyes and irritation
• Allergens: Can trigger allergic conjunctivitis
• Dry or windy conditions: May exacerbate dry eye symptoms
• Blue light from digital devices: Can contribute to eye strain and discomfort

Taking precautions such as wearing sunglasses, using air purifiers, and implementing the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices (taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away) can help mitigate these environmental risks.

The Future of Eye Pain Research and Treatment

As our understanding of eye health continues to grow, what areas of research show promise for improving eye pain diagnosis and treatment in the future?

• Personalized medicine approaches based on genetic profiles
• Advanced neuroimaging techniques to better understand pain pathways
• Development of targeted therapies for specific types of eye pain
• Improvement in non-invasive diagnostic tools
• Integration of artificial intelligence in treatment planning

These advancements hold the potential to revolutionize how we approach eye pain, offering more effective and personalized treatments for patients.

Understanding the various causes of eye pain, from common irritants to serious conditions like glaucoma, is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health. By recognizing symptoms, seeking timely medical attention, and adopting preventive measures, individuals can protect their vision and overall well-being. As research continues to advance, new diagnostic tools and treatment options offer hope for improved management of eye pain and related conditions. Remember, your eyes are invaluable – prioritize their care and don’t hesitate to consult with eye care professionals when concerns arise.

Common Causes of Sharp Pain in Eye

Sharp or sudden pain in the eye is usually due to debris in or around the eye. It’s commonly described as an aching, stabbing, or burning feeling within the eye itself.

Sharp pain can also be caused by more serious conditions such as uveitis or glaucoma. Read on to learn more about possible causes, treatments, and when to get help.

Pain in the eye can be caused by any number of conditions or irritants. If you’re suffering from sharp eye pain that doesn’t go away after rinsing your eye with a saline eyewash solution, you should get an examination from your eye doctor.

Debris in eye

One of the most common causes of sharp pain in the eye is debris. This occurs when something — like dust, dirt, or other foreign substances — gets into the eye, causing irritation and pain.

If you believe you have something in your eye, you should try to flush it out with saline solution or water.

If you’re still feeling severe pain, you should contact your eye doctor, an optometrist, or an ophthalmologist. You may have a scratch on your eye (a corneal abrasion), which will need medical assessment.

If there’s a sharp object that’s still sticking out of your eye, don’t remove it. Get medical help immediately.

Cluster headaches

A cluster headache can affect the functionality of your eye. It typically affects one side of the head and can last 15 minutes to 3 hours. Symptoms can include:

• red eye
• droopy eye or eyelid
• tearing in the eye
• swelling or sharp pain

Treatment usually involves medicine to treat or prevent the headache. Preventing cluster headaches usually involves keeping a headache diary to diagnose your triggers and patterns.

Contact lens problems

If you’re wearing contact lens, your eye pain may be due to a problem with your contacts. If your vision is blurry along with the pain, your contact lens may have shifted or become folded in your eye.

If you can see your contact lens in the mirror, you should wash your hands and attempt to remove it.

If you can’t see it, you should flush your eye with saline solution and continue to roll your eye around until the contact lens shifts to an accessible place on the surface of your eye.

Uveitis

Uveitis is a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the part of the eye called the uvea. The uvea is the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris, ciliary body, and choroid (most of the blood vessels). Uveitis is usually caused by:

• autoimmune malfunction
• eye trauma
• toxins introduced to the eye
• tumors or infections

Uveitis is diagnosed by an eye exam and followed by treatment, which is typically prescribed by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Your doctor might prescribe medication such as:

• eye drops with an anti-inflammatory medication
• corticosteroid pill or injection
• antibiotics or antiviral medication

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that affects the optic nerve of the eye. The American Academy of Ophthalmology states that there are about 60.5 million people who suffer from glaucoma globally.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma is categorized as a medical emergency — it can result in blindness within a few days. If you’re experiencing the following symptoms, you need to contact a doctor immediately.

• severe eye pain
• visual disturbance
• blurry vision
• vomiting

A glaucoma check should be part of your annual eye doctor visit too, especially if you’re over the age of 35. Early detection is key to protecting your vision from glaucoma-related damage.

Your eye pain is typically very treatable!

If your head hurts along with your eye injury, you may be experiencing a migraine or cluster headache.

If your eye pain doesn’t go away after you’ve rinsed your eye, you may be experiencing a more serious condition.

If the symptoms don’t subside after a few hours, consider seeking medical attention.

Pressure Behind the Eye: 6 Frequent Causes

Dr. Russel Lazarus, November 4, 2021

The complaint of ‘pressure behind the eyes’ has many causes, and some can be sight-threatening.

A feeling of pressure behind your eyes isn’t necessarily caused by a condition inside your eye. It often starts in a different part of your head or face.

Feelings of eye pressure should always be taken seriously and be reported to your doctor.

Eye pain is usually described as stabbing, searing, or stinging and requires immediate medical attention as it could be caused by glaucoma or various contagious eye infections.

Here are the most common causes of pressure felt behind the eye.

1. Migraines and tension headaches

Tension and migraine headaches are two types of headaches that can induce a sense of pressure behind the eyes.

Tension headaches are the most frequent type of headache, with over 80% of people suffering from them.

Migraine headaches are a form of severe headache that are often accompanied by visual irregularities, such as zig ag or colorful lines. You may experience migraine headaches randomly or due a trigger such as stress or certain foods or medications.

A headache can cause a variety of symptoms in addition to pressure behind the eyes, such as:

• Red, teary eyes
• Drooping eyelid
• Neck and shoulder muscle pain
• Swelling on one side of your face
• Sweating or redness of your face
• Pain in your head that feels aching, tight or intense

2. Sinus infection

When bacteria or viruses get into the space behind your nose, eyes, and cheeks, it causes sinusitis, or a sinus infection.

These infections  cause your sinuses to expand and mucus to build up in your nose. You’ll feel pressure in the upper region of your face, especially behind your eyes and around your cheekbones.

Additional symptoms of sinusitis may include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Bad breath
• Sore throat
• Stuffy or runny nose
• Loss of sense of smell
• Pain or pressure in the face
• Post-nasal drip (mucus dripping from the nose down the throat)

If you are experiencing any pressure behind your eyes, contact an eye doctor near you.

SEE RELATED: Why Is There Excess Fluid in My Eye?

Find an eye doctor near you

3. Graves’ disease

Graves’ disease is a condition in which the tissues, muscles, and fat behind the eyes enlarge as a result of an overactive thyroid gland.

This condition causes the eyeball to expand out of the socket, which can cause other problems like dry eye syndrome and the inability to move the eyeball.

The enlargement of the tissues behind the eye might cause a pressure sensation.

Graves’ disease symptoms that affect the eyes include:

• Dry eyes
• Loss of vision
• Double vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Ulcers on the eye
• Swelling of the eyeball
• Being unable to move the eye
• The eye bulging from the socket
• A feeling of irritation in the eyes
• Eyes tearing up more than usual

4. Optic neuritis

Optic neuritis is an inflammation and swelling of the optic nerve that connects the eyes with the brain.

Pain and brief vision loss are common side effects, with symptoms peaking within a few days and lasting 4–12 weeks.

Symptoms of optic neuritis include:

• Reduced vision
• Loss of vision in one eye
• The pupil reacting unusually to bright light
• Pain in the eye, especially when moving it
• Color blindness, or colors appearing less vibrant
• Blurry sight

5. Toothache

As the surrounding nerves are impacted by a toothache, especially if it is caused by infection, throbbing pain and feelings of pressure may travel to other parts of the face.

Toothache can often lead to ‘referred pain’, where the pain is felt to occur in an adjacent part of the face rather than in the mouth or a specific tooth.

6. Injury to the face

Face injuries, such as those experienced in car accidents or while participating in sports, can cause pressure and pain behind and around the eyes.

The eye muscles, nerves, and sinuses can all be damaged by various forms of eye socket fractures.

Eye socket fractures may cause:

• A black eye
• Swelling near and around the eye
• Double vision, blurry vision, or reduced eyesight
• Numbness in parts of the face around the injured eye
• The eye appearing to either bulge or sink into the socket
• A flat-looking cheek, possibly with severe pain while opening the mouth

Treatment

In order to effectively treat pressure behind the eyes, the underlying conditions must be addressed.

The usage of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines and pain relievers are safe to take. They may help relieve pressure if it isn’t too severe and doesn’t appear to be a symptom of something more serious.

Consult a doctor if the pressure is severe or accompanied by other symptoms. Your doctor will prescribe any necessary treatment after diagnosing the problem.

LEARN MORE: Guide to Eye Health

Contact an eye doctor near you who can determine the cause of any pressure behind the eyes.

If you experience ‘pressure behind the eyes’ following your doctor’s directions and taking any medication suggested, you’ll have the best chance of managing this disabling condition.

Share

• Email
• Facebook
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Print

Next Article
11 Causes of Blurry Vision in One Eye »

Eye pain – Platan Clinic

Eye pain can occur on the surface or in deep structures of the eye. Severe pain in the eyes, especially accompanied by deterioration or loss of vision, may be a signal of a serious illness. In this case, you must immediately seek medical help.

Eye pain on the surface of the eye can be described as itching, burning, stinging, foreign body sensation, gritty feeling, tingling, shooting pain. Superficial eye pain is often associated with a foreign body in the eye, an eye infection, or something that irritates or inflames the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the surface of the eye. Common causes of superficial eye pain:

• Conjunctivitis, which can be allergic, bacterial, viral or fungal.
• Keratitis (inflammation of the cornea). The cornea is the transparent front surface of the eye. Damage and ulceration of the cornea causes pain in the eyes. Keratitis can be caused by a bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection. Corneal damage also occurs due to trauma, scratches, a foreign body in the eye, or failure to wear contact lenses correctly.
• Chemical burns and photokeratitis (burn of the cornea with a bright light source). Chemical burns occur from exposure of the eyes to acidic or alkaline substances such as household cleaners and bleaches. Photokeratitis is caused by intense light sources, such as welding or UV rays from tanning booths, if proper eye protection is not used. Even a strong sunny day can cause corneal burns.
• Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids due to blockage of the sebaceous glands at the edges of the eyelids). Barley or chalazion causes pain in the eyes due to local irritation. At the same time, formations appear in the eyelids that can be seen or felt. Such formations – the result of a clogged sebaceous gland in the eyelids – cause irritation to the eyes, and can be very painful to the touch.
• Entropion (inversion of the lower eyelid).

Eye pain in the deep structures of the eye is often described as dull pain in the eye, behind the eye or around the eye, a feeling of pressure, throbbing. Common causes of deep eye pain:

• Acute attack of angle-closure glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure). Other types of glaucoma usually do not cause pain. Glaucoma can lead to irreversible loss of vision, blindness, so timely detection and treatment of the disease is necessary.
• Iritis (inflammation of the iris, or the colored part of the eye) and uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye – the choroid). The inflammation causes deep eye pain, usually accompanied by blurred vision and photosensitivity.
• Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve). The optic nerve connects to the back of the eye. The cause of inflammation can be multiple sclerosis, a viral or bacterial infection. Neuritis can cause symptoms such as pressure behind the eye, vision changes, and eye pain.
• Rhinosinusitis (inflammation of the paranasal sinuses, which surround the eye sockets from the side of the nose). Pain emanating from inflamed sinuses can be interpreted as pain in the eyes.
• Migraine is a very common cause of eyeball pain.
• Toothache originating in the upper jaw may present as pain in the orbit or under the eyes.
• Eye injury. Penetrating wounds, contusion of the eyeball, etc.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following symptoms occur:

• sharp deterioration of vision;
• appeared photophobia, inability to open eyes, lacrimation;
• severe pain accompanied by headache, fever;
• eye pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting;
• rainbow circles and halos around light sources began to appear;
• pain caused by a foreign body or chemicals in the eye;
• swelling appeared inside and around the eyes;
• doubling;
• limited eye movement;
• pain when moving the eyes in different directions;
• sensation of flashes, lightning;
• flies appeared, floating opacities;
• bloody or purulent discharge from the eye.

You should also see an ophthalmologist for eye pain if you have had or have recently had eye surgery or an eye injection.

Seek medical attention if you wear soft contact lenses and experience eye pain, or if eye pain does not improve after two or three days of medication.

Human eye diseases list, symptoms – Oculus Eye Microsurgery Center

This is due to many factors. For example, the rapid development of computer technology and the deterioration of the environmental situation every year. Next, we consider the most common diseases, as well as highlight the symptoms characteristic of them.

Pathology of the optic nerve

Glaucoma is a chronic disease. Due to the increase in pressure inside the eye, dysfunction of the optic nerve occurs. As a result, vision falls, which may disappear in the future. The disease proceeds very quickly, so the patient runs the risk of completely losing his sight if he delays going to the doctor. Signs: violation of lateral vision, black spots, “nebula” of the image, inability to distinguish objects in the dark, colored rings appear in bright light.

Ischemic neuropathy of the optic nerve – circulatory disorders in the intraocular or intraorbital region. Symptoms: decreased visual acuity, the appearance of “blind” spots in some areas. Decreased viewing angle.

Ischemic neuropathy

Neuritis is an infectious disease. An inflammatory process in the optic nerve is characteristic. Signs: loss of sensation in the area around the eye, pain, weakening of the muscles associated with the optic nerve.

Nerve atrophy is a disease characterized by a dysfunction in the conduction of excitation. Violated color perception, viewing angle. Vision drops, and a person can become completely blind.

Nerve atrophy

Pathology of the eye orbit, eyelids, lacrimal canals

Blepharitis – inflammation that occurs at the edges of the eyelids. Symptoms: swelling of the tissue, accompanied by burning and redness. It seems to the patient that a speck has got into the eye. There is itching, characteristic discharge. Bright light is difficult to perceive, tearing, pain. Dry eyes and peeling of the edges of the eyelids may appear. After sleep, purulent scabs form on the eyelashes.

Blepharitis

Cryptophthalmos is an uncommon disease in which the edges of the eyelids fuse. This causes narrowing of the palpebral fissure or even its disappearance.

Lagophthalmos is a pathology characterized by a violation of the closure of the upper and lower eyelids. As a result, some areas remain open all the time, including at bedtime.

Inversion of the century – the place of eyelash growth is turned towards the orbit. This creates severe discomfort due to rubbing and irritation of the eyeball. Small ulcers may form on the cornea.

Inversion of the eyelid

Eyelid coloboma – a violation in the structure of the eyelids. Usually proceeds along with other morphological defects. For example, a wolf’s mouth or a cleft lip.

Eyelid edema – localized accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues around the eyelid. Symptoms: local redness of the skin, discomfort. Soreness of the eyes worse at the moment of touch.

Eyelid edema

Blepharospasm – looks like a convulsive contraction of the facial muscles, as if a person is quickly squinting. Not controlled by the will of the patient.

Ptosis – drooping of the upper eyelid. Pathology is classified into several subspecies. In some cases, the eyelid descends so much that it completely covers the eyeball.

Ptosis

Barley is an infectious inflammatory disease that occurs with pus secretions. Signs: swelling of the edges of the eyelids, redness and peeling. Pressing is accompanied by severe pain. Discomfort (feeling of a foreign object in the eye), lacrimation is common. The acute form is characterized by signs of intoxication – loss of strength, fever, headache.

Barley

Trichiasis – incorrect eyelash growth. The danger is that pathogens can easily get into the eyes. This provokes inflammation, conjunctivitis and other problems.

Dacryocystitis – infection of the lacrimal canal, causing inflammation. There are several types of pathology: acute, chronic, acquired, congenital. Symptoms: painful sensations, the lacrimal sac is red and swollen, suppuration of the canals and constant tearing.

Dacryocystitis

Pathology of the tear-producing system

Dacryodenitis – damage to the lacrimal glands. It occurs due to chronic pathologies, or in connection with infection in the body. If there was a violation in the work of the circulatory system, then the disease can take a chronic form. Symptoms: the upper eyelid becomes red, swollen. The apple of the eye protrudes in some cases. If dacryodenitis is not treated, the inflammation spreads, abscesses form, a high temperature rises, and a general malaise appears.

Dacryoadenitis

Cancer of the lacrimal gland – develops as a result of abnormal activity of gland cells. Tumors can be either benign or malignant. The second group includes, for example, sarcoma. Signs: pain in the eyes and head. It is associated with an increase in education, which presses on the nervous tissue. In some cases, the pressure is so strong that it causes delocalization of the eyeball, making it difficult for them to move. Additional symptoms include swelling and loss of vision.

Pathology of the connective membrane of the eye

Xerophthalmia is an eye disease in which tears are produced less than normal. There are several reasons for this: chronic inflammatory processes, various injuries, tumors, long-term use of drugs. The elderly are at risk.

Conjunctivitis – inflammation that occurs in the mucous membrane of the conjunctiva. It can be allergic, infectious and fungal. All of these varieties are contagious. Infection occurs both through physical contact and with the help of everyday objects.

Tumors of the conjunctiva – appearing in a corner on the inner side of the mucosa (pterygium) and formed in the area of ​​connection with the cornea (pingueculum).

Lens pathology

Cataract – gradual clouding of the lens of the eye. The disease has a very fast development. It can affect one eye or both. In this case, either the entire lens, or some one part, is damaged. The main category of patients is the elderly. It is this disease that can reduce vision in a very short time, up to blindness. In young people, cataracts are possible due to injuries, diseases of the somatic type. Symptoms: an early loss of vision (this forces you to change lenses very often), the inability to distinguish objects in the dark (“night blindness”), a violation in the perception of colors, the eyes get tired quickly, in rare cases – double image.

Cataract

Anomalies of the lens – cataract developing from birth, bifaf, spherophakia, dislocation of the lens, coloboma.

Retinal pathology

Retinitis (retinitis pigmentosa) is a disease manifested by the occurrence of inflammation in various parts of the retina. The causes are injury to the organs of vision, prolonged exposure to sunlight. Symptoms: the normal field of vision narrows, the view decreases, the image doubles, insufficient visibility at dusk, characteristic colored spots appear before the eyes.

Detachment of the retina is a pathology in which destruction of the retina is observed. Its inner layers begin to descend from nearby epithelial tissues and blood vessels. In most cases, it is treated surgically. Lack of treatment leads to loss of vision. Signs: “fog” before the eyes, distortion of the geometric shape of objects, sometimes flashes of light and bright sparks slip through.

Retinal detachment

Angiopathy of the retina – destruction of the structure of the choroid in the eyes. Such a disease is caused by physical trauma, a high intraocular pressure, a violation in the functioning of the central nervous system, diseases of the circulatory system (arterial hypertension), poisoning, pathological defects in the morphology of blood vessels. Symptoms: a noticeable decline in vision, blurred vision, foreign flickering, image distortion. In the most severe cases, loss of vision.

Retinal dystrophy is an extremely dangerous disease that can have a variety of causes. There is a death of the tissues of the retina of the eye or its reduction. This can happen if qualified assistance from specialists is not provided on time.

Corneal pathology

Keratitis is an inflammatory process affecting the cornea of ​​the eye. As a result, clouding of the cornea and the occurrence of infiltrates. The cause may be an infection: viral, bacterial. Injuries can also trigger the development of the disease. Symptoms: lacrimation, redness of the mucous membrane of the eye, atypical sensitivity to bright light, the cornea loses its normal properties – shine, smoothness. If treatment is neglected, the infection spreads to other parts of the visual system.

Keratitis

Belmo – the formation of scar tissue on the cornea of ​​​​the eye, its persistent clouding. The cause is prolonged inflammatory processes in the body or injury.

Belmo

Corneal astigmatism (keratoconus) – degeneration of the cornea resulting from increased pressure inside the eye. This leads to a change in the shape of the cornea of ​​​​the eye. Symptoms: a light border around the bulbs, an instant decrease in vision in one of the eyes, myopia.

Keratoconus

Change in eye refraction

Nearsightedness (myopia) is a refractive disorder of the eye, in which a person has difficulty seeing distant objects. With myopia, the image is fixed in front of the retina. Signs: actually a poor distinction of distant objects, discomfort, rapid eye fatigue, pressing pain in the temples or forehead.

Myopia

Farsightedness (hypermetropia) – a refractive error in which the image is read behind the retina, is the opposite of myopia. In this case, the patient has poor vision of both near and distant objects. Symptoms: nebula before the eyes is very often determined, sometimes the patient has strabismus.

Farsightedness

Astigmatism – the disease is characterized by the inability to focus light rays on the retina. Usually appears in people with physiological disorders of the organs of vision: the cornea, the lens. Symptoms: a blurry and fuzzy image, a person gets tired quickly, often complains of a headache, in order to see something, one has to strain the eye muscles.

Astigmatism

Other eye diseases

Nystagmus – uncontrollable oscillatory movements of the eyeballs.

Lazy eye syndrome or amblyopia is a pathology in which the eye, due to damage to its muscles, stops working and moving.

Anisocoria – pupil size difference. Basically, it appears with all kinds of eye injuries. It entails acute sensitivity to light, decreased vision. Sometimes this pathology indicates a violation in the functioning of one of the parts of the brain – the cerebellum.

Anisocoria

Episcleritis – inflammation that forms in the episcleral tissue. First, redness appears near the cornea, then this area swells. Signs: a feeling of discomfort, eyes hurt from bright light. There are discharges from the connective sheath. In most cases, episcleritis goes away on its own.

Episcleritis

Aniridia – complete absence of the iris.

Aniridia

Polycoria – an eye defect when a person has several pupils.