Eye

The bone around my eye hurts. Eye Pain Causes: Understanding Discomfort in the Bone Around Your Eye

What causes pain in the bone around your eye. How to identify symptoms of eye discomfort. When to seek medical attention for eye pain. What treatments are available for eye-related pain

Common Causes of Pain in the Bone Around the Eye

Experiencing pain in the bone around your eye can be both uncomfortable and concerning. This type of discomfort may stem from various underlying conditions, ranging from minor irritations to more serious medical issues. Understanding the potential causes can help you determine when to seek professional medical advice and what treatment options might be available.

Sinus Infections and Pressure

One of the most common reasons for pain in the bone around the eye is sinus-related issues. The sinuses are air-filled cavities located in the bones of the face, including those surrounding the eyes. When these cavities become inflamed or infected, it can lead to pressure and pain in the surrounding areas.

  • Sinusitis (inflammation of the sinuses)
  • Allergies causing sinus congestion
  • Nasal polyps obstructing sinus drainage

How does sinus pressure affect the eye area? The proximity of the sinuses to the eye socket means that any inflammation or congestion can put pressure on the surrounding bones, resulting in a dull ache or throbbing sensation around the eye.

Orbital Cellulitis

Orbital cellulitis is a serious bacterial infection that affects the tissues surrounding the eye. This condition can cause significant pain in the bone around the eye and requires immediate medical attention.

What are the symptoms of orbital cellulitis?

  • Severe pain and swelling around the eye
  • Redness and warmth of the affected area
  • Fever and general malaise
  • Difficulty moving the eye
  • Vision changes or loss

If left untreated, orbital cellulitis can lead to serious complications, including vision loss and the spread of infection to the brain.

Trauma and Injuries to the Eye Area

Physical trauma to the eye region can result in pain in the surrounding bone structure. This may occur due to various incidents, such as:

  • Accidental blows to the face
  • Sports-related injuries
  • Car accidents
  • Falls

How can trauma cause pain in the bone around the eye? Impact to the eye area can lead to fractures, bruising, or inflammation of the surrounding tissues, all of which can contribute to pain and discomfort.

Fractures of the Orbital Bone

In cases of severe trauma, the orbital bone itself may fracture. This can result in intense pain, swelling, and potential vision problems. Orbital fractures require immediate medical attention and may necessitate surgical intervention.

Ocular Migraines and Cluster Headaches

Certain types of headaches can manifest as pain in and around the eye area, including the surrounding bone structure.

Ocular Migraines

Ocular migraines, also known as retinal migraines, can cause visual disturbances and pain around the eye. While the pain is typically centered in the eye itself, it can radiate to the surrounding areas, including the bone structure.

What are the symptoms of an ocular migraine?

  • Temporary vision loss or blindness in one eye
  • Flashing lights or zigzag patterns in vision
  • Headache, often on the same side as the affected eye
  • Nausea and sensitivity to light

Cluster Headaches

Cluster headaches are intensely painful headaches that occur in cyclical patterns. They often cause severe pain behind or around one eye, which can extend to the surrounding bone structure.

How do cluster headaches differ from other types of headaches? Cluster headaches are characterized by their intense pain, often described as a burning or piercing sensation, and their tendency to occur in clusters over a period of weeks or months.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

The temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull, is located near the eye area. Disorders affecting this joint can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the surrounding regions, including the bone around the eye.

What are common symptoms of TMJ disorders?

  • Pain or tenderness in the jaw
  • Aching pain in and around the ear
  • Difficulty or discomfort while chewing
  • Locking of the jaw joint
  • Clicking or popping sound when opening the mouth or chewing

How can TMJ disorders cause pain around the eye? The complex network of nerves and muscles in the face means that pain from TMJ issues can often be referred to other areas, including the region around the eye.

Optic Neuritis and Other Nerve-Related Conditions

Inflammation or damage to the optic nerve can lead to pain in and around the eye, including the surrounding bone structure. Optic neuritis is one such condition that can cause significant discomfort.

Optic Neuritis

Optic neuritis occurs when the optic nerve becomes inflamed, leading to pain and vision problems. While the pain is typically felt within the eye itself, it can sometimes extend to the surrounding areas.

What are the symptoms of optic neuritis?

  • Pain that worsens with eye movement
  • Temporary vision loss or reduction in visual acuity
  • Colors appearing less vivid
  • Flashing or flickering lights in vision

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition characterized by severe facial pain due to irritation of the trigeminal nerve. While it typically affects the lower face and jaw, some cases can cause pain around the eye and forehead.

Tumors and Growths

In rare cases, pain in the bone around the eye may be caused by tumors or other abnormal growths. These can be benign or malignant and may originate in various structures around the eye.

Orbital Tumors

Tumors that develop in the orbit (eye socket) can cause pressure and pain in the surrounding bone structure. These tumors can be primary (originating in the orbit) or secondary (spreading from other parts of the body).

What are some signs that might indicate an orbital tumor?

  • Persistent pain or pressure in the eye area
  • Bulging or displacement of the eye
  • Vision changes or double vision
  • Restricted eye movement
  • Swelling or visible mass around the eye

Sinus Tumors

Tumors in the sinus cavities can also cause pain that radiates to the bone around the eye. These growths can be benign or malignant and may cause symptoms similar to chronic sinusitis.

Diagnostic Approaches for Eye-Related Pain

When experiencing persistent pain in the bone around your eye, it’s crucial to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals may use various diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause of your discomfort.

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination is typically the first step in diagnosing the cause of eye-related pain. This may include:

  • Visual acuity tests
  • Examination of eye movements and pupil reactions
  • Palpation of the affected area to check for tenderness or swelling
  • Assessment of facial symmetry and sensation

Imaging Studies

Depending on the suspected cause, your healthcare provider may recommend various imaging studies to get a clearer picture of the structures around your eye.

What types of imaging studies might be used to diagnose eye-related pain?

  • CT (Computed Tomography) scans: Provide detailed images of the bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Offers high-resolution images of soft tissues and can detect subtle abnormalities
  • X-rays: May be used to assess bone structure and detect fractures
  • Ultrasound: Can be helpful in evaluating soft tissue structures and blood flow

Blood Tests

In some cases, blood tests may be ordered to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or other systemic conditions that could be contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment Options for Pain in the Bone Around the Eye

The appropriate treatment for pain in the bone around the eye depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common treatment approaches:

Medications

Various medications may be prescribed or recommended to alleviate pain and address underlying conditions:

  • Pain relievers: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medications
  • Antibiotics: For bacterial infections such as sinusitis or orbital cellulitis
  • Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation in conditions like optic neuritis
  • Triptans or other migraine-specific medications: For ocular migraines or cluster headaches

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of eye-related pain. This could include:

  • Repair of orbital fractures
  • Removal of tumors or abnormal growths
  • Sinus surgery to address chronic sinusitis or polyps
  • Decompression surgery for severe cases of orbital cellulitis

Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies

Depending on the cause, certain lifestyle changes and home treatments may help alleviate pain:

  • Applying warm or cold compresses to the affected area
  • Practicing good sinus hygiene, including nasal irrigation
  • Managing stress and identifying trigger factors for headaches
  • Ensuring proper eye protection during physical activities
  • Maintaining good overall eye health through regular check-ups and proper nutrition

How can you determine which home remedies are safe to try? It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before attempting any home treatments, especially if you’re experiencing severe or persistent pain.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

While many causes of pain in the bone around the eye can be managed with conservative treatments, some situations require prompt medical attention. It’s crucial to recognize the signs that indicate a potentially serious condition.

When should you seek emergency care for eye-related pain?

  • Sudden onset of severe pain accompanied by vision changes
  • Signs of infection, such as fever, redness, and swelling
  • Trauma to the eye or surrounding area
  • Bulging or displacement of the eye
  • Persistent or worsening pain despite home treatments
  • Neurological symptoms such as confusion, weakness, or speech difficulties

Prompt medical evaluation in these cases can help prevent potential complications and ensure appropriate treatment is initiated as soon as possible.

Preventive Measures and Long-Term Management

While not all causes of pain in the bone around the eye are preventable, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and manage long-term symptoms:

Eye Protection

Wearing appropriate eye protection during sports and other high-risk activities can help prevent traumatic injuries to the eye and surrounding structures.

Sinus Care

Proper sinus hygiene and management of allergies can help reduce the risk of sinus-related eye pain. This may include:

  • Regular use of saline nasal sprays or rinses
  • Avoiding known allergens
  • Using air purifiers to reduce airborne irritants
  • Staying hydrated to promote healthy mucus flow

Stress Management

For individuals prone to migraines or tension headaches that affect the eye area, stress reduction techniques can be beneficial:

  • Regular exercise
  • Meditation or mindfulness practices
  • Adequate sleep and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy or other stress-management counseling

Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye examinations can help detect potential issues early, allowing for prompt treatment and prevention of complications.

How often should you have your eyes examined? The frequency of eye exams depends on factors such as age, overall health, and existing eye conditions. Generally, adults should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years, or more frequently if recommended by an eye care professional.

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle choices can contribute to overall eye health and potentially reduce the risk of eye-related pain:

  • Maintaining a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids
  • Staying hydrated to support tear production and overall eye health
  • Limiting screen time and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
  • Quitting smoking, as it can increase the risk of various eye problems
  • Protecting eyes from UV radiation by wearing sunglasses and hats outdoors

By implementing these preventive measures and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals can better manage and potentially reduce the occurrence of pain in the bone around the eye. Remember, persistent or severe eye pain should always be evaluated by a medical professional to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Pain in the Corner of Your Eye: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Eye pain has a variety of causes, some of which are potentially serious. You can experience eye pain in several different areas of your eye.

Sometimes, pain may be felt close to the surface of your eye, causing sharp pain or a burning sensation. Other times, it may be experienced in the deeper parts of your eye and may be felt as an aching or throbbing pain.

It’s also possible that you may feel pain that’s localized to the corner of your eye. What could be causing this type of eye pain?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the possible causes of pain in the corner of your eye, as well as the treatment options, and when you should get medical care.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential causes of eye pain that can develop near the corner of your eye.

Tears help to both lubricate and protect the surface of your eye. Once they’ve done their job, tears drain away into tiny holes at the inner corner of your eye. They eventually move into your tear ducts, after which they empty into your nose.

When one of your tear ducts becomes blocked, tears can’t drain properly. A tear duct blockage can occur due to:

  • an infection
  • age-related changes in older adults
  • inflammation from conditions like conjunctivitis
  • injury to your nose
  • growths in your nose, such as nasal polyps or a tumor
  • a congenital blockage, meaning a baby is born with a blocked tear duct

Sometimes, germs accumulate around a blocked tear duct. This can lead to an infection called dacryocystitis. Dacryocystitis is often caused by bacteria, typically Staphylococcus (staph) and Streptococcus (strep) species.

Some symptoms of dacryocystitis include:

  • tenderness or pain around the inner corner of your eye
  • inflammation and redness at the inner corner of your eye
  • excessive tearing
  • pus or mucus drainage from your eye
  • crusting around your eyelids or eyelashes
  • fever

Oral antibiotics can help treat the bacterial infection. You may also be instructed to apply a warm compress or gently massage the affected area. Surgery may be recommended if you have repeated infections.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids. Angular blepharitis is a type of blepharitis that affects the corners of your eyelids. It’s often caused by a bacterial infection, typically with the Moraxella species.

Symptoms, which are often worse in the morning, may include:

  • eye irritation, which can feel like:
    • grittiness
    • burning
    • stinging
    • something is in your eye
  • eye redness
  • eyelid swelling
  • crusting around your eyelids or eyelashes
  • eyelids that are stuck shut upon waking

Since angular blepharitis is often caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic to treat it. They may also recommend the following:

  • applying a warm compress to the affected area several times a day
  • gently massaging your eyelids with a clean finger or washcloth
  • using artificial tears
  • avoiding eye makeup until your symptoms have eased

Pinguecula and pterygium are two benign (noncancerous) types of growths that occur on your eye’s conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye.

It’s believed that these growths are caused by exposure to things like sunlight, wind, and dust or sand. They often start at the inner corner of your eye, closest to your nose. However, they can grow at the outer corner of your eye as well.

Pinguecula and pterygium each have different characteristics:

  • Pinguecula. A pinguecula is yellowish in color. While often asymptomatic, a pinguecula can sometimes become inflamed and cause symptoms.
  • Pterygium. A pterygium is made up of fleshy tissue and may also contain blood vessels. It often begins as a pinguecula. It can sometimes grow large enough to cover part of your cornea, which can affect your vision.

In addition to the characteristics described above, you may notice the following if you have a pinguecula or pterygium:

  • discomfort in the affected area of your eye, which can include feelings of:
    • dryness
    • itching
    • burning
    • grittiness
    • something being stuck in your eye
  • redness and swelling in the affected area
  • blurry vision

Pinguecula and pterygium often don’t need treatment unless they cause significant discomfort or affect your vision. Some potential treatment options include:

  • artificial tears
  • steroid eye drops
  • surgical removal of large pterygiums

A stye is a painful bump that affects your eyelid. It’s caused by a bacterial infection, typically by Staphylococcus (staph) species.

Styes can affect any part of your eyelid, including the area close to the corner of your eye. There are two different types of styes:

  • External. An external stye happens on the exterior of your upper or lower eyelid. It’s localized at the base of your eyelashes and is often due to an infected hair follicle. It looks like a pimple or pustule.
  • Internal. An internal stye occurs on the inside of your upper or lower eyelid. This type of stye can develop when bacteria infect oil-producing glands in this area.

Symptoms of a stye can include:

  • a visible, painful red bump along the edge of your eyelid that often has a pus-filled center
  • a feeling of burning or tenderness in the affected area
  • swelling of the eyelid
  • excess tearing
  • a gritty sensation or feeling like something is in your eye
  • light sensitivity

Styes often go away on their own after about a week. Your doctor will recommend that you apply a warm compress to the affected area several times a day to help with recovery.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection begins to spread. Styes that are large or don’t go away with medications or home remedies may need to be surgically drained.

Your eye has natural defenses, like tears and eyelashes, that help keep foreign bodies out. However, it’s still possible that a foreign body may get into your eye.

This may happen due to natural environmental conditions, but can also occur due to workplace conditions or an accident. Some examples of foreign bodies include:

  • eyelashes
  • sand
  • dust
  • dirt
  • metal
  • glass

Foreign bodies can affect any part of your eye, including around the corner of your eye. If you have a foreign body in your eye, you may experience:

  • pain or irritation of the affected area
  • feeling like something is in your eye
  • eye redness
  • blurry vision
  • sensitivity to light

You may be able to remove a small foreign body by flushing your eye with warm, clean water. However, foreign bodies that can’t be removed with irrigation, are large, or are embedded in the eye require immediate medical attention.

Make an appointment with your eye doctor if you have pain in the corner of your eye that doesn’t go away or gets worse after a few days of at-home care.

Some symptoms can indicate a more serious problem that requires prompt treatment. Seek emergency medical attention for pain in the corner of your eye that:

  • is severe
  • comes on after an injury, including after getting a foreign object or a chemical in your eye
  • happens along with sensitivity to light
  • occurs with eye drainage, such as pus or blood
  • is accompanied by severe swelling in or around your eye
  • happens with changes in vision, such as blurry vision or vision loss
  • makes it difficult to open or move your eye

Pain that’s localized to the corner of your eye can have several potential causes. Possible causes can include tear duct infections, blepharitis, and styes.

Some of the conditions that affect the corner of your eye may be treated at home using warm compresses, gentle massage, or artificial tears. However, other conditions may need to be treated with antibiotics or steroid eye drops.

If the pain in the corner of your eye doesn’t go away after a few days of at-home care, visit your eye doctor to see what may be causing it. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience an eye injury, severe pain, or vision changes.

Pain in the Corner of Your Eye: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Eye pain has a variety of causes, some of which are potentially serious. You can experience eye pain in several different areas of your eye.

Sometimes, pain may be felt close to the surface of your eye, causing sharp pain or a burning sensation. Other times, it may be experienced in the deeper parts of your eye and may be felt as an aching or throbbing pain.

It’s also possible that you may feel pain that’s localized to the corner of your eye. What could be causing this type of eye pain?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the possible causes of pain in the corner of your eye, as well as the treatment options, and when you should get medical care.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the potential causes of eye pain that can develop near the corner of your eye.

Tears help to both lubricate and protect the surface of your eye. Once they’ve done their job, tears drain away into tiny holes at the inner corner of your eye. They eventually move into your tear ducts, after which they empty into your nose.

When one of your tear ducts becomes blocked, tears can’t drain properly. A tear duct blockage can occur due to:

  • an infection
  • age-related changes in older adults
  • inflammation from conditions like conjunctivitis
  • injury to your nose
  • growths in your nose, such as nasal polyps or a tumor
  • a congenital blockage, meaning a baby is born with a blocked tear duct

Sometimes, germs accumulate around a blocked tear duct. This can lead to an infection called dacryocystitis. Dacryocystitis is often caused by bacteria, typically Staphylococcus (staph) and Streptococcus (strep) species.

Some symptoms of dacryocystitis include:

  • tenderness or pain around the inner corner of your eye
  • inflammation and redness at the inner corner of your eye
  • excessive tearing
  • pus or mucus drainage from your eye
  • crusting around your eyelids or eyelashes
  • fever

Oral antibiotics can help treat the bacterial infection. You may also be instructed to apply a warm compress or gently massage the affected area. Surgery may be recommended if you have repeated infections.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of your eyelids. Angular blepharitis is a type of blepharitis that affects the corners of your eyelids. It’s often caused by a bacterial infection, typically with the Moraxella species.

Symptoms, which are often worse in the morning, may include:

  • eye irritation, which can feel like:
    • grittiness
    • burning
    • stinging
    • something is in your eye
  • eye redness
  • eyelid swelling
  • crusting around your eyelids or eyelashes
  • eyelids that are stuck shut upon waking

Since angular blepharitis is often caused by a bacterial infection, your doctor will prescribe a topical or oral antibiotic to treat it. They may also recommend the following:

  • applying a warm compress to the affected area several times a day
  • gently massaging your eyelids with a clean finger or washcloth
  • using artificial tears
  • avoiding eye makeup until your symptoms have eased

Pinguecula and pterygium are two benign (noncancerous) types of growths that occur on your eye’s conjunctiva. The conjunctiva is the clear tissue that covers the white part of your eye.

It’s believed that these growths are caused by exposure to things like sunlight, wind, and dust or sand. They often start at the inner corner of your eye, closest to your nose. However, they can grow at the outer corner of your eye as well.

Pinguecula and pterygium each have different characteristics:

  • Pinguecula. A pinguecula is yellowish in color. While often asymptomatic, a pinguecula can sometimes become inflamed and cause symptoms.
  • Pterygium. A pterygium is made up of fleshy tissue and may also contain blood vessels. It often begins as a pinguecula. It can sometimes grow large enough to cover part of your cornea, which can affect your vision.

In addition to the characteristics described above, you may notice the following if you have a pinguecula or pterygium:

  • discomfort in the affected area of your eye, which can include feelings of:
    • dryness
    • itching
    • burning
    • grittiness
    • something being stuck in your eye
  • redness and swelling in the affected area
  • blurry vision

Pinguecula and pterygium often don’t need treatment unless they cause significant discomfort or affect your vision. Some potential treatment options include:

  • artificial tears
  • steroid eye drops
  • surgical removal of large pterygiums

A stye is a painful bump that affects your eyelid. It’s caused by a bacterial infection, typically by Staphylococcus (staph) species.

Styes can affect any part of your eyelid, including the area close to the corner of your eye. There are two different types of styes:

  • External. An external stye happens on the exterior of your upper or lower eyelid. It’s localized at the base of your eyelashes and is often due to an infected hair follicle. It looks like a pimple or pustule.
  • Internal. An internal stye occurs on the inside of your upper or lower eyelid. This type of stye can develop when bacteria infect oil-producing glands in this area.

Symptoms of a stye can include:

  • a visible, painful red bump along the edge of your eyelid that often has a pus-filled center
  • a feeling of burning or tenderness in the affected area
  • swelling of the eyelid
  • excess tearing
  • a gritty sensation or feeling like something is in your eye
  • light sensitivity

Styes often go away on their own after about a week. Your doctor will recommend that you apply a warm compress to the affected area several times a day to help with recovery.

Antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection begins to spread. Styes that are large or don’t go away with medications or home remedies may need to be surgically drained.

Your eye has natural defenses, like tears and eyelashes, that help keep foreign bodies out. However, it’s still possible that a foreign body may get into your eye.

This may happen due to natural environmental conditions, but can also occur due to workplace conditions or an accident. Some examples of foreign bodies include:

  • eyelashes
  • sand
  • dust
  • dirt
  • metal
  • glass

Foreign bodies can affect any part of your eye, including around the corner of your eye. If you have a foreign body in your eye, you may experience:

  • pain or irritation of the affected area
  • feeling like something is in your eye
  • eye redness
  • blurry vision
  • sensitivity to light

You may be able to remove a small foreign body by flushing your eye with warm, clean water. However, foreign bodies that can’t be removed with irrigation, are large, or are embedded in the eye require immediate medical attention.

Make an appointment with your eye doctor if you have pain in the corner of your eye that doesn’t go away or gets worse after a few days of at-home care.

Some symptoms can indicate a more serious problem that requires prompt treatment. Seek emergency medical attention for pain in the corner of your eye that:

  • is severe
  • comes on after an injury, including after getting a foreign object or a chemical in your eye
  • happens along with sensitivity to light
  • occurs with eye drainage, such as pus or blood
  • is accompanied by severe swelling in or around your eye
  • happens with changes in vision, such as blurry vision or vision loss
  • makes it difficult to open or move your eye

Pain that’s localized to the corner of your eye can have several potential causes. Possible causes can include tear duct infections, blepharitis, and styes.

Some of the conditions that affect the corner of your eye may be treated at home using warm compresses, gentle massage, or artificial tears. However, other conditions may need to be treated with antibiotics or steroid eye drops.

If the pain in the corner of your eye doesn’t go away after a few days of at-home care, visit your eye doctor to see what may be causing it. Seek prompt medical attention if you experience an eye injury, severe pain, or vision changes.

Pain in the eyes when moving or from bright light: causes and treatment. Are you ready to test your vision?

From Gary Heiting, OD, and Adam Debrowski

Eye pain is a commonly used term to describe discomfort on the surface, inside, behind and around the eyes.

The pain may be unilateral or bilateral. In other words, you may experience pain in only your right eye, only your left eye, or discomfort in both eyes. There is no evidence that pain in the right eye occurs more often than in the left, and vice versa.

In some cases, such as eye injury , the cause of the pain is obvious. But it is often difficult to understand why the eye hurts.

To complicate matters, the intensity of the pain does not indicate the severity of the underlying cause of the discomfort. In other words, a relatively minor problem, such as superficial damage to the cornea, can cause unbearable pain.

And some very serious eye diseases – cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinal detachment and diabetic retinopathy – are completely painless.

ARE YOU READY FOR AN EYE TEST? Find an optometrist nearby .

Eye pain can be accompanied by various sensations and symptoms that will help the optometrist determine the cause of discomfort and prescribe the correct effective treatment for eye pain. For example:

  • Sharp, stabbing sensation

  • Burning in the eyes

  • Dull aching pain

  • Sensation as if something were “in” the eye (foreign body sensation)

Eye pain is often accompanied by blurred vision, redness ( bloodshot eyes ) and sensitivity to light .

Causes of eye pain

Below are the most common causes of eye pain, based on the location of the discomfort.

Pain on or inside the eye

Often eye pain that feels like something is in the eye is caused by irritation or inflammation of the outside of the eyeball, particularly the cornea.

The main causes of pain radiating from the outer or inner part of the eyeball:

Foreign body in the cornea

It is not surprising that in most cases the sensation of a foreign body is caused by the foreign body itself. Metal shavings, inorganic abrasive particles (sand, fine stone chips), sawdust, and other organic materials are examples of the most common foreign bodies that land on and penetrate the corneal surface.

Discomfort from a foreign body in the cornea may be mild or severe. Usually, blinking causes the most unbearable pain (because at this time the eyelid rubs against a foreign body). Blurred vision and sensitivity to light also often accompany eye pain.

A foreign body in the cornea requires immediate referral to an ophthalmologist, as a foreign body that enters the cornea can soon lead to a serious eye infection.

In most cases, the ophthalmologist easily removes the foreign body from the eye using special tools. He also prescribes antibacterial eye drops to prevent infection while the cornea is repaired.

Corneal abrasion

This is a scratched cornea. Although corneal abrasion is not usually dangerous, it can cause severe discomfort, as well as sensitivity to light and tearing.

Most superficial corneal scratches go away on their own within 24 hours. But deeper scratches, if left untreated, can lead to serious eye infections and even corneal ulcers.

Because it’s often impossible to tell for sure if the pain is caused by a small scratch, deep wound, or foreign body in the cornea, you should see an optometrist to determine the underlying cause of the pain if you experience severe eye discomfort that doesn’t go away quickly.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes are another common cause of discomfort. If we compare the discomfort associated with dry eyes with the pain of a foreign body or a scratch on the cornea, then it develops much more slowly. Sometimes dry eyes can lead to corneal abrasion because there isn’t enough tear fluid on the surface of the eye to moisturize the cornea.

If the use of moisturizing eye drops significantly improves the condition, dry eyes are probably the cause of the pain. In most cases, dry eyes do not require immediate action; but an optometrist can perform some tests to determine the degree of dryness and recommend the most effective treatment.

Other (more rare) causes of pain in the anterior chamber or “inside” the eye:

  • Conjunctivitis (“pink eye”) 03

  • Iritis (anterior uveitis), i.e. inflammation of the iris

  • Discomfort caused by contact lenses

Endophthalmitis is a disease that causes severe pain in the eyes. This is an inflammation of the inside of the eyeball caused by a bacterial infection. It also occurs in rare cases as a complication after cataract surgery.

Endophthalmitis causes not only pain in the eyes, but also redness, swelling of the eyelids and blurred vision. If you experience these symptoms after cataract surgery or other eye surgery, contact your optometrist immediately.

Stinging pain in the eyes

The main causes of pain behind the eyeballs are migraine and sinus infection.

In the case of migraine, the pain is almost always felt behind one eye and is often accompanied by pain elsewhere on the same side of the head.

Pain associated with a sinus infection is usually less than migraine pain, and both eyes may be affected.

Although pain behind the eyeballs caused by a migraine or sinus infection is not an emergency, you should see an optometrist or physician if you suffer from chronic or recurring pain of this type and get the necessary treatment that can prevent such attacks in the future.

Eye pain

Perhaps the most common pain around the eyes is inflammation of the eyelid, namely stye (or hordeolum). The primary symptom of stye is a very painful lump on one eyelid.

Barley does not require an urgent visit to the ophthalmologist. It is easily treated at home with a warm compress applied to the eyelid several times a day for several days.

OTHER RELATED MATERIALS: 2 easy ways to cure stye

Blepharitis is another common (and usually harmless) condition that causes eyelid swelling and discomfort around the eyes.

Prolonged computer use can also cause pain around the eyes and pain in the eye muscles. This problem does not require urgent action. There are simple steps you can follow to relieve eye strain.

A less common and more serious cause of eye pain is optic neuropathy, which can lead to permanent vision loss. Usually this disease is accompanied by a decrease in visual acuity and deterioration in color perception, as well as increased pain when moving the eyes.

Eye pain caused by optic neuropathy requires immediate referral to an ophthalmologist or neurologist. In people under the age of 40, the main causes of optic neuritis are multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases.

Treatment of eye pain

Eye pain is an emergency. In almost all cases, choosing the right treatment for eye pain begins with an eye examination by an optometrist nearby. Only an ophthalmologist can determine the exact cause of eye pain and prescribe the correct treatment to prevent damage to the eye and possible permanent loss of vision.

In particular, see an ophthalmologist immediately if your eyes hurt and:

  • The pain came on suddenly while working on metal, woodworking, or doing other work that could put a foreign body in your eye (especially if you don’t wear goggles or shields).

  • Pain caused by an eye injury.

  • The pain is severe and is accompanied by blurred vision and/or sensitivity to light.

  • You have recently had eye surgery, including LASIK and cataract surgery.

  • You have redness and discharge from the eyes.

  • The pain is severe, sudden, and you have had glaucoma . This may indicate a less common form of glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, which can lead to rapid loss of vision and requires urgent medical attention.

When it comes to eye pain, don’t push your luck. See an eye specialist as soon as possible to determine the exact cause of the pain and get the necessary treatment for eye pain.

ARE YOU READY FOR AN EYE TEST? Find an optometrist nearby .

Page published on Monday, November 16, 2020

Acute sinusitis (sinusitis), symptoms Symptoms of

sinusitis are varied.

Sinusitis is included in the group of diseases that are currently defined by the general term – sinusitis, so we will use this term below. Sinusitis, synonym: sinusitis – acute or chronic inflammation of one or more paranasal sinuses. It usually occurs as a complication of the common cold, flu, measles, scarlet fever and other diseases.

Sinusitis is divided into:

  • Sinusitis – inflammation of the maxillary sinus;
  • Frontitis – inflammation of the frontal paranasal sinus;
  • Ethmoiditis – inflammation of the cells of the ethmoid bone;
  • Sphenoiditis – inflammation of the sphenoid sinus

Acute sinusitis cavities adjacent to the nasal passages (sinuses) become inflamed and swollen. This makes it difficult for the mucus to pass and it accumulates inside. This common condition is also called acute rhinosinusitis.

In acute sinusitis, it becomes difficult to breathe through the nose and the facial area, especially around the eyes, becomes inflamed. There may be throbbing pain in the face or headache.

Acute sinusitis most often occurs as a complication of the common cold. Other causes may be bacteria, allergic reactions, or fungal infections. Treatment of acute sinusitis is necessary depending on the cause of its occurrence. In most cases, home remedies are sufficient. However, prolonged sinusitis can lead to serious infections and other complications. If the disease lasts more than eight weeks or recurs periodically, it is already chronic sinusitis.

Symptoms of acute sinusitis include :

  • Thick yellow or greenish discharge from the nose or running down the back of the throat;
  • Nasal congestion and, as a result, difficulty in breathing;
  • Pain, tenderness, swelling, fullness around the eyes, cheeks, nose and forehead;

In addition, there may be other symptoms of acute sinusitis:

  • Pain or pressure in the ear;
  • Sore throat;
  • Bad breath;
  • Fatigue;
  • Temperature;
  • Upper jaw pain and/or toothache;
  • Decreased sense of smell and taste;
  • Cough which may be worse at night.

When to see a doctor

If symptoms are mild, try self-treatment; but you should see your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

  • Does not improve for several days or worsens;
  • Temperature above 38.1 C;
  • The disease recurs.

Seek immediate medical attention if you have symptoms that could lead to a serious infection:

  • Pain and swelling around the eyes;
  • Puffiness in forehead;
  • Severe headache;
  • Confusion;
  • Double vision or any other disturbance of vision;
  • Stiff neck;
  • Shortness of breath.

For more information about acute sinusitis, please contact the otolaryngologists of the Health 365 clinic in Yekaterinburg.

Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)

Otolaryngologist

ENT for children

ENT for patients older than 70

Appointment with endoscopy

Diagnostics

Outpatient treatment

Inpatient operations

Diagnostics and treatment of acute sinusitis (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoiditis, sphenoiditis) in Yekaterinburg in children and adults:

9000 3

  • st.