Debris in or around the eyes can cause sharp or sudden pain. The pain is often described as a stabbing or burning sensation within the eye.

Surface pain can be caused by irritation, trauma, or infection. Eye drops or rest are often enough to treat it. Deeper eye pain may need more intensive treatment. If you experience pain and vision loss, it is an emergency.

It's common to experience eye pain, but this is rarely a sign of something serious. The pain usually goes away without any treatment or medicine. Ophthalmalgia is another name for eye pain.

Eye pain can be classified into two different categories, depending on where it occurs. Ocular pain is pain that occurs at the surface of the eye, while orbital pain is pain within the eye.

The pain in the eye can be described as a burning, itching, or scratching sensation. Deeper within the eye, pain may be aching, gritty, or stabbing.

A medical emergency can be indicated by eye pain and vision loss. If you experience eye pain and begin to lose vision, call your ophthalmologist right away.

What causes ocular discomfort?

Eye pain on the surface may be caused by:

Foreign object

Having a foreign object in your eye is the most common cause of eye pain. A foreign object can be an eyelash or a piece of dirt. It may also be makeup.

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctiva is a tissue that covers the upper and lower eyelids. Infection and inflammation can occur. This is often caused by an infection or allergy.

Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye. The condition is also known as pinkeye.

Contact lens irritation

Contact lens wearers who don't properly disinfect their lenses or those who wear them overnight are more likely to experience eye pain due to irritation or infection.

Corneal abrasion

The surface of the cornea is vulnerable to injury. You will feel like you have something in the eye when you have a corneal injury.

The pain and discomfort of a corneal injury will not be relieved by treatments such as water flushing.

Injury

Chemical burns and flash burns in the eye may cause severe pain. These burns can be caused by exposure to irritants like bleach or intense light sources such as sunlight, tanning booths, or materials used in arc welds.

Blepharitis

Blepharitis is caused by inflamed or infected oil glands at the edge of the eyelid. This can be painful.

Sty

This is called blepharitis. It is also known as a Chalazion. The area around a sty will usually be tender and sensitive. A challenge doesn't hurt.

What causes oro-orbital pain?

The following conditions can cause eye pain within the eye:

Glaucoma

The condition is caused by an increase in intraocular or eye pressure. A headache and nausea are also symptoms of glaucoma.

The sudden increase in pressure known as acute angle closure is an emergency and requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent loss of vision.

Optic neuritis

If the optical nerve becomes inflamed, you may experience pain and loss of vision. The inflammation may be caused by an autoimmune disease or bacterial or viral infections.

Sinusitis

A sinus infection may cause the buildup of pressure behind the eye. It can cause pain behind one or both of the eyes.

Migraines

Eye pain is one of the most common symptoms of attacks.

Injury

Eye pain can be caused by a deep injury to the eye. This can happen when someone is struck by an object or involved in an accident.

Iritis

Inflammation of the iris is rare but can cause severe pain in the eye.

When does eye pain require immediate attention?

It is possible that you are experiencing an emergency if your vision begins to deteriorate in conjunction with eye pain. Other symptoms requiring immediate medical attention are:

• severe eye pain
• Eye pain due to trauma, exposure to chemicals, or light
• Vomiting and abdominal pain can accompany eye pain.
• Pain so severe that it is impossible to touch an eye
• Sudden and dramatic changes in vision

How does eye pain get treated?

Treatment for eye pain is dependent on the cause. Treatments include:

Home care

Resting your eyes is the best way to relieve many eye conditions. Your doctor may ask you to cover your eyes for at least a day if you are unable to stop staring at the computer or TV.

Wearing glasses

Wear your glasses if you wear contact lenses frequently. This will allow your corneas to heal.

Warm compress

People with blepharitis and stymies may be instructed by their doctors to use warm, moistened towels on their eyes. This will help clear out the clogged hair follicle or oil gland.

Flushing

If you get a foreign object or chemical in your eye, wash it out with saline or water.

Antibiotics

You can use antibacterial drops or oral antibiotics to treat eye infections that cause pain, such as conjunctivitis or corneal abrasions.

Antihistamines

Allergies in the eye can be relieved with eye drops and oral medications.

Eye drops

Glaucoma patients can use eye drops that contain medication to reduce pressure in the eyes.

Corticosteroids

Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids for more serious infections such as anterior uveitis and optic neuritis (iritis).

Pain medication

Your doctor may prescribe pain medication if the pain is severe or is causing you to miss work. This will help to ease your pain until your underlying condition has been treated.

The following are some of the most effective ways to reduce your risk:

Sometimes, surgery is required to repair the damage caused by a burn or a foreign object. This is rare. Glaucoma patients may require a laser treatment in order to improve drainage.

What will happen if you don't treat eye pain?

The majority of eye pains will subside with mild or no treatment. The underlying causes of eye pain rarely cause permanent damage to your eyes.

But that isn't always the case. Untreated eye conditions can cause more serious problems.

The pain and symptoms of glaucoma, for example, are signs that a problem is approaching. Glaucoma, if not treated and diagnosed, can lead to vision problems and even total blindness.

You should never gamble with your vision. Make an appointment with your eye doctor if you experience pain in your eyes that is not caused by an eyelash.

What can you do to prevent eye pain?

Eye protection is the first step in preventing eye pain. You can reduce eye pain by following these tips:

Wear protective eyewear.

Wearing safety goggles when exercising, playing sports, mowing your lawn, or using hand tools can help prevent many eye problems, including scratches and burns.

Protective eyewear is essential for construction workers, welders, and anyone who works around chemicals, flying objects, or welding equipment.

Handle chemicals with caution.

Use household cleaners and powerful agents like detergents and pesticides. When using these products, spray them away from the body.

Children's toys should be handled with caution.

Do not give your child any toys that could cause injury to their eyes. Toys that have spring-loaded parts, toys with guns and swords, and toys that bounce can injure the child's eyes.

Contact lens hygiene

Cleaning your contact lenses thoroughly is important. You should wear your glasses occasionally to give your eyes a rest. Contact lenses should not be worn longer than the manufacturer intended.

Credit: thewebhealth.com drugsdiscussion.com