Eye pain can have many causes. Sometimes the pain starts on the surface of the eye, such as the cornea or eyelids. Other times, it comes from deeper inside the eye or from nearby areas such as the sinuses, nerves, or the head.
Eye pain can feel the same but have different causes. Burning may be from dryness. Sharp pain may mean a corneal injury. Some causes are mild and go away on their own. Others need quick medical care to protect their vision.
Common Causes of Eye Pain
Most eye pain comes from common and treatable problems, especially those on the surface of the eye. These problems are often uncomfortable but rarely dangerous if treated early.
Dry eye disease is a common reason for eye pain. It happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears, or your tears dry up too quickly. This can make the surface of your eye feel irritated and inflamed.
If you have dry eyes, you might feel burning, stinging, or a gritty sensation in your eye. Sometimes you get sharp pain, or your eyes are sensitive to light. The pain can feel worse than you expect, even if your eye looks normal. Dryness can irritate the nerves in your cornea, making the pain feel stronger.
Frequent eye rubbing worsens irritation and can increase discomfort over time, making the eyes more sensitive and reactive.
Infections involving the eye or eyelids can also cause pain by triggering inflammation on the surface of the eye or eyelids. Conjunctivitis and eyelid infections are common examples.
Eye Pain Causes That Need Medical Attention
Some causes of eye pain are rare but serious. These should not be ignored because waiting can lead to vision loss.
The cornea is the clear front part of the eye. It is very sensitive. Even small scratches can cause pain, tearing, and light sensitivity. Corneal abrasions can occur after minor injury, foreign body in the eye, or problems with contact lens use.
If a corneal injury gets infected, it can turn into a corneal ulcer. This needs quick treatment to prevent lasting vision problems.
Inflammation inside the eye, such as uveitis or iritis, usually causes deep, aching pain. This pain often comes with light sensitivity, blurred vision, and more discomfort in bright light.
Inflammation inside the eye can be caused by autoimmune disease, infection, or other health problems. It should be checked by an eye doctor as soon as possible.
A sudden rise in eye pressure can cause severe pain, headache, nausea, and seeing halos around lights. This is a medical emergency.
Eye Pain Caused by Nerves, Headaches, and Sinuses
Not all eye pain starts in the eye. Sometimes pain comes from nearby areas and is felt in or around the eye.
Migraine pain often comes with light sensitivity, vision changes, nausea, or tiredness. Migraines do not harm the eyes, but an eye exam is important if the pain is new or very severe to rule out an eye problem.
Sinus inflammation or congestion can cause pain behind or around the eyes. This pain often feels like pressure or fullness and can get worse when bending forward.
Treating the sinus problem usually helps the pain. If pain does not go away or gets worse, it should be checked to make sure the eyes are not affected.
Eye Pain by Location: What It Suggests
Where you feel the pain in your eye can help identify the cause, but it doesn’t confirm the diagnosis on its own.
Pain on the surface of your eye often feels burning, gritty, or sharp. Common causes are dryness, allergies, infections, or small scratches. This kind of pain can get worse when you blink, but sometimes feels better for a little while if you use lubricating eye drops.
Deep eye pain often feels like aching or pressure. It can be a sign of inflammation inside your eye, high eye pressure, or nerve problems. If you have deep pain that doesn’t go away, see your doctor.
Eye Pain in One Eye vs Both Eyes
Situational Causes of Eye Pain
Using screens for a long time can cause eye pain because you blink less and tears dry up faster. This can cause burning, aching, pressure, or headaches. Taking breaks and using eye drops can help, but pain may last if you have dry eye or eye strain.
Wearing contact lenses can cause eye pain, especially if worn for too long, not cleaned properly, or worn while sleeping. The pain may feel sharp or gritty and can get worse with blinking. Remove the lenses and see an eye doctor if pain or redness does not go away.
Waking up with eye pain is often due to dryness during the night, eyelid inflammation, or corneal problems. Sharp pain in the morning, especially if it gets better later, should be checked by a doctor.
When Eye Pain Is a Medical Emergency
FAQ
Dry eye disease is the most common cause of eye pain. It often causes burning, stinging, or a gritty feeling.
Yes. Stress and tiredness can cause eye strain and headaches, leading to eye discomfort.
Looking at screens makes you blink less and dries out your eyes. This can cause irritation and pain.
No. Many cases are mild. But if pain is severe, lasts a long time, or is accompanied by vision changes, it should be checked by a doctor.
You should seek emergency care if you experience sudden vision loss, severe pain, an eye injury, chemical exposure, or eye pain accompanied by nausea or seeing halos around lights.
