| Eye pain is a common reason for people to seek | | | | Blepharitis causes eye pain when an inflammation |
| care from their ophthalmologist (a medical doctor | | | | of the eyelid is caused by plugged oil glands at the |
| who specializes in eye care and surgery). Eye pain | | | | eyelid edges. |
| may be described as burning, sharp, dull, gritty, | | | | A sty or a chalazion causes eye pain because of |
| "something in my eye," aching, throbbing, or | | | | local irritation. Both cause a lump you can see or |
| stabbing. | | | | feel within the eyelid formed by a blocked oil |
| Causes of eye pain fall into 2 broad categories: | | | | gland. This lump causes irritation to the eye. |
| ocular pain and orbital pain. | | | | Orbital pain is described as a deep, dull ache behind |
| Ocular pain is eye pain coming from the outer | | | | or in the eye. This pain is often caused by |
| structures of the surface of the eye. | | | | diseases of the eye. |
| Conjunctivitis is one of the most common eye | | | | Severe glaucoma can cause orbital pain, although |
| problems. Conjunctivitis can be an allergic, bacterial, | | | | most glaucoma is painless. Glaucoma is caused by |
| chemical, or viral inflammation of the conjunctiva | | | | an increase in intraocular pressure (pressure inside |
| (the delicate membrane lining the eyelid and | | | | the eye), which can ultimately lead to defects in |
| covering the eyeball). Pinkeye is a nonmedical | | | | vision and blindness if left untreated. Intraocular |
| term usually referring to a viral conjunctivitis. Pain | | | | pressure can increase because of a blockage of |
| is usually mild, or there is no pain. Itching, redness, | | | | outflow or increased production of aqueous |
| and drainage may be seen. | | | | humor (fluid that bathes the inner eye). |
| Corneal abrasions and corneal ulcerations are also | | | | Iritis is an inflammation of the iris (the colored part |
| common causes of eye pain. The cornea is the | | | | of the eye) that causes deep eye pain. |
| transparent surface of the eye. Abrasions occur | | | | Optic neuritis is an inflammation of the optic |
| from scratches to the surface of the cornea, | | | | nerve. The optic nerve connects to the back of |
| such as a foreign body in the eye or overuse of | | | | the eye. The cause of this inflammation can be |
| contact lenses. Ulcerations occur from infections | | | | from multiple sclerosis, viral infections, or bacterial |
| or abrasions. | | | | infections. |
| Foreign bodies, usually located on the cornea or in | | | | Sinusitis, which is a bacterial or viral infection of |
| the conjunctiva, are objects or material that give | | | | the sinuses, can cause a sensation of orbital pain. |
| you the sensation that something is in your eye. | | | | Migraines are also a very common cause of |
| Foreign bodies produce eye pain similar to that of | | | | orbital eye pain associated with headaches. |
| corneal abrasions. | | | | Traumatic events, such as a penetrating injury to |
| Chemical burns and flash burns are significant | | | | the eye, a blow to the eye with a foreign object, |
| causes of eye pain. Chemical burns come from | | | | and motor vehicle collisions, are causes of |
| eye exposure to acid or alkali substances. Flash | | | | significant eye pain and injury. |
| burns occur from intense light sources, such as | | | | Pain is a variable measure. Each person may |
| arc welding or tanning booths, when improper eye | | | | interpret pain differently. |
| protection is worn. | | | | |