Eye pain

Alternative names:

ophthalmalgia; pain in the eye

Definition:

Pain in the eye (that is not due to injury) may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also be characterized as a foreign-body sensation.

Considerations:

A feeling of tiredness in the eyes or some discomfort after a long period of work (eye strain) are generally minor problems and do not really qualify as eye pain. This may be due to an improper prescription for glasses.

Pain in the eye, while not a common complaint, can be an important symptom that should be treated if pain does not improve.

Common causes:

• a problem in the eye itself (an infection, irritation or injury such as a corneal abrasion)
• fever
• a migraine headache (severe pain behind the eye)
• sinus problems (pain either over or below the eye)
• contact lenses
• eye surgery
• a stye (hordeolum) can create eye pain that increases as the sty grows
• conjunctivitis (pinkeye) or any inflammation of the upper and lower lids
• pain in both eyes, particularly upon exposure to bright light (photophobia) that is common with many viral infections such as flu and will go away as the infection improves
• glaucoma may slowly lead to blindness if not treated
• burns

Note: This list is not all inclusive and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on the age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom, such as location, quality, timing, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for this symptom occurring alone or in combination with other problems.