Eye Pain

Eye pain may be a minor irritation or a sign of a sight-threatening condition. Pain on the surface (like burning or gritty feeling) is usually less serious than deep pain inside the eye.

Table of Contents

Quick Facts

  • ICD-10: H57.1
  • Common causes: Dry eye, infection, foreign body
  • Emergency causes: Glaucoma attack, infection

When to Seek Urgent Eye Care

Seek same-day eye care or go to the emergency department for:
  • Severe eye pain
  • Sudden loss of vision
  • Eye pain with nausea, vomiting, or halos around lights (possible angle-closure glaucoma)
  • Eye pain after a chemical splash or injury
  • A foreign body that won't wash out
  • Pain with severe light sensitivity and redness
  • Recent eye surgery with new pain

Common Causes

Surface (ocular) pain

  • Dry eye
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Corneal abrasion or foreign body
  • Stye or chalazion (eyelid bumps)
  • Contact lens irritation or infection

Pain inside the eye

  • Uveitis (inflammation inside the eye)
  • Acute angle-closure glaucoma (sudden severe pain, blurred vision, nausea)
  • Optic neuritis (often with vision loss)
  • Endophthalmitis (severe infection inside the eye)

Around the eye

  • Sinusitis
  • Cluster or migraine headache
  • Trigeminal neuralgia
  • Orbital cellulitis

Diagnosis

  • Visual acuity testing
  • Slit-lamp examination
  • Fluorescein staining to detect corneal injury
  • Tonometry to measure eye pressure
  • Imaging if deeper or orbital pathology suspected

Treatment

Cause-specific. Examples:

  • Artificial tears for dry eye
  • Antibiotic drops for bacterial conjunctivitis
  • Patching, antibiotic, and pain control for corneal abrasion
  • Urgent pressure-lowering therapy for angle-closure glaucoma
  • Steroid drops for uveitis (under specialist care)
  • Removal of foreign bodies

Self-Care

For minor irritation:

  • Lubricating eye drops
  • Cool or warm compresses depending on cause
  • Avoid rubbing the eye
  • Remove contact lenses
  • Rinse the eye gently with sterile saline if foreign material is suspected

If symptoms persist beyond 24 hours, or any of the warning signs appear, see an eye care professional.

Related Symptoms

Red Eye

Often accompanies eye pain

 Light Sensitivity

May co-occur

 Acute Glaucoma

A sight-threatening cause

 Dry Eye

Common cause of eye irritation

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my eyes hurt after looking at screens?

Prolonged screen use reduces blinking and worsens dry eye, causing a burning or gritty discomfort known as digital eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds — and using lubricating drops can help.

Can a sinus infection cause eye pain?

Yes. Sinusitis often causes a deep pressure-like pain around or behind the eye, along with nasal symptoms.

Is eye pain ever an emergency?

Yes. Severe pain, sudden vision changes, halos, or pain after injury are urgent. Acute angle-closure glaucoma and infections inside the eye can cause permanent vision loss if not treated promptly.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

References

  • American Academy of Ophthalmology. Eye Pain Patient Education.