Pain in or around the eye can have many causes, and while some may be obvious, others are not. In any case, eye pain should never be ignored. In this blog post, Austin Eye, a premier vision care practice, reveals common causes of eye pain and their solutions.
Persistent itchiness, burning or aching of the eyes may be signs of dry eye. A common condition, dry eye can be caused by a number of factors including dry, windy weather, digital eye strain or a chronic issue with tear production. Depending on the cause, dry eye can be relieved with artificial tear drops to lubricate the eyes or a more extensive, in-office treatment like LipiFlow for dry eyes.
A corneal abrasion or scratch can be a result of trauma, a foreign body stuck in the eye or improper contact lens use. Superficial abrasions are usually benign and heal on their own within a few days. Deep abrasions, however, can lead to infection or another serious symptom if left untreated. See your eye doctor immediately if you suffer a deep corneal abrasion.
A foreign body is any object that gets stuck in your eye. This could be dust, dirt, sand or other tiny particles. If you have a foreign body stuck in your eye, try blinking to see if it goes away or rinse your eye with lubricating drops. If the discomfort persists, see your eye doctor immediately.
An eye infection can be caused by bacteria, corneal abrasion or a foreign body. Symptoms include swelling, discharge from the eye, itchiness and a burning sensation. If you believe you have an infection, avoid touching the eye and see your eye doctor as soon possible for treatment.
Blepharitis is an inflammatory condition that can cause swelling in the eyelids and discomfort around the eyes. The condition is usually not serious and may be caused by seasonal allergies or bacteria caused by poor hygiene (i.e., rubbing eyes with dirty hands or wearing makeup overnight). Home remedies include washing your eyelids with a clean and damp washcloth.
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and worldwide. Although the most common form of glaucoma occurs with very little early symptoms, a more severe form of the disease may cause sudden, intense pain and rapid vision loss. This is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.