What Can Cause Eye Pain?
Eye pain can be associated with life-threatening conditions and may require emergency care. There are various causes of eye pain, as the pain can involve one of many areas in the eye. In some cases a person can treat eye pain at home. However, in most cases, a person should see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
- Impact to the eye: Eye pain can be caused by a direct injury, stray eyelashes, dust, or a contact lens out of alignment.
- Abrasion on the cornea: An abrasion can be a scratch on the cornea, or it can be caused by dirt, debris or extended use of contact lenses.
- Keratitis: This condition can cause the cornea to become inflamed or infected.
- Conjunctivitis: Also called pink eye, this is an inflammation of the membrane lining your eyelids. Conjunctivitis can be caused by allergies, and bacterial and viral infections.
- Acute angle closure glaucoma: This condition is caused by an increase in intraocular pressure, which can lead to vision defects and even blindness if left untreated.
- Blepharitis: This can result from an eyelid inflammation or infection caused by plugged oil glands.
- Sty: A sty is an infection or inflammation of the eyelid coming from a blocked oil gland.
- Optic neuritis: This is an inflammation of the optic nerve caused by multiple sclerosis, and viral or bacterial infections.
- Iritis: This condition is an inflammation inside the eye due to trauma, infection, or an autoimmune disorder.
- Chemical burns: These are burns that come from exposure to household cleaners or bleach.
- Flash burns: These burns come from intense light sources when improper eye protection is worn.
- Sinusitis: Sinus problems cause pressure behind the eyes.
- Migraines: These types of headaches commonly cause eye pain.