Eye pain can be not only an unpleasant symptom but also a sign of a serious disease that requires immediate treatment. Sometimes discomfort arises from fatigue or irritation, while in other cases it results from pathological processes that, if left untreated, may lead to vision deterioration.

In this article, we will examine the main causes of eye pain, explain what to do if your eyes hurt, and tell you when you should see a doctor.

Eye Pain: Causes

1. Eye Fatigue and Overstrain

Modern life involves constant work with computers, smartphones, and other gadgets. Prolonged screen focus causes eye muscle strain, which may lead to pain.

How to recognize:

  • Feeling of dryness and burning in the eyes.

  • Temporary vision impairment.

  • Heaviness in the eyeballs.

What to do:

  • Take breaks every 20–30 minutes while working at a screen.

  • Blink regularly to prevent dryness.

  • Use moisturizing drops (artificial tears).

2. Inflammatory Eye Diseases

If your eyes hurt, the causes may be related to inflammation. The most common include:

1. Conjunctivitis – inflammation of the mucous membrane caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergy.

  • Symptoms: redness, itching, purulent or watery discharge.

  • Treatment: antibacterial or antiviral drops (as prescribed by a doctor).

2. Stye – purulent inflammation of the sebaceous gland near the eyelash root.

  • Symptoms: painful swelling on the eyelid, redness, discomfort when blinking.

  • Treatment: dry heat, antibacterial ointments.

3. Blepharitis – chronic inflammation of the eyelid edges.

  • Symptoms: burning, peeling of eyelid skin, excessive tearing.

  • Treatment: antiseptic eyelid solutions, eyelid massage, antibiotics in case of bacterial infection.

4. Keratitis – inflammation of the cornea that can cause severe vision impairment.

  • Symptoms: sharp pain, foreign body sensation, redness, reduced vision.

  • Treatment: antibacterial or antiviral drops, anti-inflammatory drugs.

3. Increased Intraocular Pressure

If pain is felt inside the eye, it may indicate increased intraocular pressure, often a symptom of glaucoma—a dangerous disease that can lead to blindness.

Symptoms of glaucoma:

  • Pressure sensation in the eyes.

  • Pain in the temples and around the eyes.

  • Appearance of rainbow circles around light sources.

  • Gradual vision loss.

What to do:

  • Urgently consult an ophthalmologist for pressure measurement.

  • Follow prescribed treatment (eye drops, surgical or laser therapy).

4. Injuries and Foreign Objects in the Eye

If the eyeball hurts after contact with a foreign body, immediate action is required.

What to do:

  • Do not rub the eye to avoid corneal damage.

  • Rinse carefully with clean water or saline.

  • If pain persists, see a doctor. Foreign body removal must be done by a specialist to prevent complications.

5. Hemophthalmia – Vitreous Hemorrhage

A hemorrhage into the vitreous body may occur due to trauma, diabetes, or hypertension. Symptoms include decreased vision, “floating” spots before the eyes, and discomfort.

Treatment:

  • Observation in mild cases.

  • Conservative treatment with medications that accelerate blood resorption.

6. Headache and Eye Pain

Patients often complain of eyeball pain during headaches. This may be associated with migraine, high blood pressure, or facial muscle tension.

What to do:

  • Measure blood pressure and take appropriate medications (as prescribed).

  • Rest in a dark, quiet room.

  • If pain persists, consult a specialist.

When to See a Doctor

Eye pain may be temporary, caused by fatigue or irritation, but in some cases it is a serious symptom requiring medical care. Do not delay if certain warning signs or unexplained symptoms appear. Only a specialist can determine why eyes hurt and provide qualified help.

1. Persistent pain without obvious cause
If the right eye or left eye hurts for more than 24–48 hours without visible reasons, you should see an ophthalmologist. This is especially important if pain is accompanied by discomfort when moving the eyes, pressure sensation, or a false foreign body feeling.

2. Vision deterioration
Unexplained vision impairment in one or both eyes is alarming. It may appear as blurriness, “fog,” reduced sharpness, or inability to focus. These symptoms may be linked to inflammation, optic nerve damage, or other serious pathologies.

3. Redness and discharge
If eyes are very red, with itching, burning, or purulent discharge, this indicates infection (conjunctivitis, keratitis). Self-treatment may worsen the condition; medical consultation is required.

4. Pain with other symptoms
Seek urgent medical help if eye pain is combined with:

  • Severe headache, nausea, vomiting (possible acute glaucoma attack).

  • Fever and malaise (possible infection).

  • Rainbow circles or “flashes” before eyes (possible retinal problems).

5. Pressure sensation and peripheral vision loss
If you feel strong pressure inside the eyes or your field of vision narrows (difficulty seeing objects from the side), this may indicate increased intraocular pressure and glaucoma. Prompt treatment is critical to avoid irreversible blindness.

How to Prevent Eye Pain

Eye diseases are easier to prevent than treat. Simple habits help maintain eye health and avoid discomfort.

1. Work and Rest Balance

Prolonged eye strain (computer work) causes fatigue and dryness. To prevent this:

  • Take breaks every 20–30 minutes by looking at distant objects.

  • Use proper lighting.

  • Do eye exercises to relax muscles.

2. Proper Contact Lens Care

If you wear lenses:

  • Follow replacement schedules.

  • Wash hands before touching lenses.

  • Use only special cleaning solutions.

  • Do not wear longer than recommended.

Neglecting these rules may cause infections, inflammation, or vision loss.

3. Protection from External Factors

Eyes are sensitive to the environment. To protect them:

  • Wear sunglasses with UV filter.

  • Use protective goggles when handling chemicals or construction materials.

  • Avoid long exposure to wind and dusty environments.

4. Regular Ophthalmologist Check-ups

Even without complaints, visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year. This helps detect problems early and prevent severe disease.

If your eyes hurt, the causes may vary—from simple fatigue to serious disease. Pay attention to symptoms and avoid self-treatment. At Oxford Medical you can get professional consultation, diagnosis, and effective treatment. Book your appointment today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes eye pain?

Eye pain may result from fatigue, dryness, infections, increased intraocular pressure, injuries, foreign objects, or systemic conditions (migraine, hypertension). If pain persists or vision worsens, see a doctor. Only an ophthalmologist can answer why the eye hurts.

How to quickly relieve eye pain?

Take breaks from screen work, use moisturizing drops, rinse with clean water in case of irritation. If pain is strong, persistent, or combined with redness, swelling, or vision loss—consult an ophthalmologist immediately. The doctor will determine why the right or left eye hurts and provide treatment.

When should I see a doctor?

If pain lasts more than 24 hours, is accompanied by redness, discharge, vision loss, pressure sensation, or trauma. Also seek urgent help if there is sudden vision loss or severe pain radiating to the head.