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Eye Pain

What Causes Eye Pain?

Eye Pain can be caused by a variety of disorders. Some can be very simple and some can be very dangerous.

Eye pain usually involves pain of the orbital tissues (eyelids or tissues around the eye) or pain of the eyeball itself.

Pain involving the orbital tissue can be caused by:

  • Sinus congestion
  • Eyelid stye
  • Shingles
  • Orbital cellulitis or Pre-ceptal cellulitis
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Allergy swelling

Pain involving the eyeball itself can be the result of many eye problems and diseases. Examples are:

  • Foreign body in the eye
  • Inflammation of the Iris called Iritis
  • Herpes cold sore virus in the eye
  • Corneal abrasion
  • Conjunctivitis
  • Corneal ulcer due to contact lenses
  • Inflammation due to contact lenses or contact lens solutions
  • Contact lens stuck in the eye
  • Dry eye
  • Angle closure glaucoma
  • Inflamed pinguecula or pterygium

Sudden onset pain behind one eye which gets worse with while turning the eye accompanied by blurry vision can be a sign of Optic Neuritis which is an early symptom of Multiple Sclerosis. Double vision may also be associated. This condition needs to be addressed immediately.

How is the Cause of Eye Pain Diagnosed?

Since there are so many possible causes for eye pain, an Optometrist or eye care professional will need to perform a complete examination to determine the cause of the eye pain. A slit lamp (lighted microscope) as well as dilated pupil examination will be needed. Proper referrals will to be made if systemic causes are a possibility.

How is Eye Pain Treated?

Treatment depends upon the diagnosis and can vary from simple lubrication drops to antibiotic drops to steroids or a referral to an ophthalmologist. The key to proper treatment is always accurate diagnosis.

What Steps Should I Take If I Have Eye Pain?

Any new onset eye pain needs to be addressed by an eye care professional immediately. We recommend scheduling an appointment to see Dr. Reinders as soon as possible. Dr. Reinders has over 22 years of experience in assessing and treating eye pain problems. The sooner you can check your eyes, the better. All doctors agree that waiting and hoping it will get better is not a prescription for success