
Eye pain (ocular pain) is also called ophthalmalgia and is a common complaint. It may be perceived as a throbbing, burning, or itching sensation. Eye pain may be unilateral or in both eyes. It may be due to something as trivial as eye strain or as serious as brain infection. If the eye pain is accompanied by a blurring of vision, diplopia (double vision), vision loss, severe headache, vomiting, giddiness, fever, neck stiffness, or injury, it’s advised to visit the nearest emergency room (ER) as soon as possible.
14 Common causes of eye pain
The 14 common causes of eye pain are:
- Eye strain: Eye strain is the most common cause of eye pain or eye soreness. Prolonged screen time, too much near work, dehydration, exposure to bright lights, or prolonged sun exposure can cause throbbing pain in the eye.
- Foreign body: A foreign body in the eye could be anything small like an eyelash, dust, makeup, or larger penetrating particles of metal, etc. The foreign body removal should ideally be performed by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor). The foreign body in the eye can cause irritation, redness, watery eyes, blurring of vision, and pain.
- Conjunctivitis: The conjunctiva is the part of the eye on the underside of the eyelid. It can become infected and inflamed due to allergies or infection. It’s also called conjunctivitis (pink eye). It can cause itching, redness, and watering of the eyes.
- Contact lens irritation: Wearing contact lenses overnight or not disinfecting contact lenses can cause irritation or infection, leading to eye pain.
- Injury: Injuries can occur due to physical trauma or chemicals (chemical burns) or thermal burns (during welding). Injuries can cause significant pain, bringing, itching, watering of eyes, and swelling and can affect vision.
- Blepharitis: This occurs when the oil glands on the eyelid’s edge, including the eyelashes, become infected or inflamed.
- Sty: A blepharitis infection can create a nodule or raised bump on the eyelid called a sty.
- Glaucoma: This condition occurs due to an increase in eye pressure. Patients have headaches, nausea, and decreased vision. This is a serious condition that needs immediate attention.
- Optic neuritis: It is inflammation of the optic nerve (the nerve that connects the back of the eyeball to the brain).
- Sinusitis: Infection of the sinuses can cause pressure and pain behind the eyes.
- Migraines: Migraines may be associated with eye pain, eye-watering, headaches, and vomiting.
- Iritis: It is inflammation of the iris (colored part of the eye).
- Dacryocystitis: It is inflammation of the tear glands.
- Refractive errors: Refractive errors such as myopia (near-sightedness) and hypermetropia (far-sightedness) or changes in eye power can cause eye strain, headache, and eye pain.
10 Home remedies to reduce or prevent eye pain and eyestrain
Following are the home remedies to reduce or prevent eye pain and eyestrain:
- Warm compress: A warm compress can help relieve pain and discomfort, especially pain associated with eye infections, such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or a sty. A clean, warm, moist towel may be placed over the eyes. This can also help clear out debris, pus, and dried-up crusts.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medication: OTC medication, such as antihistamines and acetaminophen, can be used to treat allergies and/or eye pain.
- Using artificial tears: OTC artificial tears can help prevent and relieve dry eyes, which can cause eye pain and flush out foreign bodies on the eye surface. Lubricating drops that do not contain preservatives can be used as often as needed. If the drops contain preservatives, they should not be used more than four times a day. Eye drops that reduce redness should not be used because they may worsen the symptoms and cause other serious conditions, making them difficult to diagnose.
- Using a humidifier: A humidifier increases the moisture content in the air, helping the eyes to stay moist, and reducing dryness, discomfort, and pain.
- Avoiding pollutants: It’s advised to stay away from cigarette smoke, fire smoke, and industrial gases. In the case of work-related exposure, one may consider wearing protective eyewear at work and using lubricating eye drops without preservatives to keep the eyes moist and prevent and reduce eye discomfort. It’s advised to avoid makeup till the eye heals.
- Changing eyewear: Those who wear glasses or contacts and work at a computer may consider changing to glasses or contact lenses designed specifically for computer work. Change in eye power can also cause eye pain; hence, the eye should be tested and appropriate glasses or contact lenses need to be worn.
- Sun protection: Exposure to direct sun or other bright lights can cause eye dryness and pain, as well as worsen any existing pain. Hence, it is advised to use sunglasses and try to avoid sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day, that is, 11 AM to 4 PM.
- Adjust the lighting: While watching TV, it is advised to watch TV in a soft-lit room to reduce eye strain. While reading, a light source may be used to flash the light onto the page.
- Taking breaks: When doing near work like reading or fine art and crafts, taking occasional breaks and resting the eyes can help reduce and prevent eye pain.
- Limiting screen time: Prolonged screen time can increase eye strain and pain. Hence, it is advised to take regular breaks from the screen to rest the eyes.

QUESTION
What causes dry eyes? See AnswerShiel WC. Eye Pain: Symptoms & Signs. https://www.medicinenet.com/eye_pain/symptoms.htm
Optometrists Network. Natural Remedies for Dry Eyes. June 1, 2020. https://www.optometrists.org/dry-eye/natural-remedies-for-dry-eyes/
Top How Can I Relieve Eye Pain at Home? Related Articles
Dry Eye Quiz
What causes dry eye? Take this quiz to learn about dry eye syndrome and what can be done about it.Eye Allergy
Eye allergy (or allergic eye disease) are typically associated with hay fever and atopic dermatitis. Medications and cosmetics may cause eye allergies. Allergic eye conditions include allergic conjunctivitis, conjunctivitis with atopic dermatitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and giant papillary conjunctivitis. Dry eye, tear-duct obstruction, and conjunctivitis due to infection are frequently confused with eye allergies. Eye allergies may be treated with topical antihistamines, decongestants, topical mast-cell stabilizers, topical anti-inflammatory drugs, systemic medications, and allergy shots.Itchy Eyes? Top 13 Ways to Tame Eye Allergies
Do you need eye drops? Eye allergies, or allergic conjunctivitis, cause itchy eyes and other allergic symptoms. Avoiding allergens and using medicated eye drops can help. Learn about eye allergy triggers like mold and pollen, and eye allergy relief like shots and eye drops.What Are the Types of Eye Care?
Many common eye disorders resolve without treatment and some may be managed with over-the-counter (OTC) products. It's important to visit a physician or ophthalmologist is the problem involves the eyeball itself or the condition hasn't improved after 72 hours of use of an OTC eye care product.Eye Health: Foods, Vitamins and Nutrients to Improve Eyesight
Eye Health: Foods, Vitamins and Nutrients to Improve EyesightEye Picture
The eye has a number of components which include but are not limited to the cornea, iris, pupil, lens, retina, macula, optic nerve, choroid and vitreous. See a picture of the Eye and learn more about the health topic.Eye Strain
Eye strain is a symptom caused by looking at something for a long time. Symptoms and signs include redness, light sensitivity, headaches, and blurred vision. Symptoms may be treated by closing the eyes and taking a break from the visual task.Eye Conditions Quiz
What do you know about your eyes? Take this quick quiz to learn about a range of eye diseases and conditions.How Can I Get My Eye To Stop Twitching?
A blepharospasm (eye twitch) is a harmless, involuntary spasm of the muscle of the eyelids, which may resolve on its own. If the twitching isn't caused by an underlying condition, getting more rest and avoiding alcohol and caffeine may help stop it.Is Pinkeye Contagious?
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the conjunctiva. Whether pinkeye is contagious depends upon what is causing the irritation. With pinkeye, people may experience swollen eyelids, a pinkish color in the whites of the eyes, eye discharge, photophobia, increased tear production, and itching.Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)
Pinkeye, also called conjunctivitis, is redness or irritation of the conjunctivae, the membranes on the inner part of the eyelids and the membranes covering the whites of the eyes. These membranes react to a wide range of bacteria, viruses, allergy-provoking agents, irritants, and toxic agents.Sty (Stye)
A sty is a bump that forms on the eyelid as a result of a blocked gland. Styes may be caused by infections, burns, or trauma to the eyelid. Most styes resolve on their own. The application of warm compresses can speed healing. In some cases, steroid injection or incision and drainage may be necessary. Keeping the area clean and consuming a diet high in omega-3-fatty acids may help prevent the formation of styes.What Causes Yellow Discharge From Eyes?
What is yellow discharge from your eye? Learn what causes it, how to recognize it, and how it is treated.How Eye Color and Shape Can Affect Your Health
Eye color is linked to eye cancer, trustworthiness, type 1 diabetes, hearing loss, alcohol dependence, endometriosis, response to therapy, vitiligo, cataracts, intelligence, athletic ability, pain tolerance, macular degeneration, and risk of Waardenburg syndrome.What Is a Twitching Eye a Sign of?
A blepharospasm (eye twitch) is a harmless tic of the eyelid muscle, which may resolve on its own. Conditions that may cause eye twitch include blepharitis, dry eyes, light sensitivity or conjunctivitis. Nerve disorders can also cause eye twitching.What Is the Difference Between A-Scan and B-Scan?
A-scan and B-scan are both types of ultrasound examinations performed for eye evaluation. A detailed eye examination tells not only about the structures of the eyes but also about any underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.