Eye pain can be indicative of many different eye conditions; some of them may even be vision-threatening. There are different types of eye pain that you can experience, including throbbing, sharp, or aching pains.
It is very important that you do not ignore eye pain. If you notice an abnormal feeling of discomfort or pressure in either of your eyes, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor immediately.
Keep reading to learn more about why eye pain is not normal and how it may be something serious!
Common Causes of Eye Pain
Eye pain is discomfort in, around, on, or behind your eye. Discomfort can occur in one eye or in both eyes.
There are many possible causes of eye pain or discomfort. Some of the most common reasons for eye pain are:
Eye Injury From Flash or Chemical Burn
Flash or chemical burns to your eye can result in eye injury and considerable pain. These kinds of burns might be due to irritants such as bleach.
They can also be caused by intense light sources like materials used in arc welding or the sun. If you have an eye injury, visit your doctor without delay to preserve your sight.
Corneal Abrasion
A scratched cornea may occur from accidental scratches, dust, or sand. When your cornea has an abrasion, the nerve endings are exposed, often leading to considerable discomfort.
The pain can be mild or quite intense. A corneal abrasion can also cause other symptoms such as redness, light sensitivity, and increased tearing.
Minor corneal abrasions frequently resolve on their own. However, if left untreated, deeper scratches can cause eye infection or a corneal ulcer.
Since you can’t tell if you have a superficial or deep abrasion, ensure you see your eye doctor to determine the exact cause and severity of the abrasion.
Glaucoma
Also called the silent thief of sight, glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, leading to irreversible vision loss. With most types of the condition, there are usually no early signs.
A type of glaucoma called acute angle-closure glaucoma results in an abrupt rise in your eye pressure. This can cause intense eye pain, worsening vision, and nausea.
The only way to prevent vision loss and determine if the pain you are experiencing is due to the onset of angle closure glaucoma is to visit your eye doctor immediately.
What To Do When You Have Eye Pain
Make sure you call your eye doctor’s office in case of prolonged discomfort, eye injury, or sudden onset of eye pain. Your eye doctor may give you instructions to follow prior to arriving at the office.
For instance, you may be asked to take out your contacts or flush your eye. Remember, it’s best not to attempt to treat yourself without specific instructions from an eye care provider.
How To Know If Your Eye Pain is an Emergency
You should seek treatment right away if any of these symptoms accompany your eye pain:
- Loss of vision
- Chemical or a foreign object in your eye
- Nausea or vomiting
- An abrupt change in vision
- Chills or fever
- Protruding eyeballs
- Pus or blood coming from your eye
- Trouble keeping your eye open or moving it
Eye pain could be your eye’s way of telling you something is wrong. Waiting out the pain can escalate things or even lead to vision loss.
That’s why it’s essential to seek urgent medical care if you have any of the above symptoms.
Don’t Ignore Eye Pain
The trusted doctors at VisionFirst Eye Center recommend seeing your eye care professional immediately if you have eye pain. That’s the best way to protect your sight and prevent vision loss.
Are you experiencing eye pain or discomfort? Schedule an appointment at VisionFirst Eye Center in Alabaster, AL, today!
