Eye Pain

Pain in the eye can be an important symptom and can't be safely ignored for long. Fortunately it is an unusual complaint. Itching and burning are more common. Eye pain may be due to injury, infection, or an underlying disease.

An important disease that can cause eye pain is glaucoma. Glaucoma may slowly lead to blindness if not treated. In glaucoma, the fluid inside the eye is under abnormally high pressure, and the globe of the eye is tense, causing discomfort. Vision to the sides is the first to be lost. Gradually and almost imperceptibly, the field of vision narrows until the individual has "tunnel vision". In addition, a person often will see halos around light. Unfortunately, this sequence can occur even when there is no associated pain.

A feeling of tiredness in the eyes or some discomfort after a long period of fine work (eyestrain) is generally a minor problem and doesn't really qualify as eye pain. Severe pain behid the eye may result from migraine headacehs, and pain either above or below the eye may suggest sinus problems.

Pain in both eyes, particularly upon exposure to bright light, "photophobia", is common with many viral infections such as flu and will go away as the infection improves. More severe photophobia, particularly when only one eye is involved, may indicate inflammation of the deeper layers of the eye and requires a doctor.


Here's what to do in case of eye pain, follow the steps below:

EYE PAIN


1. Is the pain related to a significant injury, or is a foreign body present?
   if YES: see Foreign Body in Eye
   if NO: proceed to #2.

2. Is the pain an itching or burning sensation, or are the eyes runny?
   if YES: see Eye Burning, Itching, and Discharge
   if NO: proceed to #3.

3. Is there any decrease in vision?
   if YES: see Decreased Vision
   if NO: proceed to #4.

4. Is the pain severe or prolonged beyond 48 hours?
   if YES: see your doctor today!
   if NO: proceed to #5.

5. Is the pain more of a feeling of tiredness in the eyes, or are flu-like symptoms present?
   if YES: make appointment with doctor!
    if NO: use home treatment


HOME TREATMENT


Except for eye pain associated with a viral illness or eyestrain, or minor discomfort that is more tiredness than pain, we don't recommend home treatment. In these instances, resting the eyes, taking a few acetaminophen, and avoiding bright light may help.



WHAT TO EXPECT AT THE DOCTOR'S OFFICE



The doctor will check vision, eye movements, and the back of the eye with an opthalmoscope. An opthalmologist (surgeon specializing in diseases of the eye) may look at the eye through a microscope or a device called a slit lamp. If glaucoma is possible, the doctor may check the pressure of the globe. This is simple, quick, and painless.




Source: Take Care of Yourself by Vickery and Fries. 6th Ed.