WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What causes eye pain? Eye pain may be caused by a problem within your eye. A problem or condition in another body area can also cause pain that travels to your eye. Eye pain may be caused by any of the following: - Dry eyes
- An abrasion on your cornea (the surface of your eye)
- A foreign body in your eye
- Inflammation of a nerve, gland, or muscle in your eye
- Certain types of glaucoma (increased pressure inside your eye that can cause vision loss)
- A sinus infection or jaw pain
- Headaches, including migraine or cluster headaches
How is the cause of eye pain diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will examine your eyes and ask when your pain began. He will also ask if you have other symptoms, such as sensitivity to light. Tell him if you ever had eye surgery or an eye injury. Tell him if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Also tell him the names of medicines you take, and if you have allergies or health conditions. You may need the following tests: - A visual acuity test checks your vision in both eyes. You will be asked to read letters and numbers from a chart.
- A slit-lamp exam uses a microscope to check every part of your eye for inflammation or injury. A dye may be used to look for damage to your cornea.
- A fluorescein stain test uses dye to show if you have a foreign body in your eye. It can also reveal damage to your cornea.
- A tonometry test measures the pressure inside your eye to check for glaucoma. Your healthcare provider will numb your eyes with eyedrops before he checks your eye pressure.
How is eye pain treated? - Artificial tears are eyedrops that can help moisturize your eyes and relieve your pain. Ask your healthcare provider how often to use artificial tears.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions. Do not give these medicines to children under 6 months of age without direction from your child's healthcare provider.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- Your eye pain gets worse when you move your eyes.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
When should I seek immediate care or call 911? - You have any vision loss.
- You have sudden vision changes such as blurred vision, double vision, or seeing halos around lights.
- You develop severe eye pain.
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