Why Do My Eyes Hurt?

Your eyes might hurt for a variety of reasons (and yes, playing video games nonstop for hours at a time makes the list). You might have an infection or just a bit of dust in your eye. While eye pain is often not a serious condition, it's important to know when to see an eye care professional.

Common causes of eye pain

Eye strain and fatigue

Focusing your eyes on the same thing for a long time causes eye strain and pain (another reason to avoid doomscrolling). Look away from your screen every 20 minutes for at least 20 seconds to avoid eye fatigue.

Some people also get eye strain from driving or working under very bright light. In addition, having the wrong contacts or glasses prescription can result in tired or strained eyes.

Dry eyes

When your tear ducts don't produce the moisture your eyes need, you can experience pain due to dry eye. Failure to blink enough can contribute to dry eye (and that might take you back to spending too much time in front of a screen without blinking). Too much air blowing across the eye, either due to wind, low humidity, or air conditioning, can contribute as well. Lubricating your eyes with artificial tears can make a difference.

Allergies

If you suffer from seasonal allergies such as hay fever, you're probably familiar with the itchy, red eyes that can accompany them. Artificial tears can also be helpful here.

Eye pain due to medical conditions

Eye infections

Several types of eye infections can cause eye pain. While some of these conditions may resolve on their own, others require a visit to an eye care professional to be treated with eye drops or ointment. Among the most common eye infections are:

• Conjunctivitis. Commonly known as "pink eye," conjunctivitis is easy to recognize because it turns the white of your eye (you guessed it) pink. This infection, which is highly contagious, may require antibiotic eye drops. 
• Blepharitis. This inflammation causes eye pain and burning as well as crustiness at the base of the eyelids. See an eye care professional to receive easy, effective treatment.

Eye injuries

You can scratch your cornea while applying makeup, putting in contacts, or even rubbing your eyes. You may feel that there's something stuck in your eye. Your eye care professional is likely to patch the eye while it heals, and you may need prescription eye drops. While painful, these corneal abrasions typically heal quickly.

Glaucoma and other eye disorders

Several types of eye diseases can cause eye pain, notably glaucoma, which is a condition in which fluid pressure inside the eye builds up to unhealthy or dangerous levels. Glaucoma always requires medical treatment.

Other eye disorders that can result in eye pain include migraines and other headaches, as well as optic neuritis, which is the inflammation of the optic nerve.

Lifestyle and environmental factors

Environmental irritants

Some foreign substances, such as chemicals (think cleaning fluids) or glass, can be dangerous to your eye, but even a stray eyelash can make you want to scream in pain. Pollution and smoke can also irritate the eye.

Contact lens issues

Leaving your contacts in overnight can result in irritation, as can wearing lenses that are past their expiration dates. If you don't wash your hands well, you can transfer bacteria to your eye, resulting in infection.

Seeking professional help

If eye pain is persistent, it's best to seek professional help. 

When to see an eye doctor

If you experience severe eye pain or if your eye is oozing any kind of drainage, make an appointment with your eye care professional. You should also get to the eye doctor if your eye has been injured, if you have a foreign object in the eye, or if you're experiencing new vision problems. Your eye care professional should be able to give you an accurate diagnosis and prescribe any treatment needed. In some cases, getting prompt treatment for eye pain could save your vision.

Understanding and managing eye pain

Taking good care of your eyes by minimizing eye strain, using artificial tears, and practicing good hygiene while dealing with your contacts can go a long way to helping you avoid eye pain. Regular eye exams are also key to maintaining healthy eyes. When you experience severe or recurrent eye pain, seek medical care. And check with us at 1-800 Contacts when you're ready to renew your prescription or find the brand of contacts your eye care professional has prescribed for you.

 

FAQs

What are some home remedies for relieving eye pain?

Flush your eyes with water if you think you have dust in your eye, and take breaks from looking at screens every 20 minutes or so. Artificial tears can help with dry eye.

Can stress and lack of sleep cause eye pain?

Lack of sleep can cause irritation to the eye, and it can be a factor in dry eye. Stress doesn't directly cause eye pain — but it can cause headaches and migraines, with eye pain as a result.

Is eye pain always a sign of a serious eye condition?

No. But because it can indicate a serious condition, see an eye care professional for any eye pain that persists or is paired with other symptoms.