MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Eye pain

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Eye pain

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition Considerations Common Causes	Home Care Call your health care provider if What to expect at your health care provider's office

Alternative names

Ophthalmalgia; Pain - eye

Definition Return to top

Pain in the eye (that is not due to injury) may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also be characterized as a foreign-body sensation.

Considerations Return to top

A feeling of tiredness in the eyes or some discomfort after a long period of work (eye strain) are generally minor problems and do not really qualify as eye pain. This may be due to an improper prescription for glasses.

Pain in the eye, while not a common complaint, can be an important symptom that should be treated if pain does not improve. It is important to try to characterize the pain as much as possible.

Common Causes Return to top

A wide variety of disorders can cause pain in or around the eye. In general, if the pain is persistent, severe or associated with decreased vision get medical attention. Also, try to characterize the type of pain and location as discussed.

a problem in the eye itself (an infection, irritation or injury such as a corneal abrasion)
a migraine headache (severe pain behind the eye)
sinus problems (pain either over or below the eye)
contact lenses
eye surgery
a stye (hordeolum) can create eye pain that increases as the stye grows
conjunctivitis (pink eye) or any inflammation of the upper and lower lids
pain in both eyes, particularly upon exposure to bright light (photophobia) that is common with many viral infections such as flu and will go away as the infection improves.
glaucoma (so called narrow angle glaucoma can be very painful)
burns

Home Care Return to top

Resting the eyes, taking an over-the-counter analgesic, and avoiding bright light are generally recommended.

If you think your eye pain is due to wearing contact lenses, avoid wearing the lenses for a few days and see if the pain goes away.

Call your health care provider if Return to top

there is pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or pressure in the eye(s) that persists -- particularly if it affects vision.
the pain is severe or prolonged beyond 2 days.
eye pain is not associated with a viral illness or eyestrain.
associated medical or eye problems i.e., history of herpes infections or new rash.

What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed. If there is major concern, see an ophthalmologist (who specializes in eye problems).

Medical history questions documenting your symptom in detail may include:

distribution
- Are both eyes affected?
- in eye, around eye
type of pain
- foreign body, burning, throbbing
time pattern
- Did it begin suddenly?
aggravated by
- Is it worse after eye movement?
- What other symptoms are also present?

Physical examination will include an examination of the eyes. The doctor will check vision, eye movements, and the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

A slit-lamp examination
If glaucoma is suspected, eye pressure will be checked.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider as the cause of your symptoms, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.

Update Date: 11/3/2003

Updated by: Raymond S. Douglas M.D., Ph.D. Department of Ophthalmology, UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.