Eye pain falls into two categories: Ocular pain and orbital pain. Ocular pain occurs on the surface of the eye while orbital pain occurs within the eye.
Over here we will discuss what causes eye pain and when should you visit an eye hospital:
Causes of ocular pain
You may experience eye pain on the surface of the eye because of the following reasons
- Foreign objects: When irritants such as a speck of dirt, makeup, grit or a twig get into the eye – they cause eye pain along with symptoms such as eye irritation, redness and watery eyes. Wash your eyes with cold water. Even after a day if you feel that something is stuck inside your eyes, you should seek medical treatment.
- Conjunctivitis: Also known as pink eye, conjunctivitis is an infection that causes pain in the eyes along with redness in the white portion, itchiness and watery eyes. Though conjunctivitis is not serious or vision-threatening, it can be highly contagious. If you have conjunctivitis, see an eye doctor for medications.
- Injury: If you were involved in an accident and because of it you are experiencing pain in the eye, you must see an eye doctor to rule out serious damage. If your eyes have come into contact with chemicals and you are experiencing a burning sensation, visit an eye doctor immediately. The severity of the burn depends on the chemical and the amount that has gone inside your eyes. Chemical eye burns are a medical emergency and should not be ignored.
- Infections: There are several eye infections such as blepharitis and sty that can cause pain in the eyes. An eye doctor can diagnose an infection by performing a physical examination of the eye. Depending on the severity of inflammation and pain, the doctor may prescribe eye drops or ointment.
Causes of orbital pain
There are several conditions that can cause eye pain within the eye and some of them are as follows:
- Glaucoma: This eye condition occurs when intraocular pressure or pressure inside the eye increases, damaging the optic nerve. The condition gets worse over time. If you are experiencing eye pain along with vision loss and feeling of nausea, visit an eye doctor without any delay. Seeking immediate medical treatment can help prevent long-term vision loss.
- Optic neuritis: This eye condition occurs when swelling damages the optic nerve. Optic neuritis causes pain with eye movement and temporary vision loss in one eye. Sometimes the eye pain may feel like a dull ache. With the help of medications and steroids, the vision can be restored, https://nygoodhealth.com/product/prednisone/.
When is eye pain serious?
In the following cases, visit an eye hospital without delay:
- The pain is unusually severe or accompanied by headache or fever.
- Sudden changes in vision.
- It is caused by a foreign object or chemical.
- You have trouble moving your eyes.
- There is blood or pus coming out of the eyes.
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, get medical help right away. The emergency OPD at Disha Eye Hospitals has a dedicated doctor 24X7. Patients with eye emergencies are seen without any prior appointment.