Well, there are some things you can bite your teeth through and brave it out. And then, there are those other things, almost negligible, if not because they become the bane of your very existence for a few hours. And I don’t know about you, but having your eye hurt, swell, purple, redden, or itch is right about at the top.
Eyes are highly sensitive, a lesson we learned at kindergarten when that child poked our eyes and carried it well into adulthood. While most times, your eyes hurt are caused by dust, strain, or something irritating but ultimately harmless, there are other times when you would have to get them checked out.
So, in this article, we’ve tried to answer the question, ” Why do my eyes hurt?” “Why do my eyes hurt when I look around?” “Why do my eyes hurt when I blink?” and similar questions.
What causes eye strain?
Several reasons can cause eye strains. Thanks to the advent of the internet and the evolution of technology, every one of us has our eyes glued onto a screen for the better part of our day. Exposure to high amounts of digital viewing remains one of the most prominent causes of straining your eyes. And for all the book lovers, reading our miniscule printed books for hours bent over a lamplight or any light can also cause eye strain. Other common causes also include
- Long-distance driving and other tasks that need sustained concentration
- being exposed to glare or intense light
- Having an underlying eye condition called refractive error, such as dry eyes
- Uncorrected eyesight
- Being subjected to dry, moving air from a fan, a heater, or an air conditioner
- Squinting in the extreme darkness
- Feeling tense or worn out
How do you differentiate between soreness, swelling, and pain?
This pretty much goes according to what our English language prescribes. When your eye burns or feels soft and stingy, you could call it soreness. When the area around your eye or your eyelid gets bigger, it’s swollen.
Depending on how you feel and the severity of your condition, you could try home remedies or visit your ophthalmologist.
What causes ocular pain?
Conjunctivitis
The tissue that lines the front of the eye and the inside of the eyelid is called the conjunctiva. It has the potential to infect and swell, frequently resulting from an allergy or infection.
The inflammation in the eye causes itching, redness, and discharge, even though the pain is typically not severe. Another name for conjunctivitis is pink eye.
Injury
Chemical and eye flash burns can be extremely painful. They typically occur after exposure to irritants like bleach or powerful light sources like the sun, tanning beds, or the materials used in arc welding.
Corneal abrasion
The translucent layer that covers the eye’s surface, the cornea, is prone to injury. If you have a corneal abrasion, an object will be within your sight.
However, treatments that often remove irritants from the eye, such as flushing with water, won’t help you feel better if you have a corneal abrasion.
Blepharitis
Blepharitis happens when the oil glands on the border of the eyelid become infected or inflamed. It might hurt after this.
Foreign substance
Having anything in your eye is the most frequent cause of eye pain. A foreign object in the eye, whether an eyelash, a bit of dirt, or mascara, can irritate the eye and produce pain, redness, and watery eyes.
Sinusitis
Pressure behind the eyes can increase due to a sinus infection. One or both eyes may experience pain while it accomplishes this.
Migraines
A common side effect of migraine attacks is eye pain.
Contact lens irritation
People who wear contact lenses overnight or don’t thoroughly disinfect their lenses are more likely to experience eye pain from irritation or infection if their contantraocular pressure, or pressure inside the eye, increases; this syndrome develops as Glaucoma, a sudden increase in pressure that can also induce headaches, nausea, and angle closure. Glaucoma is a medical emergency that requires prompt treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.
Home Remedies
Allowing your eyes to rest is the greatest method to cure many disorders that cause eye pain. Your doctor might advise you to relax with your eyes covered for a day or longer because staring at a computer or television for extended periods can strain your eyes.
If a foreign item or chemical enters your eye, wash the irritant out with water or a saline solution. Eye drops and oral drugs help ease the discomfort brought on by eye allergies.
Always use a clean towel or tissue to cleanse the cheeks or eyes. Wash your hands often, especially after using the restroom, sneezing, or coughing. Keep your fingers and hands away from your eyes. Avoid using contacts when the eyes are diseased.
Patients with Glaucoma may use prescription eye drops to lessen the pressure building inside their eyes. Antibacterial eye drops and oral drugs can treat painful eye infections such as conjunctivitis and corneal abrasions.
When to see a doctor?
Eye pain should always be taken seriously. However, it is very concerning when eye pain is present together with any of the following signs:
Vomiting
Bodily infection symptoms (such as fever or chills)
Distorted vision
When you are unable to move the eyes normally through their range
Fluid pressure accumulation behind the cornea
An impression of haloes surrounding lights
Enlarged eyes
Prevention is Better than Cure
Wear goggles or safety glasses when engaging in sports, exercising, mowing the lawn, or using hand tools to avoid various causes of eye pain, including scratches and burns.
Always use protective eyewear when working around chemicals, welding equipment, flying objects, or construction equipment.
Regularly and thoroughly clean your contacts. Wear glasses occasionally to give your eyes a break. Do not use or wear contacts for longer than recommended.
