Skip to main content

Don't ignore eye pain! Let's learn everything about (Eye Pain)

Don't ignore eye pain! Let's learn everything about (Eye Pain)

Sometimes we know the discomfort that comes with a small piece of dirt or an eyelash getting into our eyes. It goes away after a while. The pain that comes when our eyes are tired from staring at the computer all day, and it decreases when we close our eyes for a while or apply something cold. But there are some eye pains, which are not like that. It is a constant, aching pain that comes from inside the eye, sometimes accompanied by other symptoms. Today we are talking about these types of eye pains. This can sometimes be a sign of another underlying disease.

What does it mean to have sore eyes?

Eye pain can feel different to each person. For some, it feels like a sharp sting . For others, it feels like a burning pain coming from inside the eye . This pain can occur in one or both eyes. Sometimes, it can also feel like a pain coming from behind the eye.

The important thing is that this is more serious than a simple eye injury. Simple things like that can be easily removed and your eyes can be relieved. But the eye pain we're talking about is more intense, lasts longer, and can be accompanied by other symptoms. If you have new eye pain that's getting worse, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Who is more at risk?

In fact, anyone can get injured in an accident. This risk is especially high if you don't wear safety glasses when doing work that is dangerous to your eyes (e.g., welding, quarrying, woodworking).

In addition, some people are at a slightly higher risk.

  • Contact lens wearers: If the lenses are not cleaned properly, do not fit properly, or are worn for too long (especially at night), they can hurt your eyes.
  • People with allergies: People with allergies to things like dust, pollen, and animal dander may experience itchy, red, and painful eyes.
  • People with sinus problems: When you have a sinus infection, it can also affect the eyes and cause pain.

Where does your eye hurt?

If you can tell your doctor exactly where you feel the eye pain, it will be a big help in diagnosing the condition. The pain can occur in any of these parts of the eye:

  • Eyelid: The skin that covers the eye.
  • Sclera: The white part of the eye.
  • Cornea: The transparent part of the eye that is at the front and through which light enters.
  • Conjunctiva: The thin membrane that protects the eye.
  • Orbit: The hole in the skull where the eye is located.

What are the main causes of eye pain?

There are many things that can cause eye pain. Let's look at the main causes.

Reason Simply put...
Infections When we touch our eyes with dirty hands, viruses, bacteria, or fungi can enter the eye. Infections in the nose or sinus cavities can also spread to the eye.
Contact Lenses Wearing dirty, ill-fitting, or expired lenses can damage your eyes and cause pain. Do not wear lenses that have not been prescribed by a doctor.
Allergies If you are allergic to things like dust, pollen, or animals, your eyes may itch, become red, and even hurt.
Toxic chemicals (Toxins) Exposure to things like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chlorine in swimming pools can hurt your eyes.
Inflammation The body's immune system can respond by causing swelling inside the eye, making the eye red, sensitive to light, and painful.
Increased Eye PressureThe fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, which can lead to increased pressure inside the eye. This is seen in conditions like glaucoma.

Common medical conditions associated with eye pain

Eye pain is just a symptom. There are several conditions that can cause it.

  • Conjunctivitis / Eye disease: This is what we call "eye disease." There are several types of this as well.
  • Viral: The most common type. Symptoms include burning, redness, and watery eyes. It is highly contagious.
  • Bacterial: The eye becomes red, painful, and has a thick discharge.
  • Allergic: Caused by an allergy. You may notice itchy, red, and watery eyes. This is not contagious.
  • Corneal Damage: Damage to the transparent part of the eye.
  • Corneal Abrasion: The cornea can be scratched by something like a nail or a piece of paper.
  • Corneal Ulcer: A wound on the cornea caused by infection.
  • Keratitis: Inflammation of the surface of the cornea due to excessive dryness of the eyes or infection.
  • Glaucoma: A condition caused by increased pressure in the eye. Angle-closure glaucoma, a rare type, can cause sudden, severe eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision. This is a medical emergency.
  • Other conditions: Blunt trauma to the eye, optic neuritis, and uveitis can also cause eye pain.

How to treat eye pain?

The first thing is to find the exact cause of the pain. Then treat that cause.

For pain caused by infection

The doctor will prescribe antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops, depending on the cause of the infection. They may also prescribe oral medications for pain or allergies. They may also recommend the use of artificial tears to reduce dryness in the eyes.

There are a few things you can do during this time:

  • Always use a clean towel or tissue to wipe your face and eyes.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid eye contact and fingering as much as possible.
  • Do not use contact lenses during an infection.
  • Avoid wearing eye makeup until the infection has cleared up.

For an eye-catching accident

If you have an eye injury, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, take care of these things.

  • Gently place a protective eye shield over your eyes until you can see a doctor. This can be done with something as simple as cutting off the bottom of a paper cup.
  • If a chemical does not get into your eyes, do not rinse with water.
  • If something is stuck in your eye, do not try to remove it yourself.
  • Do not rub or squeeze your eyes.
  • If your eyes are bleeding, ask your doctor if it's okay to take a blood-thinning pain reliever like aspirin.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms along with eye pain, see a doctor immediately without delay. If possible, go directly to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

  • Vomiting
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Feeling of unbearable pressure inside the eye
  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Blurred vision
  • Bulging eyes
  • Inability to turn away
  • If you know that something has happened to your eye or that there has been an accident.

If you have eye pain, the best thing to do is to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The doctor will examine you, listen to your symptoms, and find the cause. Remember, the eyes are very sensitive organs. Therefore, it is very important to take care of them.

Take-Home Message

  • There are two types of eye pain: the common discomfort that comes with a stinging eye and persistent eye pain. Don't ignore the pain.
  • If you have sudden, worsening eye pain, see a doctor immediately.
  • If you wear contact lenses, be very careful about their cleanliness.
  • If something gets stuck in your eye or gets inside, do not try to remove it yourself.
  • If you have symptoms such as vomiting, blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights along with eye pain, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

Eye pain, eye inflammation, eye disease, eye pressure, glaucoma, eye injuries

👩🏽‍⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)

💬 Atorvastatin (Atorvastatin / Lipitor) tablets are prescribed for what disease?

This is the most widely used 'High Cholesterol/Hyperlipidemia' (Statin) drug in Sri Lanka and the world! It reduces 'bad cholesterol (LDL)', stops the formation of plaques in the blood vessels (Plaque stabilization), and completely prevents heart attacks and strokes (Cardiovascular Events).

💬 How does this popular cholesterol pill (Atorvastatin) dissolve bad cholesterol when it enters our bodies?

Our body doesn't make much of the cholesterol it needs from food, it's our liver! The main machine that makes cholesterol in the liver is called 'HMG-CoA Reductase'. As soon as this pill reaches our liver, it blocks/closes and locks that machine 100% (Competitive inhibition). When the machine is turned off, the liver has no other choice but to absorb and destroy the bad cholesterol/LDL in our blood.

💬 What are the 'fatal dangers' and side effects you should know about when taking this cholesterol pill (Atorvastatin)?

Although this is safe, the biggest danger is 'Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis'! If you have unbearable muscle pain, weakness, and dark urine, tell your doctor immediately, otherwise your kidneys may stop working and you may die! Also, if you are taking other medications (like Clarithromycin) or drinking 'Grapefruit/Grapefruit juice', you may be poisoned by the medication and die. This is also prohibited for pregnant mothers!

⚠️ Important: The medical articles and information on Nirogi Lanka are for general awareness only, and are by no means a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any medical problem you have, consult a qualified physician immediately.

💬 Comments (0)

No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.

Add your comment

Please calculate: 6 + 3 =
Don't ignore eye pain! Let's learn everything about (Eye Pain)
SymptomsApril 14, 2026

Don't ignore eye pain! Let's learn everything about (Eye Pain)

Sometimes we know the discomfort that comes with a small piece of dirt or an eyelash getting into our eyes. It goes away after a while. The pain that comes when our eyes are tired from staring at the computer all day, and it decreases when we close our eyes for a while or apply something cold. But there are some eye pains, which are not like that. It is a constant, aching pain that comes from inside the eye, sometimes accompanied by other symptoms. Today we are talking about these types of eye pains. This can sometimes be a sign of another underlying disease.

What does it mean to have sore eyes?

Eye pain can feel different to each person. For some, it feels like a sharp sting . For others, it feels like a burning pain coming from inside the eye . This pain can occur in one or both eyes. Sometimes, it can also feel like a pain coming from behind the eye.

The important thing is that this is more serious than a simple eye injury. Simple things like that can be easily removed and your eyes can be relieved. But the eye pain we're talking about is more intense, lasts longer, and can be accompanied by other symptoms. If you have new eye pain that's getting worse, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Who is more at risk?

In fact, anyone can get injured in an accident. This risk is especially high if you don't wear safety glasses when doing work that is dangerous to your eyes (e.g., welding, quarrying, woodworking).

In addition, some people are at a slightly higher risk.

  • Contact lens wearers: If the lenses are not cleaned properly, do not fit properly, or are worn for too long (especially at night), they can hurt your eyes.
  • People with allergies: People with allergies to things like dust, pollen, and animal dander may experience itchy, red, and painful eyes.
  • People with sinus problems: When you have a sinus infection, it can also affect the eyes and cause pain.

Where does your eye hurt?

If you can tell your doctor exactly where you feel the eye pain, it will be a big help in diagnosing the condition. The pain can occur in any of these parts of the eye:

  • Eyelid: The skin that covers the eye.
  • Sclera: The white part of the eye.
  • Cornea: The transparent part of the eye that is at the front and through which light enters.
  • Conjunctiva: The thin membrane that protects the eye.
  • Orbit: The hole in the skull where the eye is located.

What are the main causes of eye pain?

There are many things that can cause eye pain. Let's look at the main causes.

Reason Simply put...
Infections When we touch our eyes with dirty hands, viruses, bacteria, or fungi can enter the eye. Infections in the nose or sinus cavities can also spread to the eye.
Contact Lenses Wearing dirty, ill-fitting, or expired lenses can damage your eyes and cause pain. Do not wear lenses that have not been prescribed by a doctor.
Allergies If you are allergic to things like dust, pollen, or animals, your eyes may itch, become red, and even hurt.
Toxic chemicals (Toxins) Exposure to things like cigarette smoke, air pollution, and chlorine in swimming pools can hurt your eyes.
Inflammation The body's immune system can respond by causing swelling inside the eye, making the eye red, sensitive to light, and painful.
Increased Eye PressureThe fluid inside the eye does not drain properly, which can lead to increased pressure inside the eye. This is seen in conditions like glaucoma.

Common medical conditions associated with eye pain

Eye pain is just a symptom. There are several conditions that can cause it.

  • Conjunctivitis / Eye disease: This is what we call "eye disease." There are several types of this as well.
  • Viral: The most common type. Symptoms include burning, redness, and watery eyes. It is highly contagious.
  • Bacterial: The eye becomes red, painful, and has a thick discharge.
  • Allergic: Caused by an allergy. You may notice itchy, red, and watery eyes. This is not contagious.
  • Corneal Damage: Damage to the transparent part of the eye.
  • Corneal Abrasion: The cornea can be scratched by something like a nail or a piece of paper.
  • Corneal Ulcer: A wound on the cornea caused by infection.
  • Keratitis: Inflammation of the surface of the cornea due to excessive dryness of the eyes or infection.
  • Glaucoma: A condition caused by increased pressure in the eye. Angle-closure glaucoma, a rare type, can cause sudden, severe eye pain, nausea, and blurred vision. This is a medical emergency.
  • Other conditions: Blunt trauma to the eye, optic neuritis, and uveitis can also cause eye pain.

How to treat eye pain?

The first thing is to find the exact cause of the pain. Then treat that cause.

For pain caused by infection

The doctor will prescribe antibiotic, antifungal, or antiviral eye drops, depending on the cause of the infection. They may also prescribe oral medications for pain or allergies. They may also recommend the use of artificial tears to reduce dryness in the eyes.

There are a few things you can do during this time:

  • Always use a clean towel or tissue to wipe your face and eyes.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
  • Avoid eye contact and fingering as much as possible.
  • Do not use contact lenses during an infection.
  • Avoid wearing eye makeup until the infection has cleared up.

For an eye-catching accident

If you have an eye injury, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, take care of these things.

  • Gently place a protective eye shield over your eyes until you can see a doctor. This can be done with something as simple as cutting off the bottom of a paper cup.
  • If a chemical does not get into your eyes, do not rinse with water.
  • If something is stuck in your eye, do not try to remove it yourself.
  • Do not rub or squeeze your eyes.
  • If your eyes are bleeding, ask your doctor if it's okay to take a blood-thinning pain reliever like aspirin.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms along with eye pain, see a doctor immediately without delay. If possible, go directly to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

  • Vomiting
  • Seeing halos around lights
  • Feeling of unbearable pressure inside the eye
  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Blurred vision
  • Bulging eyes
  • Inability to turn away
  • If you know that something has happened to your eye or that there has been an accident.

If you have eye pain, the best thing to do is to seek medical advice as soon as possible. The doctor will examine you, listen to your symptoms, and find the cause. Remember, the eyes are very sensitive organs. Therefore, it is very important to take care of them.

Take-Home Message

  • There are two types of eye pain: the common discomfort that comes with a stinging eye and persistent eye pain. Don't ignore the pain.
  • If you have sudden, worsening eye pain, see a doctor immediately.
  • If you wear contact lenses, be very careful about their cleanliness.
  • If something gets stuck in your eye or gets inside, do not try to remove it yourself.
  • If you have symptoms such as vomiting, blurred vision, or seeing halos around lights along with eye pain, it is an emergency. Go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

Eye pain, eye inflammation, eye disease, eye pressure, glaucoma, eye injuries

👩🏽‍⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)

💬 Atorvastatin (Atorvastatin / Lipitor) tablets are prescribed for what disease?

This is the most widely used 'High Cholesterol/Hyperlipidemia' (Statin) drug in Sri Lanka and the world! It reduces 'bad cholesterol (LDL)', stops the formation of plaques in the blood vessels (Plaque stabilization), and completely prevents heart attacks and strokes (Cardiovascular Events).

💬 How does this popular cholesterol pill (Atorvastatin) dissolve bad cholesterol when it enters our bodies?

Our body doesn't make much of the cholesterol it needs from food, it's our liver! The main machine that makes cholesterol in the liver is called 'HMG-CoA Reductase'. As soon as this pill reaches our liver, it blocks/closes and locks that machine 100% (Competitive inhibition). When the machine is turned off, the liver has no other choice but to absorb and destroy the bad cholesterol/LDL in our blood.

💬 What are the 'fatal dangers' and side effects you should know about when taking this cholesterol pill (Atorvastatin)?

Although this is safe, the biggest danger is 'Myopathy/Rhabdomyolysis'! If you have unbearable muscle pain, weakness, and dark urine, tell your doctor immediately, otherwise your kidneys may stop working and you may die! Also, if you are taking other medications (like Clarithromycin) or drinking 'Grapefruit/Grapefruit juice', you may be poisoned by the medication and die. This is also prohibited for pregnant mothers!

⚠️ Important: The medical articles and information on Nirogi Lanka are for general awareness only, and are by no means a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For any medical problem you have, consult a qualified physician immediately.

💬 Comments (0)

No comments have been posted yet. Add your comment here for the first time.

Add your comment

Please calculate: 6 + 3 =