5 Common Reasons Why Your Eyes Hurt

The eyes are one of the most complex and sensitive organs in the human body. They consist of many delicate structures, each of which plays an important role in providing vision. When at least one of these structures stops working properly, a person begins to experience discomfort or pain. Eye pain is not only an unpleasant symptom but also a warning sign from the body that there is a problem that requires the attention of a specialist. In this article, we have gathered five common reasons why your eyes may hurt and explained why it is important to see an eye doctor ASAP.

1. Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common causes of eye pain, burning, and gritty feelings. This condition occurs when the tear film covering the eye is not produced enough or evaporates too quickly. Causes may include prolonged work at a computer, wearing contact lenses, dry indoor air, or age-related changes. Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

• A foreign body sensation in the eye

• Redness

• Photosensitivity

• Eye fatigue

Without timely and proper treatment, this condition can lead to corneal damage and vision loss. You can search for "dry eye doctor near me" to find an experienced and qualified specialist in your area. To relieve symptoms, moisturizing drops (artificial tears) and, in more complex cases, special medications are used.

2. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Conjunctivitis can be either infectious (caused by bacteria or viruses) or allergic. This condition is accompanied by pain, redness, itching, discharge, and swelling of the eyelids. Infectious conjunctivitis is particularly contagious and spreads easily through direct contact. Allergic reactions usually occur after exposure to pollen, dust, or other triggers.

The main symptoms of conjunctivitis are:

• Severe eye redness

• Mucous or purulent discharge

• Itching and burning

• Swelling of the eyelids

If these symptoms occur, you should consult an ophthalmologist to determine the cause of the inflammation and choose the right treatment.

3. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye problem in which the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain is damaged. It is generally caused by fluid accumulating in the front of the eye, increasing pressure inside the eye. Glaucoma can cause visual loss if not recognized and treated early. In the early stages, glaucoma is often asymptomatic, but as it progresses, the following signs may appear:

• Severe pain in and around the eye

• Headache

• Nausea or vomiting

• Blurred vision

• Halos or colored rings around lights

• Eye redness

It is especially important to know that during an acute attack of glaucoma, the pain can be so severe that it is mistaken for a migraine or toothache. In such cases, immediate medical attention is required; otherwise, there is a risk of vision loss.

4. Corneal inflammation (keratitis)

Keratitis is an inflammation of the cornea that can be caused by infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal), injuries, or prolonged contact lens use.

With keratitis, a person feels:

• Sharp pain in the eye

• Severe redness

• Photosensitivity

• Lacrimation

• Reduced vision

Herpetic keratitis is particularly dangerous, which often recurs and can lead to irreversible clouding of the cornea. If these symptoms occur, urgent consultation with an ophthalmologist and specific treatment are necessary.

5. Eye strain 

Many modern people experience eye pain due to fatigue, especially when working for long periods at a computer, smartphone, or reading. This condition is called asthenopia. The most common signs of asthenopia include:

• Eye pain

• A feeling of heaviness in the eyes

• Headache

• Blurred vision

• Double vision

This condition is often caused by accommodation spasms, in which the eye muscles can't relax after prolonged strain. In such cases, it is recommended to follow a work-rest schedule, do eye exercises, and, if necessary, use special glasses for working on a computer.

The bottom line

Eye pain is a symptom that cannot be ignored. While pain can sometimes be caused by simple strain, in some cases it indicates serious conditions that threaten vision. Only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe effective treatment.