Feeling of eye pressure and pain when closing eyes

Feeling eye pressure or pain when closing the eyes may be caused by non-disease factors such as eye strain, or by medical conditions including keratitis, angle-closure glaucoma, and retinoblastoma. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment options such as general management, medications, or surgery can be used to relieve symptoms.

I. Non-disease Factors

Prolonged use of electronic devices such as computers and televisions, reading in bed, in moving vehicles, or under glaring lights, and focusing on objects too closely or for extended periods can lead to eye fatigue and a sensation of eye pressure or discomfort. Symptoms often improve by resting the eyes and using methods such as gazing into the distance, performing eye exercises, or applying warm compresses (e.g., with a hot water bottle or warm towel) to the eyes.

II. Disease Factors

1. Keratitis

After pathogenic agents invade the cornea, they cause congestion in the corneal vascular network, inflammatory exudates, and infiltration of inflammatory cells into the affected area. These cells release enzymes and toxins that spread and damage corneal tissue, forming localized grayish-white opacities. This condition may cause a sensation of pressure or pain when closing the eyes. Mild cases can be treated with antibiotics such as levofloxacin capsules to eliminate bacteria and eradicate the causative agent. If drug therapy fails or if corneal ulcer perforation occurs or is imminent, surgical intervention—including corneal transplantation—may be required.

2. Acute Glaucoma

This condition is primarily caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), leading to eye pain, blurred vision, headache, photophobia, and tearing. In mild cases, parasympathomimetic drugs such as pilocarpine eye drops are commonly prescribed to constrict the pupil, increase iris tension, and reduce IOP. Once the pressure stabilizes, elective surgical procedures such as peripheral iridectomy may be performed.

3. Retinoblastoma

Tumors located within the eye can cause pressure and result in persistent blurred vision, decreased visual acuity, and proptosis (bulging of the eye). If vision is minimally affected, local tumor removal via laser therapy may be an option. However, if vision is severely compromised, enucleation (surgical removal of the eye) may be necessary.

In addition, other conditions such as conjunctivitis, primary open-angle glaucoma, and choroidal melanoma may also cause a sensation of eye pressure or discomfort when closing the eyes. It is important in daily life to maintain healthy dietary and lifestyle habits, practice good eye hygiene, and avoid prolonged eye strain. Extended wear of contact lenses or cosmetic colored lenses should be avoided. Individuals experiencing severe eye pain, photophobia, sudden vision loss, or eye trauma should seek emergency medical care immediately.