What causes eye pain?

May 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
In general, eye pain may be caused by factors such as eye strain, ocular trauma, conjunctivitis, keratitis, or glaucoma. Patients should promptly visit a正规 hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. It is important to take good care of your eyes in daily life, avoid prolonged focus, get adequate rest, and ensure sufficient sleep. Additionally, avoid rubbing your eyes with your hands during daily activities.

Under normal circumstances, eye pain may be caused by factors such as eye strain, ocular trauma, conjunctivitis, keratitis, or glaucoma. Patients should promptly visit a正规 hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment accordingly. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Eye strain

Prolonged use of the eyes, especially when focusing on computer screens, smartphones, or other electronic devices, requires continuous adjustment of focus, which can lead to eye fatigue. Extended periods of fatigue may result in eye pain, accompanied by symptoms such as dryness, burning sensation, and blurred vision. It is recommended to take regular breaks, avoid electronic screens, perform eye massage or warm compresses, and maintain healthy visual habits.

2. Ocular trauma

Ocular trauma is usually caused by mechanical injury, such as being hit by a ball, falling and impacting the eye, or experiencing other physical blows. Trauma may lead to symptoms including eye pain, swelling, redness (conjunctival congestion), or decreased vision. Under medical guidance, appropriate cold compresses may help alleviate symptoms.

3. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the eye caused by bacteria, viruses, allergens, or other irritants. The inflammation stimulates the conjunctiva—the thin membrane covering the eye's surface—leading to redness, pain, and increased eye discharge. Under a doctor’s guidance, patients may use medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, acyclovir tablets, or loratadine tablets for treatment.

4. Keratitis

Keratitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the corneal tissue, potentially triggered by pathogen infection, autoimmune disorders, or corneal injury. Inflammation stimulates the nerve endings in the cornea, causing symptoms such as eye pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light), excessive tearing, and reduced vision. As directed by a physician, patients may use medications such as tobramycin eye drops, ofloxacin eye drops, or amoxicillin capsules for treatment.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a chronic eye disease typically associated with elevated intraocular pressure. Increased pressure exerts stress on the optic nerve, potentially leading to eye pain, blurred vision, and narrowing of the visual field. Under medical supervision, patients may use topical treatments such as betaxolol eye drops, brinzolamide eye drops, or pilocarpine eye drops.

Routine care of the eyes is essential. Avoid prolonged concentration and ensure adequate rest and sufficient sleep. In daily life, avoid rubbing the eyes with hands to prevent infections, as this may introduce bacteria from the hands into the eyes and also reduce the risk of spreading bacteria to others.