What causes eye swelling, dryness, and pain?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Wang Shuai

Introduction

Swollen, dry, and painful eyes may result from eye strain, environmental irritation, ocular trauma, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, or other causes. Symptoms can be relieved through eye rest, improving the environment, cold compresses, and medication. If symptoms worsen or are accompanied by vision loss or abnormal discharge, seek medical attention promptly. It is recommended to immediately stop using your eyes, close them to rest, or look into the distance.

Swollen, dry, and painful eyes may result from eye strain, environmental irritation, ocular trauma, dry eye syndrome, conjunctivitis, and other causes. Symptoms can be improved through rest, protecting the eyes, improving the environment, cold compresses, and medication. If symptoms worsen or are accompanied by vision loss or abnormal discharge, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Eye strain: Prolonged screen use or staying up late can cause eye muscle fatigue and excessive tear evaporation, leading to swelling, dryness, pain, and aching discomfort. It is recommended to stop using the eyes immediately, close them to rest or look into the distance, and gently apply a warm towel to the eye area.

2. Environmental irritation: Dry air, smoke, or dust can irritate the eyes, reducing tear production or accelerating tear evaporation, causing discomfort and possibly a foreign body sensation. It is advised to improve indoor humidity, avoid exposure to irritants, and blink frequently to promote natural tear secretion.

3. Ocular trauma: Rubbing or minor impact to the eye can cause conjunctival congestion and tissue damage, resulting in swelling, pain, and increased dryness. Apply cold compresses within 48 hours to reduce swelling, avoid rubbing the eyes, and seek medical evaluation if symptoms persist.

4. Dry eye syndrome: Insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation leads to inadequate eye lubrication, causing swelling, dryness, pain, as well as light sensitivity and blurred vision. Under medical guidance, use medications such as sodium hyaluronate eye drops, polyethylene glycol eye drops, or vitamin B12 eye drops to relieve symptoms.

5. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection results in red, swollen conjunctiva and abnormal tear secretion, leading to eye swelling, dryness, pain, and increased discharge. Patients may use prescribed medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment to alleviate symptoms.

Maintain good eye hygiene, avoid rubbing the eyes with hands, limit screen time, ensure adequate sleep, and consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins A and C to support eye recovery.

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What causes dark, dry, and itchy skin at the corners of the mouth, and how should it be treated?

In general, darkening, dryness, and itching at both corners of the mouth may be caused by frequent lip licking and irritation, dry environments leading to moisture loss, angular cheilitis, contact dermatitis, or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and follow a doctor's guidance for improvement through general measures, medication, or other treatments. In daily life, avoid spicy or excessively hot foods to reduce irritation to the skin around the mouth.