What causes pain in the eyelids and eye sockets?

Eye pain involving the eyelids and eye sockets may result from eye strain, lack of sleep, eye injury, conjunctivitis, or supraorbital neuralgia. Symptoms can be improved through reducing eye use, getting adequate rest, local care, and medication. If pain persists or is accompanied by vision loss, redness, or swelling, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Eye strain: Prolonged screen time or focusing on close-up objects causes sustained tension in the muscles around the eyes, leading to soreness and discomfort in the eyelids and eye sockets. It is recommended to reduce electronic device usage, take breaks every 30 minutes by looking into the distance, and perform eye exercises to relax the eye muscles.

2. Sleep deprivation: Chronic late nights or poor-quality sleep impair blood circulation around the eyes and lead to muscle fatigue and pain. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and apply warm compresses to the eye area before bedtime to improve circulation and relieve discomfort.

3. Eye injury: Trauma such as impact or friction to the eye can damage tissues of the eyelid and eye socket, causing pain, possibly with localized redness and swelling. Immediate cold compresses are advised to reduce swelling; avoid pressing on the injured area. Seek medical evaluation if symptoms worsen.

4. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacterial or viral infection leads to red, swollen eyelids and referred pain in the eye socket, often accompanied by increased eye discharge. Under medical guidance, use medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment to alleviate symptoms.

5. Supraorbital neuralgia: Stress or exposure to cold may irritate the supraorbital nerve, causing episodic pain in the eye socket and eyelid. Pressing on the supraorbital notch intensifies the pain. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, mecobalamin tablets, or vitamin B12 injections under medical supervision to relieve symptoms.

Maintain a regular routine with sufficient sleep, practice proper eye use by avoiding prolonged near-work, maintain good eye hygiene, eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins, and avoid rubbing the eyes to minimize irritation.