What causes eye pain?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Shuai
Introduction
Eye pain may be caused by eye strain, environmental irritants, ocular trauma, conjunctivitis, hordeolum (stye), etc. Symptoms can be improved through rest and eye protection, avoiding irritants, wound care, and medication. If the pain worsens or is accompanied by vision loss, bleeding, or other symptoms, prompt medical attention is necessary. Prolonged screen exposure and staying up late can lead to eye muscle fatigue, causing aching pain along with dryness and blurred vision.
Eye pain may be caused by eye strain, environmental irritation, ocular trauma, conjunctivitis, styes, and other conditions. Symptoms can be improved through eye rest, avoiding irritants, wound care, and medication. If pain worsens or is accompanied by vision loss, bleeding, or other symptoms, prompt medical attention is necessary.
1. Eye strain: Prolonged screen use or staying up late can cause fatigue in the eye muscles, leading to aching pain, dryness, and blurred vision. It is recommended to look into the distance for 5 minutes every 30 minutes, avoid staying up late, and ensure 7–8 hours of sleep per day.
2. Environmental irritation: Wind, sand, smoke, or bright light can irritate the ocular mucous membrane, causing stinging pain and a foreign body sensation. It is advisable to wear protective eyewear outdoors, avoid staring directly at bright lights, and minimize exposure to irritating environments.
3. Ocular trauma: Excessive rubbing of the eyes, entry of foreign objects, or minor impacts can damage ocular tissues and cause pain, possibly accompanied by redness and swelling. Avoid rubbing the eyes; if a foreign object enters the eye, rinse it with normal saline. Apply cold compresses after minor impacts to relieve symptoms.
4. Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacterial or viral infection leads to eye pain due to inflammation, along with redness, swelling, and increased secretions. Under medical guidance, medications such as levofloxacin eye drops, acyclovir eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment may be used to alleviate symptoms.
5. Stye (hordeolum): Acute inflammation caused by infection of the eyelid glands results in eyelid redness, swelling, tenderness upon pressure, and palpable hard nodules. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as tobramycin eye drops, chlortetracycline eye ointment, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules to relieve discomfort.
Maintain good eye hygiene, avoid rubbing eyes with dirty hands, limit electronic device usage, eat a light diet rich in fruits and vegetables, maintain regular sleep patterns, and allow your eyes sufficient rest to reduce discomfort.
