How to relieve eye pain
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, eye pain may be caused by factors such as eye strain, foreign body in the eye, conjunctivitis, keratitis, or glaucoma. Patients can choose appropriate management methods—including general treatment, medication, or surgical intervention—based on their specific condition. It is important to develop good daily eye care habits, avoid prolonged close-up work, and protect the eyes when outdoors. When eye pain occurs, the underlying cause should first be identified; physiological causes may resolve with self-care.
Under normal circumstances, eye pain may be caused by factors such as eye strain, foreign body intrusion, conjunctivitis, keratitis, or glaucoma. Depending on the specific situation, patients can improve symptoms through general management, medication, or surgical treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Eye Strain
Prolonged screen viewing causes sustained ciliary muscle contraction, leading to fatigue-related eye pain and blurred vision. Immediately stop using electronic devices, look into the distance at green plants, apply a warm towel compress to the eyes for 10 minutes, adjust screen brightness and viewing distance, and ensure a 5-minute break after every 40 minutes of screen use.
2. Foreign Body in the Eye
Dust, sand, or other foreign particles can abrade the cornea, stimulating nerve endings and causing eye pain and tearing. Do not rub the eye. Gently close both eyes to allow natural tear flushing, or rinse the conjunctival sac with sterile saline solution. If the foreign body cannot be removed, seek medical attention promptly for professional removal.
3. Conjunctivitis
Inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infection of the conjunctiva leads to redness, swelling, and nerve irritation, resulting in eye pain and increased discharge. For bacterial conjunctivitis, use levofloxacin eye drops, tobramycin eye drops, or erythromycin eye ointment as directed by a physician. For viral conjunctivitis, acyclovir eye drops may be used, and good ocular hygiene should be maintained.
4. Keratitis
Inflammation of the cornea due to injury or infection causes severe eye pain and photophobia because of the high density of corneal nerves. Treatment under medical guidance may include natamycin eye drops, fluconazole eye drops, or pranoprofen eye drops. In severe cases, corneal transplantation may be required. Avoid exposure to strong light.
5. Glaucoma
Obstruction of aqueous humor circulation increases intraocular pressure, compressing the optic nerve and causing eye pain, accompanied by headache and sudden vision loss. Immediate medical attention is necessary. Medications such as brinzolamide eye drops, timolol maleate eye drops, or latanoprost eye drops should be used as prescribed. In severe cases, trabeculectomy may be performed to reduce intraocular pressure.
Maintain healthy eye habits in daily life: avoid prolonged near-work activities and protect your eyes when outdoors. When eye pain occurs, first determine the cause—physiological discomfort may resolve with self-care, while pathological conditions require timely medical evaluation. Especially in cases of sudden, severe eye pain, prompt treatment is essential to prevent permanent vision damage.
