Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Eye pain

Table of Contents

Alternative Names

Ophthalmalgia; Pain - eye


Home Care

If the problem is eye strain, rest should relieve the discomfort. If you think your eye pain is due to wearing contact lenses, avoid wearing the lenses for a few days and see if the pain goes away. If the pain is severe, call your health care provider.


Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

  • Something got into your eye that caused the pain
  • The pain came after an eye injury
  • The eye pain is not due to a viral illness or eyestrain
  • The pain is associated with medical problems, such as a history of herpes infections or a new rash
  • The pain is severe (call immediately), or it continues for more than 2 days
  • You have an immune system deficiency
  • You have had recent surgery
  • You have pain, redness, swelling, discharge, or pressure in the eyes that does not go away -- particularly if it affects your vision

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will check your vision, eye movements, and the back of the eye with an ophthalmoscope. If there is major concern, you should see an ophthalmologist (a doctor who specializes in eye problems).

To better understand the source of the pain, your health care provider may ask:

  • Did something get into your eye?
  • Are both eyes involved?
  • Is the pain in the eye or around the eye?
  • Does it feel like something is in your eye now?
  • Does your eye burn or throb?
  • Did the pain begin suddenly?
  • Is the pain worse when you move your eyes?
  • What other symptoms do you have?

The health care provider may perform the following diagnostic tests:

  • Slit-lamp examination
  • Fluorescein examination
  • Eye pressure check if glaucoma is suspected

Review Date: 10/31/2009
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)